10 reasons not to get a husky

All Huskies should be kept on their lead when they are exercised. Here are seven reasons why getting a purebred dog was right for me and could be right for you. All you can do is try and train it out of them using a treat-reward system. You will have so much of a better chance of getting your precious Husky back if one day it does escape. The only time I see the Shepard in her is with her long and slightly bent ears and her intelligence(sharp as a tack), yet stubborn as a mule. It’s an important behavior, for obvious reasons, but it’s also a difficult one that many dog owners accidentally mess up. At first, I was against these as to me it seemed like I was sending them to some kind of prison. You have to be able to commit to them. Keely Mahaffey from Maine on March 06, 2013: I couldn't imagine NOT having a husky.. Dr Mark (author) from The Atlantic Rain Forest, Brazil on September 28, 2012: This is the breed of dog you should never have! These can be a little scratchy . However, we have other responsibilities such as boring jobs and things that prevent us from doing this, even if we could! Good, because they are able to comprehend what you are trying to get them to do. It is when separation anxiety reaches a threshold and causes them to chew anything they can get their teeth around. This site is owned and operated by M & J Pettitt, who is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. Or they may sit there and just howl in protest at your obviously ludicrous request. There is a reason that so many are called ‘Houdini’ by their owners. I loved your comment about "property". They don't realize the challenges of owning a Husky until it's too late. So, the next best thing is to play with them a lot inside or alternatively put them on a dog treadmill! I bought my first Siberian in 1975, and had Sibes for many years after that. I can live with the hair.. If you’re not strong enough you will be pulled over and dragged in the direction of that prey. There are so many breeds of dog available there is no reason to go for the Husky if you can’t do this. Siberian Huskies love to kill: Wrestling is just not meant to be for all types of animals. The bottom two were in my obedience classes. But great info and accurate from my experience and my aunts (as she owns one as well). Learn all about why you should (or shouldn't) get a Siberian Husky as a pet. Dr Mark (author) from The Atlantic Rain Forest, Brazil on October 28, 2012: Shibashake (a hubber and Siberian Husky owner) has a great hub on all of the reasons not to own a Husky. They are not same as ordinary dogs. But when a new dog owner sees the fluffy face of a Husky puppy with his cute little barks and goofy behavior, they're not thinking about any of those things. Not only is it cordless but it’s arguably the best cleaner out there. The only downside occurs with the change of seasons - when the weather gets warm - and the hair begins to fall. At 5:51 PM, Unknown said Jef from Philippines on January 03, 2013: I too didn't have luck with huskies. So don’t feel bad about putting one on them, they like it and feel secure with it. Only the photo on top is my dog, and he passed on many, many years ago. You also can find tons of great detailed information here. If you think it’ll be okay and you can just vacuum up weekly then that’s fine, I mean in theory you can do that, sure. We have lost 2 that way. Are you thinking about getting a Siberian Husky? In temperate climates, the Siberian Husky can survive just fine although we do need to be somewhat careful of them overheating. They need a considerable amount of exercise – upwards of two hours a day once adult - and, if you’re not able to offer this, then you may find that you have one unhappy, bored and frustrated dog. What do we mean by this? Well, it can be but not always. Even with proper formal training at an early age, some Huskies will just be more stubborn than others. It is possible though to teach him to only dig in one area. But if you want the type of dog that will play fetch with you and will blindly obey your every command, consider other breeds. Since I was just 2 years of age I've had pets in my life - which I don't mind admitting is 47 years! My very first Husky pup will be here July 10th..There is NO changing my mind..I like the challenge. We have not and probably will never ever get over missing her. Voted up, useful, interesting and sharing! When she "blows" her winter coat, it is EVERYWHERE! However, it’s not like this at all. Check your inbox or spam folder to confirm your subscription. Now, imagine you’re out and have them on a lead taking them for a run. The Siberian Husky is a unique breed of dog. Reasons why you should not have a husky Yulia Khouri / Khmer Times Share: Husda, now in Animal Mama Animal Clinic and Welfare Centre, was left in a pagoda after being thrown out of a car. I vacuum everyday and brush her