Q: What are some tips on raising a Siberian Husky puppy?
I am going to get a Siberian Husky puppy in a few days. What can I prepare for her? I already have another dog, so I have toys and stuff but what should I expect?
Answers and Views:
Answer by Naysaツ
Lots and lots and lots and lots and lots of hair!!!
Howling
More hair
their great desire to just run and never stop
Photo Credit: Jasen Miller/Flickr CC
Answer by Serendipity
Siberian Huskies ARE high energy dogs, but exercise shouldn't be forced until the dog is physically mature, to prevent joint problems. Until then, 20-minute walks, some games in the backyard, etc. will do. When the dog is physically mature, you can go on longer walks/jogs that span several miles.
Definitely buy chew toys, like non-edible Nylabones and Elk antlers; they'll be great to have around when the puppy starts teething. A stuffing-free, squeaker toy is great, too, and you don't have to worry about the puppy eating stuffing (I like the Skinneez brand). And of course, you'll need a tennis or rubber ball, in case your puppy likes chasing or retrieving (I doubt that will come naturally with a Sibe, though).
Also, make sure you get a crate, which will help a lot with housetraining. I recommend buying one large enough for an adult Sibe, and making the space smaller with a crate divider; the puppy will eliminate in the crate if it has room. No pads, because they'll teach the puppy that it's okay to eliminate indoors. Make sure you puppy proof the house first, but also get some Grannick's Bitter Apple Spray just in case; it's a bitter chewing deterrent, and seems to work better than all the rest.
Also, be sure you get a quality holistic food (if you're not feeding raw) that's high in meat content. Because Huskies are large breed dogs, make sure the formula has low enough calcium & phosphorous levels to keep your puppy from growing too quickly (people used to think it was protein, but high ca/ph are really the source of the problem, along with overfeeding). You don't have to necessarily buy a large breed puppy formula, because all size/breed/age group-specific foods are basically marketing gimmicks. Some adult foods actually have lower ca/ph. I'd stick with a food that has a maximum of 1.7% calcium and 1.4% phosphorous, or less.
For exercise go with walks and play-dates versus toys and tennis balls.
Answer by letterstoheather
Huskies are a different sort of dog, and when we get one, we need to assert ourselves as pack leaders right off the bat.
I think that group obedience is great for pups after they have had their series of puppy shots… it's good for socialization. If you have dog parks, or trails in your area, another good idea. Dogs are social creatures, and it's really a good idea to get your dog acсustom to being in the company of other dogs.
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Answer by havinajamingoodtime
Very excited dogs… once their "blood" gets following they have trouble listening… Like to pull on a leash so teach not to do that while young and don't pull as hard…
Crate train while ur gone or seclude him in one room cause they will get bored and scavenge in the garbage or chew up anything… always full of energy… really cool exciting dog breed… i had never been around one til about a year ago and already planning on getting one once I move out…
Answer by Janet B
Congratulations on your Siberian Husky puppy! Don't automatically assume your Husky will behave like your other dog – they do tend to exhibit some breed-specific characteristics.
Huskies are escape artists. Many Sibe owners need a 6' privacy fence with a cattle wire to keep our babies safe. NEVER LET THE DOG ROAM OFF LEASH!
The Sibernet-L mailing list (listserv) is devoted to the Siberian Husky and is open to all Siberian Husky owners, breeders, exhibitors or anyone with an interest in the Siberian Husky breed and raising a Husky. http://www.sos-srf.org/SibernetL.html explains the list and gives information about how to join. Or you can find it through Google.
Sibernet-L was a lifesaver for us when we got two puppies many years ago! Good luck!
Know better? Give your own answer to this question!
vince says
i have such a hard time to get my husky to eat. i have purchased every kind of dog food i can find. he will not eat it. but he will gladly eat what i eat? i worry about him. ts there anyone out there tht v
can give me some advice?
Mark says
First, make sure that your Husky is in good general health because diminished appetite may be a sign of illness. Check his mouth for problems with teeth that can make eating difficult. If there are no health problems, it can be his pickiness or behavior issues. Is your dog picky? Do you give him extra treats during the day? If he is used to getting a lot of table scraps, he may hold out until he is given something that tastes better than dry dog food.
Try to stick to a daily feeding routine. Give him the proper amount of food at a regular time. If he won’t eat, try again the next day. It won’t hurt him to go by without eating for a day or two, as long as he’s in good health. He should learn that his dog food is the only food he will be getting every day.
Husky needs a lot of exercises to lose calories. Take him for a good walk before mealtime to increase his appetite.
Margaret Moore says
My husky is about 1 yrs old and can’t stand me sitting down, so he jumps on be, why? He even does it After a good walk and play time. He is very good at listening to me but then he barks?
Mark says
Husky needs a lot of activity, and your puppy probably doesn’t get enough of it. Try to give him a little more of walks and games. When he jumps on you or barks, he is demanding more attention. If you react in some way, he actually gets what he wants. Don’t push him or talk to him at this moment. Just ignore. Little by little he will understand that you give him your attention only when you want to do it.
Nikki says
Well since it's a husky it's going to want to howl, let it howl it's part of their breed; your going to have to brush it twice a year (fall and spring) for it's going to shed a lot *depending on what breed of husky you get.) Sometimes they become food agressive, if they start becomming lime that feed them out of your hand, it will die off; also with toy agression I suggest keeping the toys up until you know how they will interact with each other. Now, make sure to check it's eyes every so often, catterax is commen in this breed, so if it's eyes are cloudy and it doesn't show red/blue (depdends on eye color) then get it's eyes checked. Make sure to excrise him/her daily, or it will get bored and make holes in the wall (like my 7 month old does) I could keep going, but I am being told to shut up XD
If you want more about the breed just send me an email at kingboo777(Replace this parenthesis with the @ sign)yahoo.com, I foster them so I know a lot about them.
Wendy says
Hi Nikke,
We just rescued a Husky. I am a dog person and always had a dog as a pet, for as long as I can remember.
Her name is Erebus, she is a good dog. She has been to obidience training prior to us adopting her.
I have so many questions. My main concern is when we cook or having dinner, She gets so excited and is right in your lap begging or at your feet while cooking. She also barks, howls and cries at us. How can we break her of this? Any ideas?
I would appreciate any feed back. I never had this breed as a pet.
Wendy
Mel says
Fur
Howling, or "talking"
More fur
Sneaking away
Ignoring your commands and screaming
Escaping
Fur
All in all, beautiful dogs.
Yenifer says
maybe the dog u have would either like your dog or fight him