Husky as a pet for an 11 yr old girl

TangyZizzle · 15-05-2011 8:53pm

As good as a greyhound sounds Im definitely pushing for a toy breed at this stage. It helps that the family hails from the Pomerania region of Poland too.. guess which dog Im recommending

ISDW · 15-05-2011 9:45pm

Just coming to this thread as I've been away all weekend at a Tails 'n' Trails meet.

Saturday morning, up at 5.15am, in the forest starting our mush at 6am, running 4 dogs.

10am different forest, 7km walk.

6pm another forest, 8km walk.

Huskies did them all, and could have done it all over again. I on the other hand, am exhausted:D

You have been given names of some rescues and shelters, and even the two pounds that are nearest to you, by other posters, but if you want to pass my details onto them, feel free. I am part of Irish Sled Dog Welfare, a rescue that specialises in Siberian Huskies and Alaskan Malamutes www.irishsleddogswelfare.webs.com I am more than happy to talk to them about a husky if you like, and they could meet up with some local to them, help them to decide if they are the right dog for the family.

mikemac · 15-05-2011 9:51pm

It's what the parents want, not the 11 year old I'm afraid

An 11 year old will not be able to control a husky on a walk or go on multiple 5km plus walks a day and the dog begging for more.

They are strong, fit and want more exercise then an 11 year old can manage.

Now it'd be something if maybe you owned a farm and you could bring the husky down the fields for a working day, like collies do.
We do that with a golden retriever though he's pretty useless with the sheep.

But if you're in a town and this husky gets bored, prepare for your carpet to be ripped up, flowers torn to shreds and escape attempts from the garden
A husky can leap most any garden wall

ISDW · 15-05-2011 9:56pm

feelingstressed wrote: »

It's what the parents want, not the 11 year old I'm afraid

An 11 year old will not be able to control a husky on a walk or go on multiple 5km plus walks a day and the dog begging for more.

They are strong, fit and want more exercise then an 11 year old can manage.

Now it'd be something if maybe you owned a farm and you could bring the husky down the fields for a working day, like collies do.
We do that with a golden retriever though he's pretty useless with the sheep.

But if you're in a town and this husky gets bored, prepare for your carpet to be ripped up, flowers torn to shreds and escape attempts from the garden
A husky can leap most any garden wall

Unfortunately, no you couldn't. Huskies have a very high prey drive, I have yet to meet one that is broken to stock. I have had many huskies come into me that have been caught worrying sheep, and have lost count of the phone calls I've had from owners of huskies "he's always come back before, but today he just ran away and got into the field of sheep". Sibes should never be let off lead in an unenclosed space. They can cover huge distances very, very quickly.

mikemac · 15-05-2011 10:04pm

I stand corrected

We used to have border collies as sheepdogs and they were brilliant
Our golden retriever though gets 10/10 for enthusiasm and also 0/10 for skill

But reading this thread, husky's have poor recall which is pretty key.

I was more aiming at taking a husky down the fields for a working day for exercise, I can now see the issue with letting them loose with sheep

vectrahed · 15-05-2011 10:11pm

TangyZizzle wrote: »

Hi,

I know close to zilch about dogs. The idea of getting a husky for a child in my immediate family has been brought up and is most likely going to come to fruition within the coming weeks.
I would like to know the pros and cons of getting a Husky pup for an 11 year old girl.

I heard plenty of ranting and raving over the past few months about people getting malamute because they can become quite strong and difficult to handle in their adulthood - so Im looking to ya know.. avoid that entirely.

recently aquired a female husky from pup and have kids 4 - 14

have her with another small dog in a hand built compound by myself, outside all the time unless we let them in for a bit, kitchen only.

twice a day we take her and him for walks,

from my experience she is a well behaved husky, she does what she is told, very plasit and good on command, great with the kids aswell

id say its worth while looking at a female for your daughter, a male is a whole different kettle.

just my 2p

ISDW · 15-05-2011 10:53pm

vectrahed wrote: »

recently aquired a female husky from pup and have kids 4 - 14

have her with another small dog in a hand built compound by myself, outside all the time unless we let them in for a bit, kitchen only.

twice a day we take her and him for walks,

from my experience she is a well behaved husky, she does what she is told, very plasit and good on command, great with the kids aswell

id say its worth while looking at a female for your daughter, a male is a whole different kettle.

just my 2p

I've never noticed a difference between male and female, except maybe sizewise.

