Heart set on a husky...

shay

Hey folks,
Looking for some advice please.
As the thread name suggests, I have always wanted a husky since I was a kid.
I'm in a position now to get a dog, which will, without a doubt, be well looked after and treated.
Having researched the Husky, I have read on more than one occasion that you can NEVER let the dog off the leash unsupervised in an open space.
To me, that kinda ruins the idea of having a dog for me, insofar as I could never relax (apparently) with the dog unless it was tied to me.
I've contacted a number of obedience schools, but none have had experience of training them.
Is there any similar looking dogs out there, but with a temperment and obedience that lends itself to relaxing and enjoying the dog more.
I'd appreciate your imput.
Thanks.

ISDW

Unfortunately it is true about not letting them off the lead, but that temperament is part of the reason that I love them:D

If you got a cross then you might be luckier. I rehomed litter mates, GSD/husky crosses. The male has excellent recall and his family take him out and let him off lead no bother, and he's great with cats:D The bitch however, has a true husky temperament.

I'm collecting 2 English setter/husky crosses tomorrow, 6 month old pups, I haven't seen them yet, but apparently they look just like huskies. The setter in them may make them more amenable to training, but then they can be very flighty as well;)

Northern Inuits are a non-recognised breed, but I know a lady with a few of them, and they are off lead regularly and come back. Some friends of mine have recently got a pup, he's gorgeous.

If you want a husky though, get one, you learn to live with the no off lead thing. Do you have any tennis courts or enclosed areas like that near you, that you could let the dog off in? Get the dog into scootering, or bikejoring, then they run and you both have great fun:D

lrushe

ISDW wrote: »

If you got a cross then you might be luckier. I rehomed litter mates, GSD/husky crosses. The male has excellent recall and his family take him out and let him off lead no bother, and he's great with cats

I think this would be a good cross, there is a guy who jogs with one in my park, she is a lovely looking animal. Looks like a GSD but with Husky markings and those lovely blue eyes. The guy doesn't have her on a leash, she just trots along side him, she doesn't bat an eye at my dogs as we walk by and I've never seen her stray far from her master

ha-ya-said-what

To be fair you can't really let any dog off a lease unsupervised, you have to watch at all times, plus by law you have to keep a dog under effective control.

One of my dogs is great off the lead & always come back on command, but she'd only get let off in very quiet areas in the evening or the forest park, but she's put back on the lead when we see another dog or kids, cos the other dog could decide to attack her or she could run over to the kids (she loves kids, no idea why I don't even have any) accidently scratch them or knock them over and then there would be war.

So don't let the whole idea of never letting the dog off the lead unsupervised put you off getting one. There is always extentable leads to allow that bit of freedom & relaxation.

shay

Excellent stuff people, really appreciate the replies and advice.

I had imagined having a dog and playing catch et cetera and just envisioned not being able to do that with him/her, and then thought, well what's the point ya know? Living with one eye on the front door, making sure all routes of escape are closed off - surely that would leave you on the edge all of the time?

Also, I know it is not ideal to have a dog at home in a yard all day, but in this day and age most couples have to work and that is the reality. Would it be best not to get one on that basis? Or would it be better having two dogs, giving each other company?

I'm not the type of person who does things without researching fully, and am committed to training classes, proper exercise for the dog so I just would like an owner's perspective so the dog has a full and happy life.

ISDW

shay wrote: »

Excellent stuff people, really appreciate the replies and advice.

I had imagined having a dog and playing catch et cetera and just envisioned not being able to do that with him/her, and then thought, well what's the point ya know? Living with one eye on the front door, making sure all routes of escape are closed off - surely that would leave you on the edge all of the time?

Also, I know it is not ideal to have a dog at home in a yard all day, but the realities are that most couples have to work and that its a reality. Would it be best not to get one on that basis? Or would it be better having two dogs, giving each other company?

I'm not the type of person who does things without researching fully, and am committed to training classes, proper exercise for the dog so I just would like an owner's perspective so the dog has a full and happy life.

Fair play to you for looking into it all fully.

Not being facetious, but why would you like a husky? What is about them that you like?

