Any Siberian Husky dog owners here?

[datalink7]

I'd check my insurance policy. Huskies are among the top biters and something about some people having trouble with their home insurance.

Looking to get a German Shepherd, also a top biter, but I hear they're more obedient and loyal. Planning to invest in a muzzle just in case for busy public areas.

Muzzle is completely unnecessary if you know anything about socialization and training. GSD's are easily trainable. In fact, they are typically uncaring about other people when out in public unless you've raised them wrong and they are aggressive. This causes some people to think that GSD's have no personality. No. It's just that they don't care about people who aren't their family(whereas other dogs like attention from anyone).

 

[BudAshes]

They aren't good pets in a yard. Beautiful dogs, but you will regret getting one. They are highly intelligent and ultra high energy, not to mention a high prey instinct. Good luck.

 

[Gooberlx2]

Muzzle is completely unnecessary if you know anything about socialization and training. GSD's are easily trainable. In fact, they are typically uncaring about other people when out in public unless you've raised them wrong and they are aggressive. This causes some people to think that GSD's have no personality. No. It's just that they don't care about people who aren't their family(whereas other dogs like attention from anyone).

Yep. My GSD is aloof to anyone who isn't me or my wife. Unless they have her ball. Then they're the most interesting person in world, right up until they throw that ball.

 

[Naer]

good looking dog I must say

 

[Imp]

Yep. My GSD is aloof to anyone who isn't me or my wife. Unless they have her ball. Then they're the most interesting person in world, right up until they throw that ball.

Did you go the puppy, mature adoption, or rescue route with your GSD?

 

[datalink7]

Did you go the puppy, mature adoption, or rescue route with your GSD?

I got a puppy after looking at a bunch of different breeders.

 

[datalink7]

Any Siberian Husky dog owners here? Wife and I are submitting an application for adoption at a local Husky rescue center. We have a fenced-in yard (which I hear is important with these dogs), no kids yet, no other pets. Other than the occasional digging and the fact that you need to have them leashed when not in the yard, are there any other things that my wife and I need to consider? We do plan on singing up for obedience training, along with getting the dog crate trained.

P.S. - my father, who is retired, lives with us so the dog will have company during the day


Thanks in advance!

I'd recommend getting two husky's if you get one. They are good dogs but they are more pack oriented than many dogs, and do well with multiple dogs around.

They are extremely stubborn (they were purposefully bred this way), but they are good dogs. Just make sure you are the one in charge. This doesn't necessarily mean you have to be super physical with your dog or anything. Just have clear boundaries.

 

[Phynaz]

Very territorial. There will be no other living animals in your yard, just the remains of husky snacks.

 

[Gooberlx2]

Did you go the puppy, mature adoption, or rescue route with your GSD?

Puppy

 

[Imp]

I got a puppy after looking at a bunch of different breeders.

Puppy

Okay... Not the answer I was looking for. It seems easier to acquire a grown, 2+ years old GSD than a puppy from a breeder. Was looking for some insight into that.

 

[Gooberlx2]

Okay... Not the answer I was looking for. It seems easier to acquire a grown, 2+ years old GSD than a puppy from a breeder. Was looking for some insight into that.

It's a completely valid option. Puppies are cute and all, but man if I could skip much of that first year...

If the GSD is coming from a reputable breeder's stock, I think you'd do well with such a dog. A good breeder's dogs should certainly be well trained and socialized.

If you're talking about a rescue, it's still a perfectly fine option, just be sure s/he's been thoroughly evaluated. Get as much history as possible, etc...

 

[Ichinisan]

Makes me very sad when I see one of these awesome dogs in my state of GA. It can get pretty hot here.

 

[Imp]

It's a completely valid option. Puppies are cute and all, but man if I could skip much of that first year...

If the GSD is coming from a reputable breeder's stock, I think you'd do well with such a dog. A good breeder's dogs should certainly be well trained and socialized.

If you're talking about a rescue, it's still a perfectly fine option, just be sure s/he's been thoroughly evaluated. Get as much history as possible, etc...

I should clarify... Most of the 2+ year old dogs I've seen are shelter or "I'm moving or ran out of money" on Craigslist -- don't seem like puppy mills, but obvious risk is obvious.

 

[Sulaco]

They're extraordinarily smart, and WILL try and outsmart you

They make terrible guard dogs (they love new people)

They're bossy, loudmouths who will argue with you

They shed and leave enough fur around to fill a blanket several times a year

They can be domineering to other dogs

...and I wouldn't trade mine for all the world. :wub::wub::thumbsup:

 

[stargazr]

Makes me very sad when I see one of these awesome dogs in my state of GA. It can get pretty hot here.

Agreed. I see them down here in Texas :'(. OP, looks like you're in Chicago. They really like the cold weather, and especially snow.

Lots of good advice in this thread. Really brings back memories of my Husky when I lived in PA.

 

[ControlD]

I'd check my insurance policy. Huskies are among the top biters and something about some people having trouble with their home insurance.

Looking to get a German Shepherd, also a top biter, but I hear they're more obedient and loyal. Planning to invest in a muzzle just in case for busy public areas.

That is an interesting post. I delivered newspapers for 7-8 years when I was growing up and the only two types of dogs I ever got bit by were huskies and German shepherds. Nothing too serious but I still won't own either breed to this day (I usually avoid pure breed dogs anyhow).

 

[Mutilator]

For any of you with GSDs or Huskies... or any other dogs that shed a lot for that matter... get one of these. You won't regret it.

Finally got myself one a couple weeks ago and as soon as I used it I realized I should have done it before last years spring GSD shedfest when I originally thought about it. Has many other uses around the house too - cleaning PCs, drying off cars/motorcycles, cleaning lawn mowers after use, debris removal from decks/driveways, etc.

As far as its main purpose though - the two dogs I've used it on absolutely loved it. Just make sure you introduce it to them in a way that doesn't scare them and then it'll be their new favorite thing. It's like a nice warm full body massage for them... for you it's a barrage of millions of hairs and dust/dander that won't get a chance to be all over your house. Just make sure you use it outside and stand upwind if possible lol. Kinda like powerwashing your dog with air. Imagine it'd work great for drying the dog after a bath too, but I haven't tested that yet.

 

[Gooberlx2]

Do want. But I don't think I can justify $170 for an industrial hair dryer right now.

 

[cbrunny]

OP got husky?