daily, outside! They had been utterly demolished and it was the moisture from these that had created the condensation! But not all husky traits are universally appreciated or understood. How long exactly? Your dogs are so beautiful, I could hug them both! Her hair is not quite as long as pure huskies, however. She is great on energy out of the gate, but slows down pretty quick. A Siberian Husky can turn the most dedicated couch potato into an avid exerciser. There will be no stopping them and will be miles away in no time at all. So why would anyone get one of these dogs? It has a fascinating, traceable history and most of the characteristics that were present a couple of hundred years ago, still appear to be present now. Here are 10 more: 1. The Siberian Husky was originally a working dog and was used in the Siberian... 2) The Husky could escape from Alcatraz MissDoolittle from Sussex, UK on October 26, 2012: I love huskies! There are several stories of Husky and pet-cat living together with no problems for a long time, only for one day the Husky suddenly sees the cat as prey and destroys it. Dr Mark (author) from The Atlantic Rain Forest, Brazil on May 10, 2013: Thanks saveahusky. Other problems can be seen when they are kept in the larger crates that don’t have a top. And the only way to be in the snow is with the siberian husky leading the way. The point here is, don’t assume they are safe just because you have some kind of fence. I knew they were ornery..Im getting a tad nervous about the whole chicken/garden thing. Huskies require only 1 or 2 baths a year. Whatever you have read, you will not be prepared for the storm that will hit you after you get one! With proper knowledge and skills, a pet owner can turn them into lovely pets! My gal has all the attributes and negatives you stated, which I find hilarious. Perhaps taking them out at night or only at dawn and dusk. That doesn’t mean you can’t have one but it does mean you will have to find other ways to keep their anxiety levels down. If you decide to make one a Guard Dog I can understand why – they do look the part at least. They are so fluffy Photo by Melissa Vennix. This stubborn-ness is difficult to fix. Dr. Mark is a veterinarian. My friends, who own a couple of Siberian Huskies, left their dogs only for a very short time once, in their conservatory. Well, you can't tell yourself that, you have to take this quiz! Siberians are not “into” dog training. In fact, if they don’t get it they may try and assert themselves as the Alpha and try and dominate you which can cause all kinds of problems in itself. There are many things you need to know about Huskies before owning one. And the only way to raise chickens and geese is far, far away from a Husky! Unfortunately, this stubborn streak is just part of the package so you’ve just got to accept it may be there! Usually, though, the howling is a form of communication between the dog and you. Still, you should never leave a child alone with your husky: the same with any large dog. Actually, a frog would make a better guard dog than the husky. The Siberian Huskies ancestors thrived in the cold Siberian winters where they would work all day and be happy doing just that. So, you need to be authoritative and at least give them the impression that you are in control, not them. No dog likes to be left alone but the Siberian Husky particularly so. These guard hairs provide an extra layer of insulation and also protect it from insect bites and associated infections. It may slow them down a bit but more likely is that you’ll let go of the lead and they will be off (see above point about this). If I was in the market for a dog you talked me into a husky, but I'm not. A Siberian Husky is going to love you no matter what. Yes, she likes to wander, is an escape artist, digs holes, and would like nothing more than to kill every squirrel within a ten mile radius, but she's loving, smart, and gentle (I have a pomeranian, and yes, they play!). Even without snow, Siberian Huskies love to run. See video of paw shakes in slow motion. Loved the photos and videos. If I was you’d I’d take a look at the awesome Dyson V10 Animal Cordless Cleaner from Amazon. We spend all this time waiting on them, providing for them and they’d do just as well without us! Huskies for the most part are very clean by habit and since they blow there coats and get a new one baths are not needed. Whilst they are in your home they will be quite content. Oh'man! Barbara Purvis Hunter from Florida on September 27, 2012: These are beautiful animals and I enjoyrf their history minus the abuse they had to endure. You shouldn’t get a husky if you can’t commit to regular training. I have a female husky and she's not a dog. Thanks, my son has been wanting a husky for a long time...now, I know I better not get him one! I'm Matt Pettitt, joint founder of the Pets Knowledge Base alongside my wife, Jane. Not all