Very few of huskies that I know like to play with the ball - and any that do, like to kill it before they'd bring it back:D

I always had cross breeds growing up, fantastic dogs all of them. Then I got my first PB siberian, then I got another one to keep her company. When they were old enough I bought a scooter and took them out on it - honestly its not too extreme to say that it changed my life. It is absolutely amazing fun, to see these dogs running like that, and doing what they were bred for. I love seeing huskies run, but, due to the running off thing, its something that you very seldom see, so to see them in action in harness is fantastic. Now I have far too many dogs to mention, run a rescue for sibes and mals, and belong to a club that does dry land mushing, backpacking in the summer etc. I'm going over to the UK in October for our first proper race. The weekends away with the club are great craic, and the relationship that I've built up with the dogs through working them is like nothing I've had with any of my pet dogs.

Anyway, back to you:D There are very few huskies that will make a bolt for an open door all the time, you just learn to close doors behind you, its really not such a big deal. And to feed them, and pay vets bills etc, obviously you have to work. If they are exercised properly, being left alone while you're at work will be no bother. Again though, thats why the scootering or bikejoring is so good, half an hour on a scooter wears them out so much more quickly than a good hour and a half walk.

shay

My reason for wanting a husky? I've always wanted a dog, and since I first seen a husky, well its like the thread says - so to be honest I would have to say primarily the look of the dog. I do also in a paradoxical way, like the idea of the stubborn streak/indpendence (I know I'm giving out about it too)

Fair point made in relation to the leash having to be on any dog I guess. And excellent idea re tennis courts - which I have close by.

I understand 3 miles a day is the recommended amount of exercise, so I wonder would be any difficulty in running with the dog alongside?

A crossbreed does sound like an option too - I understand you take your chances insofar as you may not get any deviation from the temperment.

ISDW - is there any chance of some pics of the setter crosses?


Thanks again folks, keep it coming

Sittingpretty

shay wrote: »

My reason for wanting a husky? I've always wanted a dog, and since I first seen a husky, well its like the thread says - so to be honest I would have to say primarily the look of the dog. I do also in a paradoxical way, like the idea of the stubborn streak/indpendence (I know I'm giving out about it too)

Fair point made in relation to the leash having to be on any dog I guess. And excellent idea re tennis courts - which I have close by.

I understand 3 miles a day is the recommended amount of exercise, so I wonder would be any difficulty in running with the dog alongside?

A crossbreed does sound like an option too - I understand you take your chances insofar as you may not get any deviation from the temperment.

ISDW - is there any chance of some pics of the setter crosses?


Thanks again folks, keep it coming

Shay - If you like "wolfy" looking dogs, have you ever thought about a GSD?

shay

Hi Sittingpretty,
I have, but (to me) there's nothing as striking as a husky... I know it sounds superficial... I may go for, as someone suggested above, a crossbreed?

ISDW

Sittingpretty wrote: »

Shay - If you like "wolfy" looking dogs, have you ever thought about a GSD?

But legally there are more restrictions on a GSD than a husky, you can't let a GSD off lead anyway in a public place, and it has to be muzzled in public.

Shay, are you going to pet expo? We'll be there over the weekend, and are holding a canicross race on the Friday evening, which is running with your dog attached to you. Come along, meet a good few huskies, see how much fun it can be working them. Maybe a malamute may be more to your liking. There is a school of thought that they also shouldn't be let off lead, but I know mals that are very good off lead, there are two looking for a new home near Belfast, raised with kids, very friendly:D

shay

Hey ISDW,
that's a great idea - I will only be able to make Sunday tho - will that be any use?!?

I had thought of attending local obedience classes/agililty training, but there were no huskys in the class

ISDW

shay wrote: »

Hey ISDW,
that's a great idea - I will only be able to make Sunday tho - will that be any use?!?

I had thought of attending local obedience classes/agililty training, but there were no huskys in the class

Yeah, we'll be doing the demos on Sunday, and one of them will involve canicross. Even if you just meet some of the dogs, and realise that they are just the best dog in the world it will be a good day out:D

shay

Excellent stuff - will defo be there on the sunday.

Even if I don't actually get one, I'll be delighted to spend a bit of up-close time with them

Chris_Heilong

Are you talking about the pet expo at RDS in july?