Great that your dog is doing what she's told, they generally do that until they're about 10 months old, then they realise that they can run faster than you, and that they don't have to do as you tell them:D

They should be great with kids, if you get the dog from a reputable breeder, I have very cuddly huskies here, and some are that more stand offish, but as a breed they are known to love all people, just not very loyal. I think they are a fantstic family dog, as long as you can give them the exercise they need, and you can keep them secure.

TangyZizzle · 15-05-2011 11:02pm

Just for the record. Im 20 years of age. Itll be a while yet before I have a daughter

For gods sake look at the stress talk of a dog is putting me under

boomerang · 15-05-2011 11:37pm

I don't have kids either but I think you've got a good sense of humour OP, and I reckon that's half the battle!

Fair play to you for trying to guide the family in the right direction.

tk123 · 16-05-2011 8:50am

TangyZizzle wrote: »

Just for the record. Im 20 years of age. Itll be a while yet before I have a daughter For gods sake look at the stress talk of a dog is putting me under

Well if you get pup you'll get some practice because you're going to have a little baby to take care of. :pac: It'll have to be taken out to the loo during the night so it's house trained. Somebody will have to clean up the poos and wees - pups get the runs btw and it's :eek: especially if like me you've never changed a nappy lol

Make sure it's socialized in puppy classes as I know some kids who have gotten afraid of the pup when it play bites them. Vets bills, insurance, food, harnesses/collars etc etc etc - they are little money pits lol :pac: Pups are basically mentalists lol

16-05-2011 10:23am

I planned for 6 years to get a Husky and i eventually got one. Oh Boy , some amount of work . Get used to having hairs as they get everywhere.

The funny thing about the exercising my guy is very placid. My partner has 2 springer's who are higher energy cause more damage then the Husky.

But i wouldn't recommended one for an 11 year old.

Bubs99 · 16-05-2011 1:10pm

This is a BAD idea for an eleven year old.

For all the obvious reasons repeatedly mentioned already and maybe these too, but theres so many comments I didnt read through them all.

Here's my main reasons:

1: They dont seem to have a clue about owning a dog.

2: They seem to only want it because it looks good and are unique.
(Ive seen so many in rescue centres, pups too so that actually is not true)

3: The girl is only 11 which is way too young for such a large breed and I guarantee you she will eventually get bored of it as she is coming in to her teenage years and secondary school. She will become more busy in school and will want to be out with her friends and boys.

Trust me! been there! We were given yorkshire terriers when we were young and thats exactly what happened. We didnt give them the time and attention they needed and now Im 27 and have learnt so much (I am now a qualified veterinary assistant). They have passed away now, lasted until 8 and 13 years old but theres so much I wish I did for them.

The family seem to really have their mind set on the husky and buying it too rather than rescuing it which is very sad but I pray and hope so much that they can be discouraged from buying a husky or any large dog.

TangyZizzle · 16-05-2011 2:13pm

Instead of asking for the pros and cons and in essence giving the wrong impression. I should have just asked for the cons so that I could scare them away from buying a Husky. The idea of a toy breed has been planted and everything is looking better already. Im still trying hard and I do believe that in the end she'll end up with a Pomeranian and not a Husky. Here's hoping.

Bubs99 · 16-05-2011 2:29pm

if thats the case, them buying a pompom, I recommend you go to www.adogslife.ie and you should see pompom puppies available to be rescued.
I saw them there yesterday. I advise you to go ASAP as puppies are usually the ones rescued first before the older ones.
It'll be better for the pups and save the family alot of money.
Please make sure the dog is walked daily and that the pomeranian is groomed daily to prevent matting which is painful for the dog and also that their nails are clipped regularly to prevent ingrowing like the jack russell.

that is agony for them like it is for us.
good luck

Bubs99 · 16-05-2011 2:34pm

I just checked their site but it hasn't been updated but they have a page on facebook and almost daily put up new photos of dogs that need homes.

If you're on facebook, look for them or even ring the number on the website and ask them. You can also check other sites.

