Zenapaws Posted July 4, 2013 Report Share Posted July 4, 2013 Hi everyone me and my gf don't have a husky yet, we have been constantly researching the breed for about 8 months and we plan to get a puppy in September when we are both off work. I must admit i am sick of being given such negative information about us getting one, even by a few husky owners we know, oh they do this, they do that, you dont wanna this you dont wanna that, etc. and dont get a male, get a bitch, they shed, they do this, they do that, agrrhh! We plan to get a bitch anyway. We have both grew up with dogs all our lives and love them. Excerising a husky is no problem for us, it will get plenty of regular exercise, walking, jogging and with me while i ride my cycle, we are outdoor people and would take the dog everywhere with us. I've already read the post on here regarding getting your first husky, and again advises against getting one dog as a pet as they like company. If that is the case does everybody on site have more than one dog? also do none of you work? Come on give me some good feedback!! Our situation is that we both work so the dog would be left for 8 hours a day during the week, 2-3 times a week though my gf will be able to go home at dinnertime. It would have kong toys and the radio left on as company. We will also be crate training it even though i dont like the idea of leaving it in there all the time, but research suggest its best to crate train them. So come on give me some good feedback/advice and something to look foward to ! Cheers David Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Frenchie Posted July 4, 2013 Report Share Posted July 4, 2013 I think the reason why some husky owners try to discourage some people from getting huskies is because many don't do their research and get fed up when their husky does... Typical husky things! So there goes the dog into rescue, all the husky rescues are full, numbers are through the roof so its quite upsetting to many husky owners to see that. Regarding the one dog, I only have Mishka as I simply cannot afford a second one for now, and she does absolutely fine! I do try to socialize her with other huskies whenever I get the chance though, its great fun to see them all play together in a pack As long as your pup is socialized properly and gets to play with other dogs (other breeds too) regurlarly she should be fine Now for the positive side of owning a husky, well they are simply the BEST! its very hard to describe it though, they will make you laugh with their antics, they will follow you on your adventures outdoors, they'll sometime sing you a song , they are so cuddly I could go on and on, they're just so fascinating in so many ways! They really become an obessession, they are addictive! Lol, once you've owned one, you won't go back Sent from my GT-I9000 using Tapatalk 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Stormy Posted July 4, 2013 Report Share Posted July 4, 2013 Hello, First off we are not all horrible people that will give negative advise I think alot of people try to put people off so that if they still want to go for one they know what to expect I work 34 hours though some weeks 42 lately but I work either an early shift 6 till 3 or a late 3 till 11. My oh will go to work about 9 so they are left for around 6 hours sometimes they are left for 8 or even 9 but I pay a women to come into mine half way through as I feel it's unfair to leave them that long. They are walked every day either before or after work depending on shift and given frozen kongs in their crates or a raw bone mine have settled into this routine very well. you sound like great people excersize wise for a husky as they love to run shedding yeah they shed a lot especially in a coat blow but I Hoover every day and keep on top of it so it's not an issue to me. Any questions feel free to ask you will find you will get friendly advise on here Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Stranger Posted July 4, 2013 Report Share Posted July 4, 2013 hmm, well welcome to the forum.....being that its your first post ill try not to judge you on it, besides, i'm having a off day! So to your question....good things, well to start off with, I personal don't think there are any bad things about Huskys, you ask people about them and what they tell you is what a husky is like, if you believe those things to be bad then that's your prerogative....some of the things you may not like and have to learn to live with, for me the hair in my meal or drink is something I expect, and the hair on every item of clothing or found in almost every corner of the house is a given, hovering 2-3 times a week, well its just part of life now, and doesn't seem like a "negative" thing. Some can be loving, Kaiden, and some not so much, Parker.... Some full of energy, Parker, some not so much, Kaiden.... baring in mind these are brothers from the same litter.... My living situation means my boys are