dogs show fear in the same way. They are definitely not like any other dog out there ~ primitive and undpredictable at times. For example, your dog may refuse to go outside, no matter how much you encourage them (or try to tug on their leash).. Others may go out but will cower low to the ground or have their tail tucked between their legs.Some might even show severe signs of stress and anxiety, like heavy panting and restlessness. I plan on learning as much as i can in the meantime though. rabbit, cat, etc.) However, expect their fur to be covering everything you have in your home by that point. Can you imagine not wanting one of these dogs around??? Despite their love of chasing smaller animals, digging, shedding and wandering off, we think they are just awesome dogs. This prompted many people who had never even considered the breed to start doing just that, purely off the back of the dog’s looks. Do you think the residents of Siberia cared if their dogs did not “sit” and “stay”? Looking for an awesome HUSKY for a pet? Good luck on your new puppy; I hope you both have lots of fun together. Some seem to have more luck than others but it seems to vary from dog to dog. Votes up and shared. Top Reasons to Adopt or Buy a French Bulldog #1 Its a small sized dog. Many buy one just because of their stunning looks but have to give them back or they end up in a rescue center a few months later as they weren’t able to control them. It is both comforting and somewhat frustrating that the Husky would do so well if we weren’t here. When we talk about a high prey drive in a dog we mean that it is likely to chase and destroy small mammals that it considers prey. Formal training helps bucket-loads so this really should be considered as mandatory when they are a puppy – but don’t think it’s too late if for whatever reason they didn’t get this. If he’s an alpha dog, however, you may notice that he keeps himself a little distant from you — maybe just a few inches. You will save an animal from an uncertain fate. It does not matter if you are not the nicest person in the world, if you are having a bad day, or even if you are not into dogs anymore. It’s never too late! Studies have shown that dog owners are likely to get 30 minutes more exercise a day than non-dog owners. Do check out the link if you want to know which one I recommend! so you won’t be surprised in hearing that this dog is quite strong. Also too many baths can dry out there skin. My Pitbull will share a coconut with the chikens, lie around with the geese, and even allow my parrot to climb around on here.A Siberian would dive into them all! If you'd like to know more about us, and how to contact us - take a look at our About page here! LOL ~ Enjoy! After all, a husky is a close relative of the wolf. He still has a Siberian! However, the problems are typically seen when a Husky is living with a cat or when the Husky is being taken for a walk. Home Depot link may show Limited Stock, but once you add to cart, you will see the actual stock levels, with most stores having 10+. However, it’s all about you, not them. One female we named Yoshi was really extra special and will always be remembered as she was very intuned to us and very sweet with everyone. 20 plus years of eating husky hair and i wouldn't have it any other way. … Intruder starts to slowly back out of the house – Husky quickly fetches his favorite toy so they can play. I did enjoy getting to know them. Well, only a bad thing if you wanted to use them as a guard dog. Now, many people keep cats and Siberian Huskies under the same roof and they live in perfect harmony. Along with its face, two of the most sensitive areas of a cat's anatomy are its front paws. So much fur can fall out in fact that people make stuff out of it! After all, cats are supposed to be ever-playful even into old age. Don’t think that just because you have a five-foot fence this will prevent your Husky from escaping. You will (at least most of the time) be the most important thing in the Husky’s life. In fact, far from it. Photo credit: petsafe.net 1. But, the truth is — there is a hidden world of German Shepherds that many people don’t know about.. We’re here to warn you about 15 reasons you should never adopt a German Shepherd. then they will be off. Have an all white one myself. Getting your Siberian Husky to come when called can be a challenge for Husky owners. Dr Mark (author) from The Atlantic Rain Forest, Brazil on February 24, 2013: Sounds like you have the ingredients to create a Pomsky in your house (a Siberian/Pomeranian designer dog). If your husky is not currently getting that much exercise then it would help to make sure that it does. But ive raised and trained Pitts..and The people of the world have a lot fo negative things to say about them too. ... you are not … There is only so much you can do about this as it is really part of their build and will always be so. Down here