Sittingpretty

ISDW wrote: »

But legally there are more restrictions on a GSD than a husky, you can't let a GSD off lead anyway in a public place, and it has to be muzzled in public.

Yeah sure I know this only too well having a 3 yr old GSD baby I suppose I feel the way about GSD's as Shay does about Huskies!

ISDW

Chris_Heilong wrote: »

Are you talking about the pet expo at RDS in july?

Yep, just hope its not too hot for the dogs.

Sittingpretty wrote: »

Yeah sure I know this only too well having a 3 yr old GSD baby I suppose I feel the way about GSD's as Shay does about Huskies!

Totally understandable:D Stupid law, but what can you do?

shay

Just seen this on youtube...


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qXo3NFqkaRM&feature=related


I want one even more now... haha

boomerang

How about a Norwegian Elkhound?

Or perhaps a sable, short-coated GSD? But then you've got the stupid restricted breeds legislation.

Any of the breeds I can think of that vaguely resemble a Husky are all members of the spitz breeds and they all have that same independent spirit, aloofness and unreliable recall But you know, we shouldn't stereotype, either. if you get a puppy and you train it kindly and relentlessly, you could have a Husky who comes back on command. There's a girl I know with a husky under a year old. She's done an awful lot of work with her and she has good recall. But it hasn't been tested in a situation where there is a very tempting distraction! If there is somewhere local to you with a big enclosed space - a local GAA pitch for example - then you could still have that Husky. Or maybe getting involved with dog sports like cani-x or dry-land sledding would make up for not having the freedom to go off-lead on walks.

Chris_Heilong

Thats cool that you want one, they do shed 2 a year and can be a bit hyper, I know I would chose the Malamute over the Huskey as they seem to have a slower overall energy but are very big dogs and so do eat alot and cost alot when taken to see the vet. I like the look of Norwegian Elkhounds but my worry would be that they look like GSD and an Ignorant wardden may cause trouble saying the dog should be muzzeled.

When you get your dog you should post some pictures;)

adser53

I wouldn't worry about the warden mistaking an elkhound for a GSD, they look completely different and are much shorter. They're similar enough to an akita but again, they're much smaller so wouldnt be easily confused

hootietootie

I have a mal and hes great offlead when enclosed, but doubt very much that I'd be trying him offlead unenclosed. My brothers female husky had great recall(notice had), but his male had none. Both are kept onleads all the time now, his female escaped from the garden once and wouldnt come back for ages, she decided it was a great game!!!

Chris_Heilong

Well I asked some people that know very little about dogs to look at this pic and they all said it was a GSD which its not, just saying.

adser53

Chris_Heilong wrote: »

Well I asked some people that know very little about dogs to look at this pic and they all said it was a GSD which its not, just saying.

I'm not being smart but a warden, in his job description, must have at least a basic knowledge of the breeds and you yourself said the people you asked don't

I think it's pretty clear that the norwegian elkhound bears absolutely no resemblence to the GSD...see...


GSD


Elkhound, which looks a lot more like....


The Akita

shay

Hi folks,
I've been deliberating on getting a husky for some time now... and by chance an opportunity has come my way as a 12 week old needs a home asap.
The only problem is, myself and partner will be out of the house all day - we both work office hours.
I'm committed to exercising him before and after work, but in the formative period of his life i'm worried about him being on his own. Our back yard is large enough (about 3 times the average size) so I don't think space is a problem.
Can you please let me know if you think I would do more harm than good taking him at this age.
Thanks in advance.

Cherry Blossom

shay wrote: »

Hi folks,
I've been deliberating on getting a husky for some time now... and by chance an opportunity has come my way as a 12 week old needs a home asap.
The only problem is, myself and partner will be out of the house all day - we both work office hours.
I'm committed to exercising him before and after work, but in the formative period of his life i'm worried about him being on his own. Our back yard is large enough (about 3 times the average size) so I don't think space is a problem.
Can you please let me know if you think I would do more harm than good taking him at this age.
Thanks in advance.