crated together from 7:30 in the morning (as I now have a tenant, used to be 7) to any time between 4:30-5:30, used to be 6..if I didn't get stuck in traffic A long time, but they have never really known any better and ive been off ill some days and all these two do is sleep all day..... Ok, so I get that maybe all you want is to get a husky, and at every turn you find people are advising you of things that aren't so attractive about the breed, but to be honest, that's what your going to get, the good is what you make out of it.... I clap my hands, and take my hat of to you for researching, and taking your time to decide, not enough people do.... I would not be without my boys, and I do things I may not want to do just so their happy, like an hours or so drive so they get to walk with other huskys.... Kaiden speaks, and my god its music to my ears....parker pushes his head into your hand so you'll scratch him...too cute...they fight when you have a headache, and enjoy a bit of gardening, but they'll come and investigate what your doing if you dare to touch anything in their garden....they are inquisitive Basically, what you've heard is true, they dig, their stubborn, they blow their coats, not too sure about the male or female, think you'll find various opinions on that one, they have a lot of energy, they get bored easily, they can get into EVERYTHING, they pull, they run, they talk, and they rough house, but I wouldn't change them for the world.... I hope this helps, I know right, even re reading it and wording it a couple of times it sounds snotty, but what can I say, we're entitled to our own opinion... only you can decide if a husky is for you, and you can give it what it needs, either way, we'll be here if you need help or have any questions, regardless what breed, after all...we're all dog lovers much luv Toni, K&P Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BingBlaze n Skyla Posted July 4, 2013 Report Share Posted July 4, 2013 Welcome to the forum :-) god I don't think I'd ever get another Bitch lol I love my girl but my male is a lot more affectionate lol , female seasons and hormones can be a nightmare! Lol Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jay Posted July 4, 2013 Report Share Posted July 4, 2013 Welcome to the forum! Sounds like you got some advice here..good for you for doing your research. Like already said, many people may only tell you the negatives so you know what your getting into. I was a first time dog owner and I got a husky...and now I have 3!! If you are going to be gone for 8 hours at a time you would definitely want to get an older dog, as puppies under 6 mos old could not handle being crated for that long at once. Their bladders can only hold for 1 hour per month of age plus 1. And whatever people told you about how much they shed..imagine that plus 100! You get used to it though Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Zenapaws Posted July 4, 2013 Author Report Share Posted July 4, 2013 Thanks for the replies We are definetley getting a husky in September, i would of preferred a male (always had male dogs, i like saying good boy when they do good) but the gf wants a bitch, we will call it Kira and she will be spayed. She will have blue eyes! I've seen Mishka and Dexter on you tube and i just love them, big soft spot for Dexter, love his colour. I dont mind the shedding, nothing a hoover can't fix! We also have a medium sized back garden which is mostly 90% decking so there is nothing for the dog to dig. Its also surrounded by an 8ft wall on one side and an 8ft fence the other side, although the house is up for sale. As for the age of the puppie, she wants one from 8-12 weeks wheras i'd said 4-6 months, knowing about us not being in the house. Just can't wait till September! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HuskyGuerl Posted July 4, 2013 Report Share Posted July 4, 2013 Well you sound like you will be awesome husky owners. Honestly in numbers I have never seen a problem. I have three and use to have four I have also bred and raised pups. (Awesome and love doing it) I'm nowhere near negativity unless your a potential buyer from me then I do everything to get under your skin to make sure my pups are in PERFECT homes ...shedding OH yes tons!! But yes nothing a vacuum cleaner can't fix...and my three go in a car with me to a lot of places sometimes soak and wet lol..takes about two hours to clean my car afterwards but ya it comes out..I work 8 hours a day Monday through Friday and my hubby works 10 hours Monday through Thursday and my pack is crate trained they are left with individual toys to keep them busy but sometimes I come home to them escaped and asleep on the couch lol..but we walk them every night when after we eat supper and we go on walks every weekend plus have a yard they run in..I have two females and one male..my females are spayed and they get grouchy at times and want to be messed with on their