A good one for buying and rescuing is www.irishanimals.ie

ISDW · 16-05-2011 2:42pm

TangyZizzle wrote: »

Instead of asking for the pros and cons and in essence giving the wrong impression. I should have just asked for the cons so that I could scare them away from buying a Husky. The idea of a toy breed has been planted and everything is looking better already. Im still trying hard and I do believe that in the end she'll end up with a Pomeranian and not a Husky. Here's hoping.

Poms are a northern spitz breed as well, so they are kinda like huskies, just smaller - that could be part of your argument:D

Bubs99 wrote: »

if thats the case, them buying a pompom, I recommend you go to www.adogslife.ie and you should see pompom puppies available to be rescued.
I saw them there yesterday. I advise you to go ASAP as puppies are usually the ones rescued first before the older ones.
It'll be better for the pups and save the family alot of money.
Please make sure the dog is walked daily and that the pomeranian is groomed daily to prevent matting which is painful for the dog and also that their nails are clipped regularly to prevent ingrowing like the jack russell.

that is agony for them like it is for us.
good luck

Sorry, whats a pompom?

Bubs99 wrote: »

I just checked their site but it hasn't been updated but they have a page on facebook and almost daily put up new photos of dogs that need homes.

If you're on facebook, look for them or even ring the number on the website and ask them. You can also check other sites.

A good one for buying and rescuing is www.irishanimals.ie

Don't mean to be pedantic, but you cannot buy any animals on irishanimals.ie, they do not sell animals on there.

TangyZizzle · 16-05-2011 10:00pm

In the words of my better half "They(the mother and daughter) want to get a real dog. They are getting the Husky whether we like it or not,"

No research has been done.

No thought at all put into it.

I feel fooking sick. This is easily the stupidest thing I have seen her Mother do. This list is every growing.

...I really do feel sick.

I'll post here from time to time letting you all know how the two of them get on with it. No doubt it will be a long, arduous and stubborn struggle from the 11 year old sister. She's a spoilt little brat and this dog is almost bound to end up in a pound.

Thank you all for your input and good words. I'v tried and will indeed KEEP trying.. but I'v lost. The final nail in the coffin will be them shelling out a wad of cash for a dog that will ultimately be given away.

Wolfe Tone · 16-05-2011 10:03pm

If I was getting a kid that age a dog it would be a Golden Retriever. I got mine when I was 10/11 and she has been my best pal since, very gentle dogs too.

ISDW · 16-05-2011 10:39pm

TangyZizzle wrote: »

In the words of my better half "They(the mother and daughter) want to get a real dog. They are getting the Husky whether we like it or not,"

No research has been done.

No thought at all put into it.

I feel fooking sick. This is easily the stupidest thing I have seen her Mother do. This list is every growing.

...I really do feel sick.

I'll post here from time to time letting you all know how the two of them get on with it. No doubt it will be a long, arduous and stubborn struggle from the 11 year old sister. She's a spoilt little brat and this dog is almost bound to end up in a pound.

Thank you all for your input and good words. I'v tried and will indeed KEEP trying.. but I'v lost. The final nail in the coffin will be them shelling out a wad of cash for a dog that will ultimately be given away.

Can you please just tell them that huskies have a very high prey drive, and will escape very easily, and that any damage the dog causes, they will be responsible for. They can and will kill cats and sheep, so the dog can never be walked off a lead.

As I've said before, they are a fantastic family pet, but they just need to be aware of the breed, if they want to talk to me, I am more than willing to share my experiences with them.

So, as long as they have at least 6 foot fencing all around their garden, they never let the dog off the lead, and they give it plenty of exercise, it will all be fine:)

TangyZizzle · 16-05-2011 10:41pm

PM coming to you, mate.

MissFlitworth · 16-05-2011 11:01pm

If they're a bit appearance/coolness concerned when it comes to dogs (with the not getting a jack russel because 'everyone has them' and all) then perhaps a word in their ear from someone whose opinion they respect or whose stuff they envy about how common huskies are after getting and how funny it is to see everyone jumping on the husky bandwagon might work? Obviously this person couldn't be you

Sad but it worked on me when I was little & Santa didn't want to shell out for Sylvanian Families!