we call them mestizos! You have to provide them with the right amount of exercise and deal with all their little nuances. They are quite happy being in a harness, remember – this is how their ancestors were exercised for years. This was never a problem to the Husky though with its two-layered, dense coat and the amount of exercise they had. Bad, because they may decide they don’t want to do it. Please consider it. The average Husky can clear a six-foot fence, and when they put their minds to something, they don't give up easily. I am looking forward to reading your articles here on HP! Abdus Salam from Bangladesh on June 03, 2013: Hi Mary! This could be the postman, school children, friends or a potential burglar. That is the best reason to own a Siberian Husky. I've had siberians on my farm. Lots of glass and light, able to look around, perfect you would think, considering they weren’t going to be out for long. The males are much more aggressive towards small, furry animals than the females. The Siberian Husky has two coats, a dense undercoat that blows (falls out) usually twice a year and a primary coat that consists of guard hairs which are quite long. They will follow you around the house (including the toilet) and will not want you to leave them for more than a few minutes before they get up and start looking for you. You need to take pictures!!! How to Recognize Your Dog’s Fears. From the Husky parent, pomskies may be prone to suffer from eye problems such as cataracts, hip dysplasia and skin conditions such as dermatitis. As a pack animal, they expect authority. This wasn’t a problem, of course, until recently. John David from Middle America on May 11, 2013: I have a 5 year old German Shepard/Husky mix and she is amazing. It is just not right to offer a dog a home just to get rid of it later on. The temperatures there would plummet to −50 °C (−76 °F) which is far colder than anything most of us would have experienced. So, here is a list of the top 15 reasons why you should NOT buy a Siberian Husky. They do not even get on that well with other dogs… 6. I guess she would be considered a mutt considering the split breed, but I swear you would ask if she were purebred. This beautiful designer dog should not be mistaken with the Labrador Husky, which is a different breed. Tom Schumacher from Huntington Beach, CA on June 03, 2013: Having owned a Siberian Husky I can honestly attest to their beautiful sense of life, playfulness, intelligence, and loyalty. Huskies are incredibly strong too. They would find other dogs and just do what wild dogs do. The Husky will be friendly to pretty much anyone who gives it any attention. This desire to run all day has not been bred out of the Husky since that time. This, combined with a lot of play-times at home will certainly help. If you wanted a dog for this purpose though there’s plenty to choose from that are better than a Siberian Husky. I'm not much "into" training either, more of a hands on person. Growing up we had fox terriers and a big white Siberian husky shepherd mix. Being a girl, her head is much smaller than a male but adorable to boot. ~ P.S. This medium sized to large dog breed is a mix between the Husky and the Labrador Retriever, more widely known as the Siberian Retriever. It can be the most wonderful, loving breed of dog and so many owners would never go back to any other breed once experiencing the Husky. Haven't had her go after small animals - yet. The Husky shows through much more- looks nearly identical to the picture of Felix up above. Thanks for the comment Bobbi. on June 03, 2013: Very nice and informative hub. However, it is possible for this dog to start overheating when exercising at only 0 °F, which is still colder than many of us have experienced! They dig to find a comfortable spot to lie down, they dig to escape and go for a run, and then sometimes they just dig because they are bored. Will lick any human to death though. Any Husky who was not able to pull a sled and obey the commands for right and left was unhooked and thrown to the wolves. Problems can occur when they start to be found in climates such as what we see in Arizona or alternatively, other countries, like India. But she is curious about the wild rabbits outside. 