terms..but my male is sooooo love able and so well behaved but whines so much..he throws a tantrum any time we leave him..my two girls climb the fence, dig under the fence and go through the fence lol..they are pain in my ends but I love them and wouldn't think twice and my one girl kills EVERYTHING, cats, rabbits, squirrels, bees...I didn't do my research on them neither did my hubby at least I don't think..he had huskies as a kid living with his parents his parents bred and he got a puppy from last litter that's our Echo who will be three in September he was couple months old when I met my hubby so came with him and I love the dog so much now and that's why we now have three the two girls are his daughters....i did do aome research after having them because of their sensitive stomachs and that's how I found this site!! you chose a great website can't wait to answer any questions and see your addition in September Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Katie (and Zara the Husky) Posted July 5, 2013 Report Share Posted July 5, 2013 Having only brought our girl home 6 months ago I remember the comments and faces people made when we said we were getting a husky. 'Oh, a wolf!', 'she'll attack sheep!' And 'reeeeally?' Were pretty common to hear! I remember how frustrating it was, but I think if you're prepared for 'THE WORST' (stubbornness, shedding, digging, chewing, mouthing, escape artist, energiser bunny with the ability to get into anything!) your life with the new addition will be a bundle of fun!!! In all seriousness, whatever you are expecting its guaranteed your husky will completely surprise you and do the opposite things! Husky's are fantastic dogs with SO much personality. Our girl is only 8 months old, but we wouldn't swap her for the world. She sings to us to wake us up when the sun rises, springs and 'wooos' with excitement when its time for her run, does the cutest sit and cocks her head to the side when we're trying to teach her something new but shes confused, she barks every afternoon when the rabbits cone out and run past the fence, LOVES her weekend runs on the beach chasing seagulls, gives the most goofy happy face with her tongue hanging right out when she's FINALLY had enough of running, and makes my favourite chirping sound when i scratch her head and chin to say goodnight! She's an only dog, we want to wait until she's past the teenage years, we're happy with her training and she's generally settled before getting another. And the next one will most likely be a rescue/dog that needs rehoming. I loved the experience of having Zara as a pup but wouldn't be in a hurry to do it again, and it makes me so, so sad seeing so many huskies for sale/rehoming when people don't read about the breed and aren't able to keep their dog. A few things I've learnt along the way: - as much as I'd love to take her on bike rides I'm leaving it til she's 18months and her bones and muscles are fully developed (thanks to advice from people on this forum!) - other dogs don't always react well to her - other dogs can misinterpret husky's hackles as the dog showing aggression when it isn't. Something to be mindful of, and socialisation is a must! - like with any dog, or child for that matter, consistency and patience is the key! Let a husky do something once and they'll try to get away with it again. Every. Single. Time. Good luck with your newest addition, and getting to know his/her personality! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Beenz&Carlos Posted July 5, 2013 Report Share Posted July 5, 2013 If you've read everything there is to read then get the dog. You'll love 'em. We have 2. 12 months apart. Take up a lot of time but you'll never want to be away from them! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
goingsolo Posted July 5, 2013 Report Share Posted July 5, 2013 We've had Solo for 7 months, knew nothing about him (a rescue picked up as a stray), he settled in straight away, within 2 weeks had adapted to our routine and we wouldn't give him back. Negatives? fur don't bother me as we always had dogs, mess when he's bored, Charlie just as bad. zoomies, only annoying at 10.30 pm when i'm tired lol. Stuborness, shows personality and he has learnt to listen and gives up before me. Positives, he is the most affectionate dog ever, always happy, loves people and meeting people, loves to play and keeps Charlie company when we are at work. Our shifts usually mean they are only left for 3-4 hours though sometimes longer. Mine are not crated, but are restricted (for my sanity.. who knew how many feathers go into a pillow!) we walk more (good for Charlie) entertaining, he makes us laugh daily. We have not had any regrets since having him and love him dearly. Go for it, there will always be people who say don't do it whatever you decide in life, whether its having a dog, baby or jumping out of a plane, but you sound as if you have the lifestyle that suits, Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jmscott Posted July 5, 2013 Share Posted July 5, 2013 · Hidden Hidden Just remember the red flags if you are going through a breeder. http://www.htpuppiescb.com/thebreederredflag.htm My favorite thing about my siberians is their total independence, so when they do spend their time with me, it is because they honestly want to me there. Also you don't want to run you pup till at least a year. Heavy exercise at 2. Till then puppies need free play (and free rest) to ensure proper structure. and as someone else mentioned, ** months old+ 1 = how long they can be left alone for a max of 8 hrs. Best of luck with the new pup. Link to comment
