What Don't The Books Tell You?

[Stardancer85]

Hi all - I'm in the midst of doing research on huskies with the goal of getting one in the spring when I move into a house (BF and I are currently in a one-bedroom apartment). I introduced myself in a previous, very long thread that several of you were kind enough to read and reply to. Honestly, this forum has been my obsession for about the past week - WAY more helpful than all but a few of the rescue sites.

 

So my biggest question for yall is - what do the books get wrong/don't tell you about Huskies?

 

Besides the actual volume of hair that comes off them - I saw some videos but still can't imagine the sheer fluff. I bet you could re-stuff your couch with their shedding fur if they ripped it to pieces!

[Andy]

Books are helpful however. . . . . 

Because Huskies are intelligent thinking dogs, No two are exactly alike.

So books will give you generalisms based around the breed.

What you'll find is that your Husky does something totally new (to you) that no other breed of dog

you've owned has done.

So you then come here, post up about it and find that not only is it normal, Many of us have huskies that do the same thing 

and then get advice on how to deal with it.

[NOBELHOWLUC49]

As above books tend to generalise.  You have one of the best books on here with real experiences and solutions.  P.s I have taken up knitting with the fur..

 

 

Nah not really....  bit itchy ...

[Clare70]

Huskies are the most annoying breed of dog there is

 

They can be unaffectionate, selfish, quirky, headstrong, disobedient, mischeivious and aloof.  They will eat your furniture, shoes, gadgets, ruin all of your clothing as they shed like crazy and I mean boy do they shed.  Dig up your garden, jump all over your friends and neighbours so you will not have any visitors, howl when you want them to be quiet, demand hours of walking, be really picky with their food, throw up if they don't eat and take ages to house train.

 

Still want one?

 

I love my boy like there's no tomorrow.  When he gives me a cuddle I cherish it as they are rare.  He has a stupid grin when we are out walking and when he has a dental stick he gets so excited  I love watching him run and play, I love the way he crosses his paws when he lays down.  He loves a belly rub and I love the smell of his fur. 

 

He is a real challenge, huskies are like no other dog I've come across, they are a bit like marmite, you either love em or hate them

[BingBlaze n Skyla]

No two really are the same , mine are totally different , blaze sheds constantly , skyla only twice a year , skyla chewed everything , blaze didn't , skyla listens when u tell her something blaze does not lol , skyla doesn't mind getting dirty blaze is ocd about it, skyla is affectionate on her terms only , blaze loves cuddles , I could go on but I'd probably bore you , nothing can really fully prepare you for a husky , but we're here every step of the way along side you if u need us :-)

[sarahjng]

Getting a husky is like giving birth, it leads to the best/worst experience of your life. Carpets, clothes, furniture, even your social life will never be the same. If you can think of an adjective, any adjective, it can be used following the words, huskys are...... intelligent, ignorant, aloof, loving, demanding, irritating and wonderful.

There will be days when you want to turn them into furry slippers, ( I have those lol) and days when you wonder what you've done wrong (those too) but at the end of all those days, when they finally come to you for a cuddle, all the fur, and the chewing, and the interrupted phone calls are worth it, because when huskys were created, it was out of all the best parts of all the best dogs.

[goingsolo]

Solo is our only experience of owning a husky, some days would have another, some days would give him back but love him to pieces, he treats us all different and just loves annoying the hell out of our daughter (she's the only one who doesn't think it funny lol) but getting him was best decision we made x

[Maz51]

I originally went to visit a friend's daughter whose Husky/Malamutes had had an accidental litter - they were siblings. I think nine.

'Chaos' was the last one left aged 9+ weeks and looking a bit under the weather. His coat wasn't brilliant. His parents practically ignored him. When he met me he just cuddled up to my legs and kept following me around. He also had the runs...

Anyway - my friend had obviously orchestrated the visit - I fell in love and paid £100 for him - to bring back to my son who had been going one and on and on about a Husky...

So...when I brought him home, my son started back peddling - saying he hadn't really made up his mind (he was living with us aged 23) and couldn't decide. I said 'give it a couple of weeks but act serious if you really want one'.