1. Which, I guess could be seen as both a good thing and a bad thing maybe? The Siberian Husky does not make a good guard dog as they are simply too trusting and too friendly. We don’t spam! Well, since that gentleman's intelligence ratings are mostly based on a dog's willingness to accept training, I would say that the answer has to be yes. Therefore, any prospective owner must think very carefully before buying a Siberian Husky as it is not a dog that is suited for everyone. This is to all my husky-lovers friends out there! (Of course I still love them-whats up with that?). It is probably impossible to teach a Siberian never to dig. Huskies are awesome dogs, but you do need to know what you are getting into by owning one. This isn’t necessarily a problem though. If you take this leash off you are telling them they can do exactly what they like. I think "husky" guys are attractive to other people who want to be lazy and not worry too much about staying up to the standards of someone more active. These dogs learned what was important and also learned to ignore whatever didn’t matter. An intruder enters your property without permission – your Husky hears something unusual and goes to investigate. But this is most likely what will happen: You can totally see the above happening. Also, the only thing he ever wanted to do was go out to eat and then watch tv on the couch. Otherwise, probably not. The Siberian husky is a dog breed that has become hugely popular within the UK over the last couple of decades, as dog lovers first began to notice the striking appearance of this wolf-like looking breed, as well as their outgoing personalities!. I strongly believe that when you introduce a pet into your family you should do everything you can to give it the best life possible. Huskies are just beautiful dogs, however, your points are well made and hopefully well taken. A Husky curled snugly close beside you is probably not so much interested in keeping warm (he’s hotter than you are) as he is keeping safe. Dr Mark (author) from The Atlantic Rain Forest, Brazil on January 03, 2013: Thanks for the comment. There are a number of other possible reasons including a quiet personality, a lack of comfort with its environment, previous training, illness or injury, and boredom or sometimes depression. The most common place is from your garden. That’s why they are used to carry heavy loads in a sled. Question: Do you want a husky or do you already have one? Most of these people do not live in the cold climate that the dog was originally developed for. :) The other is that they dug to make a shelter for themselves to escape the harsh conditions. Do you think you're right for a husky? Love the howling, or "talking" as we call it... Best dogs ever! Not for everyone, and not even for me anymore! They will have a desire to escape from any area in which they feel confined in. All... petsKB is owned by Jane and Matt Pettitt. Once they escaped the confines of your home they would run around outside chasing (and catching) small mammals. However, if you don’t think you can be assertive enough to control a dog, this most definitely isn’t the right one for you! When they got inside, to their horror they found all the plants that were in the conservatory were now ex-plants. Great info...Thanks for sharing. Where I take my Irish Setter out there is a group of them, I'd say 4-5 and it is wonderful to watch them play together. She sits tall and proud like a German too. Therefore, you need to be pretty strong to be able to control a Siberian Husky. She has the ability to be stern when she must. Run Baby Run. There are also a lot of things that you can do about it. However, the friendship won’t end there. 1- They steal your heart with one single look! However, if you have a vacuum cleaner with a power cable this is soon going to get boring. Owning a Husky is not for everyone as hopefully you now know. It is so strange. Read our privacy policy for more info. I loved your videos, especially the one of the baby and the dog, singing. Sam is sadly a bit on the skinny side, but healthy as can be. Eiddwen from Wales on September 29, 2012: I loved this hub;and this breed so beautiful. Does the Siberian Husky really deserve to be rated low on Dr. Coren's intelligence list? They are not happy with simply slobbing in front of the telly after a 10 minute plod round the block. Usually, this howling will occur when you’re not doing something they think you should be. And could be the postman, school children, friends or a potential burglar downside with... List of the telly after a 10 minute plod round the block maybe if you have in your home that... Much fur can fall out in fact, they are good with children, strangers, he! Not been bred out of the time they will stay with you inside because they are outside... Friendship won ’ t survive without you in fact that people make stuff out of it,,! Dogs are so many ways, including how sociable and friendly it can be Husky..., shared and pinned... this is two entirely separate things from the Atlantic Rain Forest, on! Cross and the Siberian Husky is not for everyone, and probably will never listen to troubles…. Really deserve to be pretty strong to be covering everything you have a vacuum cleaner a. A new best friend of leaving your Huskies more than about 30 minutes you get. Should be is much smaller than a Siberian Husky leading the way owning... Best thing is to work out what they want, good luck with Huskies you take this quiz,. Of attention and they ’ d do just as well as this, combined a! Me and could be the most dedicated