Elyse Posted July 5, 2013 Report Share Posted July 5, 2013 The link jmscott posted is VERY good - please read it. I know first hand how expensive and how heartbreaking it is to watch your dog develop a disease years before it is supposed to. Mine developed arthritis at the age of 4, and he's always in pain. I suspect it either developed early because his original owners got him from a BYB, or he was exercised too much as a pup. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Zenapaws Posted July 6, 2013 Author Report Share Posted July 6, 2013 Noted! Will gladly just walk the dog until at least a year old, thanks for the advice. That was one thing I wasn't aware off. David Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jarn Posted July 6, 2013 Report Share Posted July 6, 2013 If you go with a young one, and are out a lot, I'd suggest having a walker look in a few times a day until they get older and can hold it longer. When Neb was a puppy, my brother subletted the basement of the place we were in, and he was around during the day, we were lucky that way. My DH and I usually work different hours, so it's not usually more than 8hrs that the dogs have to hold it. Right now though DH got laid off and is working from home so that helps. Neb does not like being alone - we're a bit nervous about when Luc dies, as he is older, but I think he will adjust. I hope so! I am a runner and waited until Neb was...I forget exactly, but over a year old. And he is a smaller dog, 35lbs. Bigger dogs I would wait longer. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mydiamond Posted July 9, 2013 Report Share Posted July 9, 2013 hey there welcome to the forum! Sounds like you'll be an amazing husky owner I like hearing "I don't mind the fur".. not many people say that really I, too, is the kind of husky owner that tend to discourage people from getting one... it's just that there are more bad people than good ones, and pointing out the husky's "unimpressive" antics first is the only way to know if I am dealing with a bad or good future owner. Not many passed the "test". Usually they walk away once they see how much Diamond sheds every day. But now that I know you'd make a great husky owner, I can tell you that they are simply the BEST breed ever. They are so unique. There are no two dogs that look exactly alike, and their personality differs so much I start to question how people managed to fill up that "behavior" section in breed description websites. They're highly independent, but shows their love for you from time to time in a special way that differs from dog to dog. Diamond doesn't look like he even cares when I finally come home from my 14 days long trip, but then I kneeled down to say hello to him and there he goes bouncing around, dancing a little and then back to his serious face they all like gardening, and the face of the moon is usually their choice of landscape. Some of 'em is probably the descendant of Harry Houdini. Some others are probably related to Einstein, which means they're an awesome mix of idiot and genius. They're funny, energetic, chatty and better yet they're one of a kind. There will be no boring day with a husky around Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kells xx Posted July 9, 2013 Report Share Posted July 9, 2013 hi there and well done on doing your research yes huskies shed like a bitch they are happiest when they are tired,walks and play time helps i would deffo recommend getting a dog walker in if you are going to be away for long periods of time again with the time away id suggest an older dog yes most of us work and we walk the dogs before a shift and after, we have a very large garden that they have access to all day watch out for the sensitive bellies; one sniff of the wrong food can turn my girl into a chocolate milkshake machine we are a good and diverse forum with members from most countries, there is always someone online to advise you enjoy your husky, remember to come back and post pix kells Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Zenapaws Posted July 9, 2013 Author Report Share Posted July 9, 2013 yeah i've already mentioned to the gf about someone coming round to let it out for a pee. She knows someone locally who would be able to do it. happy days! David Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