We went off to the vets next day - micro-chipped. Vaccinated No 1 jab... or was it a bit later on) checked over, antibiotics and Pet Plan Insurance set up.

Meds for the diarrhoea.

Son paid for Pet Plan I paid the rest...

Son John called him Jesse (wtf??) but I went with it...

Over the next two weeks I watched and waited to see what if any 'bonding' and 'care' would take place.

I fed him and played with him in the day - he slotted in very quickly with my three Westies - but did start teasing the blind one which had cost me most of my lump sum pension (£2,700) in vets bills and finally both orbs removed due to dry eye syndrome. (I'd only rescued her! and no insurance as the stupid woman had cancelled it rather than let me take it over...)

So, we got her insured after - as the main problem had gone!

John would come home, play ten minutes with Jesse then go out with his mates.

When the second jabs were done I still waited, getting quite cross.

After three weeks with no serious commitment to getting involved with this puppy who was getting better and growing so fast (the Westies were bigger than him but after three weeks they could walk under him!) I called it a day and said - 'no more'.

I would take the pup on and transfer the insurance and all into my name.

John didn't argue.. made excuses...

He got most upset when I changed the name to Chester (closest to Jesse I could think of) but I said - if I pay - I choose. I refunded him his expenses.

Chester started to thrive and I concentrated on good house manners. We went out...we spoke/sang played (I play tenor horn in 2 brass bands; bugle & drums (then) with sea/sir cadets.

He wanted to play with the Westies but his size was prohibitive.

He learnt the routine of the household - onto their beds when cooking in the kitchen was on - my hubby can't cope with furkids underfoot and he does the cooking!

Chester learnt to 'wait' for food - we also got an anti-gulp bowl or slow feeder as they're also called as he was really bolting his food - an aftermath of one of a large litter I reckon.

He learnt, 'leave' didn't dig much, learnt to make a noise when visitors came to the door but he howled not barked. (My postie loves the songs).

My old WHW lady Polly took him under her wing and he followed her everywhere - learning to greet folks at the back fence, then go chase Dolly (blind one) and tease her round the lawn. Old Wesley didn't want to play but they'd all cuddle up on the bed with me after Dave went to work.

Yep we had scraps between the boys (Wesley had stoppes now as Stud - so off to vets)- that helped testosterone levels go down on one but rising on another!

I insisted on respected to his elders & he was pretty good.

Chester also met the home cat (12.5 yrs & very fit!) - Sox - she wouldn't tolerate his nosey nose up her rear and he fell off the bed a few times when she turned on him quick-like - I cried laughing!

Over all he was pretty good. Chewing was a bit of an issue and as he got bigger he could reach more - we've been through 9 dish brushes fgs.

I introduced him gradually (30 seconds with treat, to a basket muzzle). He was fussed when it came off. After a couple of days It would then go on when I found chewed up things from the post to anything, with me waving the debris remains and saying 'no chew!' and the muzzle went on.

It came off a bit later with me saying good boy no chew!

When I then started touching stuff that he might like to chew I held the muzzle up as well and said 'leave!' touching the relevant artefacts.

It actually started working. They are so bright - some go for treats/food, so want the toy play or tugs...

He can take treats through the sides and drink with it on.

It came in very useful when Eski arrived and I found she was used to it too - or, certainly didn't put up any protest when it went on. It saved too many bites whether in play or not and I will always have muzzles available for safety to others or themselves.

Eski is SO different and maybe just a bit sneaker? Very submissive when scolded but also extremely loving and both are smiley. Of course I don't have her puppyhood experiences and her guardian owner really didn't know anything about dogs or esp huskies...it shows. Eski seems so much happier within a household wirh routine and another (now calmer) big handsome boy!

I followed Ceasar Milan's teachings for nearly a year but couldn't agree on everything he did.

www.successdogs.com sprang onto my email one day and I've never looked back!

Jean Cote really has a knack and having a husky and a collie - clinched it for me.

After 15 months and now he's two years (ie Chester) I am so chuffed how much he has learnt and how much I've learnt in teaching.

If he can't do something then I'm not telling him how to properly so it's back to basics.

"Fetch, sit, spin R&L, Woof for please, down, stay, wait, come" (never never never trust them off the lead!! Or you will come to rue the day.- only in a secure field).