CarrickMcJoe · 16-05-2011 11:15pm

I recently worked in a house where the kids (spoiled brats) wanted and got a husky. Of course dad got one and while I was there noone even went to play or walk him.
During the real heavy rain the poor animal sheltered under the trampoline (another unwanted toy).
Its left to the uncle to walk him now as the brats have moved on to quads now!

bowsie010 · 17-05-2011 12:36pm

CarrickMcJoe wrote: »

I recently worked in a house where the kids (spoiled brats) wanted and got a husky. Of course dad got one and while I was there noone even went to play or walk him.
During the real heavy rain the poor animal sheltered under the trampoline (another unwanted toy).
Its left to the uncle to walk him now as the brats have moved on to quads now!

Awww poor fella

:mad:

Bookworm85 · 17-05-2011 1:00pm

Oh dear OP!

Well done for trying. I have 2 suggestions for you.

1) Could you show them this thread so that they can read all the advice that was given? That might spur them into researching the breed and hopefully put them leaping into getting one straight away.

2)Also, do you know where they will be getting the dog? Are they going to rescue one or buy a puppy. A rescue will carry out home checks and will know the dogs temperament (spelling???) and might be able to steer them away from picking a husky when they learn of the circumstances.

If they are going to buy a dog, please encourage them to get it from a reputable breeder, and not from DoneDeal. Encourage them to contact the IKC to find reputable breeders. Chances are if they go this route they will have to sign a 'contract' of sorts to get the dog neutered/spayed and to return the dog to the breeder in case they cannot care for it any more.

TangyZizzle · 17-05-2011 1:04pm

I wont be showing them this thread as the Mother might be.. ya know.. offended. I'm sure they will just try and buy one any way they can. They don't know about donedeal. I'm going to try and have them adopt so that the house is checked and they are told that they can't facilitate the animal.

Much better someone in the know tells them "Don't be stupid, buy a toy breed," than I.

kildare.17hmr · 17-05-2011 1:49pm

boomerang wrote: »

Dogs Trust - just off the M50, Finglas(N2) exit, 30 seconds from the M50

Dogs Aid - Ballymun

Dogs in Distress -dogs in foster homes across the greater Dublin area

DSPCA - Rathfarnham

All in Dublin... I presume if they were going to get a husky, they wouldn't find one right on their doorstep and would have to travel some little bit to get their pup - all of the above are in Dublin.

There's also the dog pound in Dunboyne.

OP fair play for trying, your other halfs mother doesnt seem to have a clue:rolleyes:it'll be fine while its a small pup but see once that thing hits about 6 months old and has balls of energy and has the house wrecked and the whole estate kept up all night she wont be long in getting rid of it which we all no will happen unfortunatly.

If they dont know about done deal you should have a better hope of getting them to dogstrust or another rescue. GOOD LUCK!!!

tk123 · 17-05-2011 2:16pm

OP I think if their minds are made up there's not much you can do except start to plan to give the pup the best life it can have so it grows up healthy and happy! If you're in Dublin dog training ireland are brilliant for puppy classes etc - my guy goes to daycare there and has a ball. Food wise - i'm not sure which foods are best for Huskys - ISDW would be the best person to ask on this. Look at different insurance companies etc - they seem to be in a rush to get the dog and if they don't hold out for a reputable breeder could end up with a pup with a bunch of health probs - my guy's vet bills would be around €3,000 last year as he developed a problem with his legs.

TangyZizzle · 17-05-2011 2:17pm

Im loving all these scary facts. More ammo for me!

fishfoodie · 17-05-2011 2:41pm

If there determined to get a 'real dog' :rolleyes: , & they like the Husky look, then as other say you could try deflecting them towards another similar breed.

The Elkhound has be mentioned on the thread already & I think its worth a shot, as anyone who considers a husky trendy probably won't really know the difference between one & an Elkhound ! But while the Elkhound has some of the same traits, the lack of recall primarily, they're much easier to manage & barring the a bit of hole digging, they grand.

The usual caveats apply about buying from good breeders though, as Elkhounds have their share of genetic health issues.

Spot the difference

TangyZizzle · 17-05-2011 2:50pm

Nice. Just as a side note. I spotted a lady out walking what I assumed was a husky today. I stopped her and asked if it was indeed one and she confirmed it. Good God those things grow to be big..

Husky as a pet for an 11 yr old girl

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