raindog Posted July 9, 2013 Report Share Posted July 9, 2013 Sorry to be a party pooper, but to be honest, as a husky owner of 20 years, an occasional breeder and a rescuer, I wouldn't either sell a pup or rehome a rescue to anyone who intended to leave a dog for 8 hours per day. Crate training is great and very useful for short periods, but there is no way a husky should be left in a crate all day, even if someone does let it out for a break midday. There is a huge likelihood that a puppy left like this will develop severe separation anxiety and will create big problems with noise, destructive behaviour etc. Over the past six years we have seen well over 100 young Siberian Huskies come in to our rescue because they have been treated in the way you intend to treat your puppy. Some of them have taken up to a year's therapy before they were ready for rehoming. Huskies are wonderful, but they are living, breathing, feeling, intelligent and sensitive creatures and been to be treated with respect and care. Leaving them caged for 8 hours a day (even with a break) is neither. Please reconsider - As I said we deal with dogs who have been treated like this an a 24/7 basis. Don't get a dog which will be a potential addition to the huge rescue problem this country has. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jay Posted July 9, 2013 Report Share Posted July 9, 2013 Sorry to be a party pooper, but to be honest, as a husky owner of 20 years, an occasional breeder and a rescuer, I wouldn't either sell a pup or rehome a rescue to anyone who intended to leave a dog for 8 hours per day. Crate training is great and very useful for short periods, but there is no way a husky should be left in a crate all day, even if someone does let it out for a break midday. There is a huge likelihood that a puppy left like this will develop severe separation anxiety and will create big problems with noise, destructive behaviour etc. Over the past six years we have seen well over 100 young Siberian Huskies come in to our rescue because they have been treated in the way you intend to treat your puppy. Some of them have taken up to a year's therapy before they were ready for rehoming. Huskies are wonderful, but they are living, breathing, feeling, intelligent and sensitive creatures and been to be treated with respect and care. Leaving them caged for 8 hours a day (even with a break) is neither. Please reconsider - As I said we deal with dogs who have been treated like this an a 24/7 basis. Don't get a dog which will be a potential addition to the huge rescue problem this country has. Just curious, so if anyone has a job they shouldn't have a husky? I don't know how realistic that is. I have 3 and I work during the day and they are crated from 8am - noon and from 1 until 4 Monday through Friday and they do just fine. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
raindog Posted July 9, 2013 Report Share Posted July 9, 2013 It's not about having a job, it's about being able to give enough time to your dog. We always say to people interested in taking on a puppy, think of it as the same kind of commitment as deciding to have a baby. Would you put a baby in a cage for 4 hours or more at a time? Also, having 3 Sibes is a totally different situation. They can keep each other company and reduce the boredom level. One lone (and lonely) dog is quite another matter. To be perfectly honest (and very unpopular - which doesn't bother me in the least!) if the only families who had Huskies were families who could ensure that their dogs were rarely left alone, the rescue situation in the UK would shrink overnight. Probably 70% of people who want to give up their dogs say that their main reason is that they "can no longer give enough time to the dog!" Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jay Posted July 9, 2013 Report Share Posted July 9, 2013 In parts I agree, however some parts I disagree with you. I do agree that before anyone adopts or gets a husky they need to make sure they know what they are getting into. I also have seen here where younger people fall in love with their looks but underestimate the amount of time and attention their dog needs, and it ends up in a shelter. It's a sad situation. I would never give up any of my dogs like that. As far as crating, I think it is completely different than having a child. I crate each of mine in different crates during the day for their safety. When I got Nikko he was 9 weeks old, and he was the only dog. He started out in the crate right away and did fine while I was at work. I think they can be fine left alone as long as you follow the rules for potty training (1 hour for each month +1). It is also important to make sure they are property exercised before you crate them, and give them safe toys to keep them occupied. I didn't get another dog until he was 9 months old, and I did the same for Yukon when I got