He can now fetch all his thrown toys and put into the sink bowl on the floor. Treats of course!!

High fives right and left and two high fives on his hind legs. Learned then to 'stick 'em up' against the wall or back door, and can now do this onto my back (holding treating over my shoulder & patting back with treat saying stick 'me up! did this!)

He is taken out whenever I can to get socialised and used to 'stuff' out there, but is still a bit freaky with shopper with bag, or trolleys & m/c; has got used to mobility scooters and really likes to meet folk.

Got over his fright of a very little human (toddler) when he wad 10 months! which made him bark in surprise - we were sitting outside Costas again..best place to learn 'settle down' outside to chat with mates but see the world go by too !! He now ignores them.

I don't encourage anyone to come straight up to him although he looks so welcoming but make him sit and they then approach with a hand to the side of his face to scratch his jaw or below the ears or collar which he likes.

We will go on a bus and a train too soon - I'd like him to become a fundraiser for support dogs but he needs to do quite a bit more before they will accept him.

I also want to take them both to go dryland rig pulling and am saving up to get the harnesses and leads etc. Not cheap for two but have found some good deals.

They walk out together at night as it's coolest right now, now on a coupler lead and Chester is teaching Eski the Gee (right and Yaw (left) turns at mini roundabouts and multi-choice paths. Go-by to ignore, 'OK' = yes, go have a sniff and a pee on the lamp post or bush.

'About turn' and 'watch me' when we are out walking - it certainly helps stop the pulling now and they are a treat to take out, not take me out!

I carry treats everywhere I go to reward, say hello when I come in...they must sit and/or say please.

My friends' dogs rather like me too!!

Yes - they are singers, landscapers, re-decoraters, floor puller uppers (carpet tiles), coats off hooks, belts, loyal, lapdogs (huh!!) lickers, earring takers, thieves of dinner if uncooked food left on cooker before cooking and NOT covered - but ...

the most amazing canine I have EVER ever owned...or had - and I've grown up with several hundred rescues & practically every re-homed breed (Dahl chunk, GSD, terriers, Dalmation, Gt Dane, Lahso Apso...etc abroad, and a Wheadon, Boxers and Westies of my own (bred WHW too).

Nothing like a husky - but...be prepared to work at it. Commitment, patience, study the books - I reckon THIS site is priceless!!

Chester got used to the vacuum v early on and my 'blow-out' of shedding is much contained within three weeks with the Dyson dog-groom-tool.

BEST investment I ever made. And Eski just lies on her back and lets me go over her slowly and smoothly. What a dream pair I have!!

Enjoy - be patient, love 'em and live them! I honestly don't think I'll never be without but as I'm 63 on 27.9 I might get another in, in my lifetime or not..

Blind Westie Dolly was rehomed and is so happy now with a little Shi'zu for company and three cats!

My two Westies passed on this year in Feb and June. (So horrid) even Chester knew how sad I was..head in lap when I sat, paw on shoulder on the bed, kisses - let's go play!? - sighs at my feet - he was lonely too...

I got Eski after seeing Chester so sad and pining - (a pup wasn't an option again to hubby) so I searched a long time before I found Eski. Waited nearly two months...she was in season...so three weeks after this...

it was agreed she would be spayed 2 weeks before coming on 12/09 and Chester was done 15/09 the Monday after - couldn't cope with his high sex drive and nor could she.

I cannot believe the calming down he is now showing and playing considerately too!

If you've learnt something with a puppy...you can learn more with a re-home/rescue...they are incredibly intelligent & I have the mix of Brain & Brawn with two HuskyxMalamutes! Not enough words to describe....

Enjoy - help always available on Husky Owners Club. ?

She's 2.7yrs and he is just 2 yrs.

Chester & Eski, Chester et moi (hair too short used wrong clipper length lol) Chester with son, Chester at 1.5 hrs old.