If you take 2 weeks holiday from work and your partner takes the following 2 weeks that would give you a month over which to get the pup used to being alone for longer periods of time starting with a few minutes and working up to however long you're at work. In the long term maybe you could let the dog sleep in your room or outside your door as it wouldn't be alone all night as well as during the day. Where there's a will there's a way

crotalus667

shay wrote: »

Hi folks,
I've been deliberating on getting a husky for some time now... and by chance an opportunity has come my way as a 12 week old needs a home asap.
The only problem is, myself and partner will be out of the house all day - we both work office hours.
I'm committed to exercising him before and after work, but in the formative period of his life i'm worried about him being on his own. Our back yard is large enough (about 3 times the average size) so I don't think space is a problem.
Can you please let me know if you think I would do more harm than good taking him at this age.
Thanks in advance.

you can all ways put him in day care (needs to have his kennel cough vac's for at leas 1 week)

jellybear

Have a two and a half year old husky and just wanted to let you know that they can be very destructive when left alone. They get bored very easily, so much so that ours chewed literally EVERYTHING within reach in the kitchen and photo frames etc that were on three foot high shelves. Dad works from home so there is someone there all day with them but she managed to do a lot of destruction when he went shopping (max hed be away was 40mins!!). This went on for almost two years, maybe its just her but I thought Id let you know. They like to be active 24/7 and she tends to 'talk', its called ululating, and jump on us until someone lets her out or plays with her.
They are a lovely breed but I personally think they are not the type of breed for you if you work long hours during the day especially.
Oh and we let her off the lead with no problem at all, she has a wonderful nature, very obedient, but as I said it took time and a lot of hard work and training.:)

ISDW

jellybear wrote: »

Have a two and a half year old husky and just wanted to let you know that they can be very destructive when left alone. They get bored very easily, so much so that ours chewed literally EVERYTHING within reach in the kitchen and photo frames etc that were on three foot high shelves. Dad works from home so there is someone there all day with them but she managed to do a lot of destruction when he went shopping (max hed be away was 40mins!!). This went on for almost two years, maybe its just her but I thought Id let you know. They like to be active 24/7 and she tends to 'talk', its called ululating, and jump on us until someone lets her out or plays with her.
They are a lovely breed but I personally think they are not the type of breed for you if you work long hours during the day especially.
Oh and we let her off the lead with no problem at all, she has a wonderful nature, very obedient, but as I said it took time and a lot of hard work and training.:)

Thats great, and I hope that she continues to come back, but please don't think that husky owners that won't let their dogs off lead don't put the work and training in, they do, but they also understand the hardwiring in the breed. I am lucky insofar as I have a very large field that I have had fenced to husky height and all of my dogs will come back when called in the field, even if they are at the far end of it, however, I would never trust them in an unenclosed area, the trait of the breed to run is just too ingrained in them. 99% of the time they will come back, then one day the scent will be there, and they will be gone. Such a shame, as I love watching them run, but its just one of the things you do have to bear in mind if you want a sibe.

Bookworm1

Hi

This is our Husky/Akita mix, he is a great dog. Not very good with recall and not too fond of been left alone during the day. We take him to a doggie day care a couple of days a week which he loves, so that tires him out. Loves his walks and could walk for hours. We walk him 3 times a day for about 1.5 hours in total and more on the weekends.....

Bookworm1

Oops just noticed I misspelled 'husky', here is another photo

jellybear

ISDW wrote: »

Thats great, and I hope that she continues to come back, but please don't think that husky owners that won't let their dogs off lead don't put the work and training in, they do, but they also understand the hardwiring in the breed.

I have no idea where you got the notion that I think that I was merely showing that not all huskys are the same, and also that she grew out of her chewing habit through training and hard work, not just recall like you may have thought.

shay

well i picked the dog up on Saturday, and whilst it was a shock to the system (early mornings) etc, he seems to be settling in fine.
He's 13 weeks and is going for his second shot this weekend (and kennel cough).
He sleeps in the utility room during the nite, and we play and train him a little in the morning before we go to work. He has toys, a kennel, food, a blanket and a big garden fenced off to 6ft high all round. We have someone to pop in during the day at around 2 for a play and some food, and then when we come back in the eve, he gets more playtime. We can't walk him at the mo, seen as he hasn't had his shots.
We don't molly-coddle him, as we don't want to spoil him, but he seems to be getting into the routine and is fairly relaxed when we get home
Here he is

adser53

he's gorgeous Shay congratulations! Ye gotta love 'em!