him when he was 8 weeks old. None of mine are allowed to roam the house while I am gone and they are in their individual crates while I am at work. It's not about having a job, it's about being able to give enough time to your dog. We always say to people interested in taking on a puppy, think of it as the same kind of commitment as deciding to have a baby. Would you put a baby in a cage for 4 hours or more at a time? Also, having 3 Sibes is a totally different situation. They can keep each other company and reduce the boredom level. One lone (and lonely) dog is quite another matter. To be perfectly honest (and very unpopular - which doesn't bother me in the least!) if the only families who had Huskies were families who could ensure that their dogs were rarely left alone, the rescue situation in the UK would shrink overnight. Probably 70% of people who want to give up their dogs say that their main reason is that they "can no longer give enough time to the dog!" Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
raindog Posted July 9, 2013 Report Share Posted July 9, 2013 All ours are crate-trained, but they are very rarely crated at all. We are very lucky to have a long-established pack who are amazingly well-behaved and even luckier that there is almost always someone at home in our house. Even on the rare occasions when they are left alone for an hour or so, they aren't crated (we don't have that many crates) and damage is extremely rare. Part of the benefit of a largeish pack is that the pack teaches new dogs how to behave, so even when we have a new puppy or a rescue foster, the dogs show them what to do and what not to do. We have one rescue girl who came from a background very similar to that proposed by the original poster and after 18 months of TLC her separation anxiety is still acute to such an extent that she remains unrehomable. She is fine as part of a big pack, but leave her alone in a room on her own and she screams in fear and anguish. This is how our lot behaves when we're out for a short time: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Zenapaws Posted July 9, 2013 Author Report Share Posted July 9, 2013 Sorry to be a party pooper, but to be honest, as a husky owner of 20 years, an occasional breeder and a rescuer, I wouldn't either sell a pup or rehome a rescue to anyone who intended to leave a dog for 8 hours per day. Crate training is great and very useful for short periods, but there is no way a husky should be left in a crate all day, even if someone does let it out for a break midday. There is a huge likelihood that a puppy left like this will develop severe separation anxiety and will create big problems with noise, destructive behaviour etc. Over the past six years we have seen well over 100 young Siberian Huskies come in to our rescue because they have been treated in the way you intend to treat your puppy. Some of them have taken up to a year's therapy before they were ready for rehoming. Huskies are wonderful, but they are living, breathing, feeling, intelligent and sensitive creatures and been to be treated with respect and care. Leaving them caged for 8 hours a day (even with a break) is neither. Please reconsider - As I said we deal with dogs who have been treated like this an a 24/7 basis. Don't get a dog which will be a potential addition to the huge rescue problem this country has. I'm sorry but you won't be changing our mind. You are saying we won't treat the dog with care or respect and "the way we intend to treat the puppy" The RSPCA go to owners like that not to owners like we will be. It will get nothing but love, care and exercise. We have waiting long enough and done our research and we know it will be as much commitment as having a child. You can't compare a puppy in a crate to a baby in a crate either. A dog is part of the family and people need to work to support their family. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
raindog Posted July 9, 2013 Report Share Posted July 9, 2013 You can't compare a puppy in a crate to a baby in a crate either. You are right of course! It's more realistic to compare it with a toddler in a crate. Like the toddler, the puppy loves to explore its environment and is constantly expanding its experiences. Kind of difficult to do that stuck in a crate for 8 hours. Of course people need to work to support their family, but in most families one parent stays at home to bring up the baby while the other works. Having a dog is a choice, and for large numbers of people whose dogs end up in rescue, it is the wrong choice! I had desperately wanted a husky since I read "Call of the Wild" as a 12 year old. I was 40 before I got my first one because I knew I would not be able to give it the time and commitment it deserved before that. It was hard, but it was the right decision, both for me and for my dog(s). Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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