[mydiamond]

I'd just like to say that each one of them is unique, and you can barely expect them to be your typical dog. Some fetch, some don't. Some come whenever called, some roll their eyes instead. Some jump over the fence, some dig underneath. Some are affectionate, some others not so much. Several people brought home a Husky expecting them to be just like any other dog; tongue lolling to one side on the back seat of your car, obsessed to tennis balls, comes sprinting to your side whenever you even whispered his name, greets you with wet kisses and body slam whenever you come home... but each one is an individual, and there really is no way to generalize the entire population into a single description. Those books would help a bit, but your own day-to-day experience would teach you most it's like parenting, really. No guidebook on Earth could really tell you what's it like.

[Jase]

I think the main thing that books fail to really emphasise is that having a Husky comes with a massive responsibility. If you adopt, purchase or are given a Husky, you are then responsible for their upbringing, safety, care and comfort. Having a husky is so much like having a human child - they can be naughty, make you want to tear your hair out and frustrate you with their stubborn-ness. Like a child has the terrible-twos and terrible teenage years - so does a husky. 

 

You need to train train train your husky, just like a human child you couldn't expect a human to function well in society if they have had no education and taught no manners. So you as the 'parent' are responsible for raising a good "canine citizen"

 

You need to be settled to the point that you can guarantee care for the dog for the next 12-14 years.  I think some people make the mistake of getting a dog because they don't want the responsibility that comes with having a child without realising they come with most of the same responsibilities. 

 

If you can roughly project to where you will be for the next 12 or so years, then you will be rewarded with a wonderful canine companion that is not like any other breed of dog 

[Mazz]

The most important things that I have learned about the breed in the last twenty years, is, you have to stay two steps ahead of them, think outside the box, all while expecting the unexpected, because at any moment, a Husky will change its mind, just to mess you up.

[michelle12]

Great posts above, all very true. 

 

I have found my husky does not like to be petted, unless you have a treat of course.  He isn't affectionate however he is loving in that he wants to be with us and included all the time.  Once in a while he will come up and snuggle with you, which is so awesome, but it is on his terms. 

 

The most unexpected thing was the zoomies.  Usually in the evening he gets "crazy eyes", pupils are very large and he MUST run around the house for no reason.  It doesn't matter if we have already been out on a long walk, when the zoomies come he must go on the couch, off the couch, on the couch, off, around the table, on the couch off.  It's funny to watch and it only lasts a couple of minutes.  As he gets older (he is a little over a year now), zoomies aren't quite as often.

 

Huskies are so incredibly intelligent, I can always see his wheels turning.  And they all have such personality, he makes me laugh every day.  I know there are definitely easier dogs but I wouldn't trade mine for anything.

[BKarchitect]

It's like having a child.  Your life will no longer be lived on your schedule...at least for a couple years while you raise a husky pup.  I will heartily second the notions listed above about ruined carpet and furniture, eaten up shoes and clothes, broken items and shredded cords...stubborn howls...frustrating trips to the lawn as they tap-dance endlessly looking like they want to poo but then not doing it, all the while you are 10 minutes late for a meeting with a client and can't be back to the house in the next 8 hours.  Lunch breaks are automatically trips home to the crated pup for the first few months, late nights out with friends cut short by the need to get home and so you can avoid cleaning explosive diarrhea from the crate while drunk because you want to stay for another round at the bar.  Weekend trips, business travel and holidays must be extensively planned and expensed with your husky in mind.  Daily trips to doggy day school may be needed if you cannot provide the stimulus your husky needs during a normal weekday...you literally talk about "taking your kid to school" with others when speaking about your husky.  The cost adds up but pales in comparison to what a bored husky will cost you.  Other friends with puppies that are not huskies will wonder if you just got the worst dog ever because their "puppy training" has been remarkably easy in comparison.  

 

If you are ready to live that life, then a husky is perfect for you.  Sure - it gets better after the first year to two years...if you have stayed composed, consistent and sane you will have the world's best companion.  Still stubborn and sly enough to keep you on your toes but smart, loving, loyal, endlessly energetic and ever beautiful and with the kind of bond that can only be forged by living and loving through the arduous early years.

 

When my Yuki passed suddenly last month, my wife and I looked at each other and new...only a husky (or two in this case!) would do for our next companion.  For husky owners, it isn't a matter of being ready for the responsibility...it is more like being addicted to it.  We don't do easy.  We do husky - and that is why when you pass another husky owner on the street or trail there is almost always an instant recognition of that person and their dog...almost a secret club of sorts!  