belongtojazz

aah he's stunning:D congratulations

Irishcrx

Hi Shay,

I missed this thread so couldn't offer any input but congrats on him, he is a stunning dog. ISDW is always great for advice, pretty much our Husky king pin around here so you can't go wrong with the advice. Train him early and he'll be your best buddy in no time, regarding fetch etc some do it, some don't it depends on how you approach it and the dog of course, My guy loves it if he even see's a ball he's jumping around howling to go out and he brings the ball back everytime and sits for another go so some definatly enjoy it. They are really friendly, outgoing, loving , playfull dogs and you are going to love them. Exercise is important, I jog with him at least once a day to wear him down, they are happiest when active with their masters. Congrats again, heres a picture of Busker chilling out yesturday after dinner.

Rew

Congrats he gorgeous! We have a 2 year old Samoyed and a 2 year old Husky. The Husky is a recent addition rescue. Wouldn't let either off the lead they would either be under a car or disappearing though a hedge never to be seen again. The couple of times we have had an escape with the Samoyed we were very lucky the outcome was good.

Irishcrx

Rew wrote: »

Congrats he gorgeous! We have a 2 year old Samoyed and a 2 year old Husky. The Husky is a recent addition rescue. Wouldn't let either off the lead they would either be under a car or disappearing though a hedge never to be seen again. The couple of times we have had an escape with the Samoyed we were very lucky the outcome was good.

Agreed, I've had two scares first time he got out when someone tried to take him out when I was asleep had to dash down the stairs half dressed and run after him, went in front of a car and everything had to stop it, second time he got off the lead and went running, My german sheperd caught him only reason he stopped is cause he thought she was playing, she grabbed him for me!

Rew

Irishcrx wrote: »

Agreed, I've had two scares first time he got out when someone tried to take him out when I was asleep had to dash down the stairs half dressed and run after him, went in front of a car and everything had to stop it, second time he got off the lead and went running, My german sheperd caught him only reason he stopped is cause he thought she was playing, she grabbed him for me!

Very similar to what happened to us, first time she got out the front door by accident and sprinted off up the road, she only stopped because neighbors dogs started barking and she stopped to bark back!!

Next time she pulled the lead out of my other half's hand to chase a rabbit. 3 fields later there was no sign of her at all until all of a sudden she popped out of a ditch (filthy dirty but ok!). Their chase instinct is missive!

Funnily enough the last time she got out she went across the road and played with the neighbors kids then came home, but if she had seen another dog or a cat on the way she would have gone!

koneko

Since you already have the dog, just a tiny bit of advice, make sure since you're out all day that you do have people coming round regularly. If he is left alone all day with no other dog for company and no visits and stimulation, he's going to end up bored, lonely, unhappy and destructive.

They're an awful lot of work, but worth it IMO, just do right by them
What's the fencing by the way? They're massive escape artists.

shay

Hi koneko,
thanks for your reply.
We will have him a week tomorrow and he sleeps in the utility room (with his own cushioned basket type thing) and water. He howled from very early in the morning for the first few days but since yesterday, he has not howled once in the morning and the room has been completely dry!
We feed him and play with him before we go to work and do a small bit of training too for about half hour.
I have someone coming in to see him at around 2 every day, for food and a play.
He has a kennell outside, plenty of toys, blanket, food and water.
The garden is about 3 times the average terraced size and the ppl who had him between 9 and 12 weeks lived in an apartment, so I guess he's delighted with the space.
The fencing is over 6 ft high all around.
He's getting his second set of injections tomorrow so 10 days later the morning and evening walks begin.

andreac

shay wrote: »

Hi koneko,
thanks for your reply.
I have someone coming in to see him at around 2 every day, for food and a play.
He has a kennell outside, plenty of toys, blanket, food and water.
The garden is about 3 times the average terraced size and the ppl who had him between 9 and 12 weeks lived in an apartment, so I guess he's delighted with the space.
The fencing is over 6 ft high all around.
He's getting his second set of injections tomorrow so 10 days later the morning and evening walks begin.