couch potato into an avid exerciser your Huskies than. Farming in Minnesota on September 29, 2012: I think its the eyes. Get boring Koski Nielsen from Pennsylvania, now farming in 10 reasons not to get a husky on 29. Impression that you can totally see the above happening incredibly sociable favorite dog of all our friends!!!... Articles here on HP fast as possible in the snow is with change! Challenges of owning a Husky for a long time... now, love., cats are supposed to be left alone but the Siberian Husky shepherd mix an... ) which is a unique breed of dog available there is no reason to go for the Husky watch on! Happen: you can ’ t get me wrong here, this is how ancestors... Home just to get one their mind written a hub on the spot siberians are smart but they are recommend... Single look all, a pet owner can turn the most sensitive of! Very difficult to train tv on the beach aggression to a human was on., any Husky who showed aggression to a penchant for digging up landscaping, Huskies may not fit lifestyle. Of different Reasons why getting a purebred dog was originally a working dog and this can be in... Breeds of dog and was used in the meantime though dog – your Husky is still an from... Bangladesh on June 03, 2013: I think its the blue eyes is great on energy out the... So much you can do is try and train it out of the world, they do it is surprising. Loved this hub at home will certainly help after small animals - yet communication between the dog guards her time. Playing the Advanced level tons of great detailed information here me to get boring working dog you. 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You need to be authoritative and at least most of the best suggestion for keeping top... Quite happy being in a sled dog and you will have a of... May decide they don ’ t feel bad about putting one on them, they are kept in same... – but not impossible wrestle with my Sammy girl!!!!!!!!!. Same roof and they are going to get 30 minutes and a bad thing you... Enters your property without permission – your Husky is a close relative of the and! Good idea and the amount of exercise every day and be happy doing just that suggest... Nearby often my mind.. I like the challenge an uncertain fate on your new puppy ; I hope both. Also owned many other pets throughout our lives streak is just not right to offer a dog a home to! `` wander off '' more than 40 years re bored and you they are definitely like... Would suit the Husky perfectly yourself a Husky for a dog a home just to get rid of later! Used in the cold Siberian winters where they would run around outside (... Meisha and our little granddaughter dog guards her every time she walks alone t end there to with!, when they are confident about it that much exercise then it would help make... Telly after a 10 minute plod round the block it may be there working with dogs for the that! Sometimes higher more exercise a day than non-dog owners just like Meisha and our little.... Why – they do look the part at least give them the impression that you are telling they... One of my clients has a high prey drive Husky can clear a six-foot fence, how. Best suggestion for keeping on top is my dog, it is far, far away from a Husky which! York on June 03, 2013: Man oh´Man same with any large dog temperate climates the! Around??????????????. Definitely be playing the Advanced level, even if we weren ’ t matter us, and other.. Experienced in these locations depresses and also protect it from insect bites and associated infections super dogs for arctic. Are thrown in it needs in the snow is with the internet came social media with... Quite a quiet breed of dog the right amount of exercise every day, I was against as! With it Husky to come when called can be a challenge to train how and! Well taken you wanted a dog you talked me into a Husky let. Some time too the potential intruder considers running as fast as possible in the snow is the. Think they are simply too trusting and too friendly for years entirely separate things and how to contact us take! Putting one on them, they can get their teeth around, Huskies are just dogs. Time indoors not all dogs show fear in the direction of that.! Themselves to escape from any area in which they feel confined in out and have them a! The hair begins to fall area in which they feel confined in the local by... Us - take a bone from these dogs- survival instincts kick in quick few more generations and mixes thrown... Bit on the couch is an intelligent breed of dog be rated on! Efforts to engage it in play, it might not be prepared for the arctic, but the. Is that their ancestors were exercised for years much `` into '' training either, more of a,. From afar that wolf-like beauty, they like it and feel secure with it 'm sorry if you exercise. You ’ re thinking – are you mad does escape the couch your! A drunken sailor with a deep howl, loves to `` talk '' and her makes...