[BKarchitect]

The most unexpected thing was the zoomies.  Usually in the evening he gets "crazy eyes", pupils are very large and he MUST run around the house for no reason.  It doesn't matter if we have already been out on a long walk, when the zoomies come he must go on the couch, off the couch, on the couch, off, around the table, on the couch off.  It's funny to watch and it only lasts a couple of minutes.  As he gets older (he is a little over a year now), zoomies aren't quite as often.

 

Haha, amen...Yuki would be laying half-asleep and then all of a sudden she would get a bur up her arse and just tear throughout the house at reckless speed, jumping on and over everything that happened to be in her way.  She usually ended her zoomies with a sequence of very fast pirouettes or spins with some furious digs in between on the bed.

 

Now I get double-trouble puppy zoomies! 

[sammybeans]

They are worth every moment of frustration.  I will probably never own another breed of dog, I love the personalities, the intelligence, and to watch a husky run is like seeing pure joy in the flesh.  They're quirky and silly and loving even if they don't always show it.  I would not trade my Champ for the world, despite the harness chewing, the howling, the toy destroying, the being under foot constantly, and the hair everywhere.  He has brought adventure, love, cuddles, and happiness into my life and I wouldn't give that up for anything.  Huskies are worth every hurdle, every heart ache, and every angry day because in the end they give you so much in return. 

[MollyCharly]

the zoomies.. the first time my boyfriend saw Molly did that, he described it as 'like in the movie when superman first discovered his power', e.g. jumping and running around making the impossible turn and twist..

we are new husky (mix) owners and compared to our other breed dog, husky puppy is hard work, real hard work. full of energy, never sleep more than 1-2 hours (per time) during the day, requires a lot of stimulant, and oh so super smart. The 2 things that really required time and effort are the bench training and being alone. You'll need to invest a lot of effort and still only see tiny improvements. Molly is from the nest of 11, and we keep contact with her siblings' families, and they all have the similar comment, these puppies are tireless and super smart, so we kind of relieved that our is not 'trouble' puppy but it is just the way it is.

on the plus side, it is such a delight to teach Molly new things. she learns so fast it is unbelievable.. With routines she gets what's to expect and the consequence is a nice puppy. She is also fearless and courageous, very confident dog. I just love how she being careful to test out things and then learn to deal with it. The first time a pigeon flew so low in the back yard (I think it tried to tease Molly), she ran back into the house screaming (for help).. but 2 days later she would be checking them out when they are resting on the tree branch. Same for when approached by big dominant dogs, she backs off a little then slowly go back and try again. Her heckles up when facing dogs 3-4 times her size.. she run for support if needed, but she never get traumatised.

 

it seems to me that husky is not for laid back people who prefers slow short walk and calm life. nor it is for tidy people who cant deal with dirt and mud. but if you can look beyond the hard work, you'll see that your life become a lot more interesting and endless laughter because they are always full of surprises.

[Stardancer85]

Great information - thanks everyone. Right now I'm looking into volunteering with a local husky rescue. It seems like the best way (besides stalking this forum) to learn about these amazing and unique animals. And I'm hoping it will calm my husky fever a bit too - I can't get enough.

 

Thanks to all who responded and shared - I definitely hear that they are a handful but worth it for the right owner. I look forward to working with some huskies before making the ultimate decision to bring one home (but let's face it, that's a matter of "when" not "if" - I'm hooked).

[Andy]

Great information - thanks everyone. Right now I'm looking into volunteering with a local husky rescue. It seems like the best way (besides stalking this forum) to learn about these amazing and unique animals. And I'm hoping it will calm my husky fever a bit too - I can't get enough.

 

Thanks to all who responded and shared - I definitely hear that they are a handful but worth it for the right owner. I look forward to working with some huskies before making the ultimate decision to bring one home (but let's face it, that's a matter of "when" not "if" - I'm hooked).

If you work with a rescue they may allow you to "Foster" i.e. look after a Husky until it can be placed with a "forever family"

That way you'll get to experience a little Husky Life