Congrats on the dog. Quick question, why did someone have him for 3 weeks after the breeder?

shay

andreac wrote: »

Congrats on the dog. Quick question, why did someone have him for 3 weeks after the breeder?

the previous ppl took him at 8 weeks and after a week said they weren't prepared for what was involved... [I heard on the grapevine that the son was quite rough with him] and so he was going to be sent back down to the breeder in Limerick, hence the slight lack of preparation on our part (we had to run around the petstore on Friday - the day before we got him)

why do you ask?

andreac

shay wrote: »

the previous ppl took him at 8 weeks and after a week said they weren't prepared for what was involved... [I heard on the grapevine that the son was quite rough with him] and so he was going to be sent back down to the breeder in Limerick, hence the slight lack of preparation on our part (we had to run around the petstore on Friday - the day before we got him)

why do you ask?

Well i just would be concerned as to why someone had a pup for 3 weeks and then rehomed it, thats all. They obv didnt even give the dog a chance as 3 weeks is nothing, esp when a pup is concerned so i was only wondering why it had been with someone diff for 3 weeks.

shay

I see what you mean.

I asked in case I missed something else

lisar201

Rew wrote: »

Congrats he gorgeous! We have a 2 year old Samoyed and a 2 year old Husky. The Husky is a recent addition rescue. Wouldn't let either off the lead they would either be under a car or disappearing though a hedge never to be seen again. The couple of times we have had an escape with the Samoyed we were very lucky the outcome was good.

My mother has a yr old samoyed and he is forever trying to escape through the smallest of holes in the hedge(which has an electric fence running around it for the horse and he just puts his front paws on it and it doesn't bother him!!)I wouldn't mind but mam has an acre and a half which he gets to run around!I would never ever let a samoyed or huskie of the lead

ballymac676

Great thread with some very good advice. Not a huskey owner myself (i have a GSD) but my friend has a beautiful sib. Extremely well behaved and obedience trained but as the thread says very difficult to let off lead. Full marks to you Shay for taking your dog care seriously. I hate to hear of pups/dogs of any breed being left alone all day whilst owners are at work so it is good to hear that you have a 'pet walker/carer' calling in the afternoon. Hope your pup brings you many years of joy

tk123

Rew wrote: »

Congrats he gorgeous! We have a 2 year old Samoyed and a 2 year old Husky. The Husky is a recent addition rescue. Wouldn't let either off the lead they would either be under a car or disappearing though a hedge never to be seen again. The couple of times we have had an escape with the Samoyed we were very lucky the outcome was good.

Ah thats a great pic "Haha I have a new harness and YOU don't" Well I'm assuming the samoyed doesn't - there may be one hidden in that fluffy coat! :pac:

Congrats on the new addition OP. Plenty of training while he's young and it'll pay off as he gets older - and hopefully not bolder!

benny194

Missed most of this thread but I own a Samoyed myself and the one big piece of advice I would give is to make sure your fence is buried! Samoyeds, Huskies and Malamutes love to dig. It's hard to get them out of the habit and if they're not exercised enough they'll try and find a way out.

Reading back on some of the posts, reactions are mixed between whether or not you can let your dog off the leash. As long as your dog has a properly trained recall then it should be fine. Just take it slowly. If your husky is off the leash too soonn then you'll have problems. They have huge stamina and love to explore so it might be a while before you see them again.

ISDW

benny194 wrote: »

Reading back on some of the posts, reactions are mixed between whether or not you can let your dog off the leash. As long as your dog has a properly trained recall then it should be fine. Just take it slowly. If your husky is off the leash too soonn then you'll have problems. They have huge stamina and love to explore so it might be a while before you see them again.

I'm sorry but no, not with siberian huskies. You will not find one breed club or breed welfare organisation anywhere in the world that says that sibes can be let off lead. You can probably let the dog off lead up until about the age of 8/9 months and they will come back to you, but after that if they get a scent or see something, they will be off. If you are lucky they will come back to you, but if there is a road, or a farmer with a gun around, then they probably won't.

Samoyeds and siberians are very different dogs.

koneko

Agreed. I have a few, and I love them to bits, but I'd never really trust them off lead. Among breeders, clubs, shelters, there is no mixed reaction, everyone accepts that as a breed they're not dogs you'd let off lead. All it takes is for that one time for them to run off, you'll never catch them with the speed of them, and they could run out into traffic and I can't imagine any farmers being particularly happy if they're running around their land too.