Siberian Husky Adoption Questions

[LoveMyDobe]

This is one of the best observations in this thread. I know for a fact that we would probably travel more if it weren't for our dogs (not all trips are dog-friendly). For us, it's well worth the trade-off (although there are limits to my patieM

Our past Dobergirl Reba traveled with us everywhere! I would not leave home with out her. We stayed at dog friendly hotels, she loved to camp. In our past dogs , we had a dogsitter/housesitter there. I am now dog sitting for Izzy, which is my God Dog,( I found her her 4ever home). Us dog people stick together.

 

[skiroule]

I Don't go on "looks", How many pretty girls have you takin home that didn't pan out?

Don't go on looks? Dangerous turf indeed. The point is well taken though. A couple of months after every movie that highlights a dog breed comes out, the shelters are full of that very breed.

I love the sled dog look and the Samoyeds but they are just not suitable for our situation. We have to face the fact that there are better choices for us. One thing to keep in mind is that while there are underlying characteristics of a breed, all dogs within a breed may not be alike. We've had five Shelties and none of them have had the same personality. Some have been sweet, some have been more short tempered, and some have been timid. IMO breeding and the handling in the first few weeks determine a lot about a dogs disposition.

 

[Dave_B]

What made you chose this breed? As a fellow snow machine rider, maybe you can get your dog to pull your sled!! (speaking only because of gas prices)!

Actually, I chose this breed so he could pull my Suburban so I can afford to go on more trips.

No real definitive reason for this breed. I just thought that they would be a good fit with our family. I obviously have some concerns, that's why I asked for real life opinions from those here. Looks really had nothing to do with it although they are beautiful amimals.

Thanks again everyone.

Dave

 

[Firecatguy]

I had a polar Husky from Will Steager pack.....very strong breed.....better have alot time to wear them out.....very protective of family.....

when Buying a dog you need to find out as much about the breed as you can....working dog?non-working dog? what was the breed bred for? choose one that you can deal with...hunting breeds are big time full of energy......I also recomend you think about rescue a dog they can be very friendly and know you saved em........with that said i went with a breeder for my pup this time and cant say enuff about good blood lines...my pup comes from a breeded that bred show quality dogs that she breeds for family use.....my pup was the easiest to train out of any dog i ever had I love the cocker spanial dogs thei personality fit well with me....

 

[Dave_B]

I want to thank everone for their advice! Especially some lady who is married to a guy who thinks he is a running bear. We decided to go with Charlie, a flat haired Black Labrador Retiever. She is one year old and, so far (24 hours), has been great. My kids love her and she has adapted well.

 

[Firecatguy]

thats awsome

 

[windingtrailgal]

Dave B, Congrats! VERY cute...and the dog ain't half bad either!

 

[mrsrunningbear]

So glad all is going good! Can't wait to meet her this summer!

 

[anonomoose]

WEll, now that you have pulled the trigger....I think you made a good choice. Someone else already pointed out that dogs within the same batch and breed can be quite different. But I think overall, the husky is not a good first dog, and needs lots of room to roam. Remember that even though the dog might do it and live within the constraints you provide for him, it is always best to view all this with the dogs life in mind and a bigger dog needs lots of room to run and play and jump and shed.....

The lab is super friendly and very trainable...as a rule, and not many have a mean streak, or need to over power you just because they can. That being said, stick to a good training schedule and correct bad habits quickly.

Also....buy a good vaccum....

 

[Dave_B]

Nobody warned me about the insane amount of shedding! Hopefully it's just her winter coat and not a full time hair unload!

I thought the cat was bad!

So far, she has been great tho. At the vet today getting checked over and fixed.

And yes, I did go buy ANOTHER vacuum! I even should the wife how to use it!

 

[snowfish]

Also, they shed like no other. Especially after winter, vacuuming once a day won't even help. It's non stop.

Our Alaskan Husky is "molting" quite heavily now. She looses better than half, of her fur bulk, between now and mid June. I'm talking bushel baskets full! Then it slows down...........some what.

Only time the shedding is "countable by the hair" is the dead of winter.

Small price to pay. If yours is like ours, you'll have the most loyal, loving, friendly yet tentative, kind hearted, playful, creative, & talkative Friend that you have even had!

 

[snow_monkey]

Thanks for the extra posts.

More good info.

Shedding concerns me. Training, playing walking jogging, etc doesn't. I have a school basically across the street from me that will be his fenced in running grounds.

I really don't want to fence the yard. Will do whatever required for electronic fencing. Is it really effective for this breed?

BTW - The two I'm looking at are not 100% pure, but look like it. Max weight, according to the fosters, would be 30-40lbs.

As far as Labs go, had them. Don't want another. No offense just had enough of it eating everything in site (that wasn't food).

Dave

This is my girlfriend!

 

[snow_monkey]

I want to thank everone for their advice! Especially some lady who is married to a guy who thinks he is a running bear. We decided to go with Charlie, a flat haired Black Labrador Retiever. She is one year old and, so far (24 hours), has been great. My kids love her and she has adapted well.

Nice pup!!

 

[windingtrailgal]

Dave B - I wish I could tell you that was the case...just shedding winter coat. My yellow lab sheds a lot. I've noticed his hair doesn't "tumble weed" like other dogs I've had in the past - and this is my 2nd yellow and my bro in law's black lab lived with us part time as well. The hair just seems to fly everywear instead of clumping up. But if I brush him like a good dog owner, it really does help a ton - if I just get a few brush fulls in the morning it makes a big difference. And when Bigdaddy follows the rules and doesn't let him on the couch and keeps him on 1 of his THREE beds!? And I vacuum the beds when I vacuum everyday too. He's worth it though because the kids love his dumbbutt!?!

 

[Dave_B]

LOL! Thanks WTG!

The shedding isn't the end of the world. It's just something we'll have to deal with. The dog is great and I'm glad we got her ( It now )

Thanks again all for your help and advice!

Dave

 

[windingtrailgal]

Dave - I agree the pros outweigh the cons with my dog!! Well, at least that's what I tell the kids while secretly cursing him for not being as perfect as our previous "chill" lab!?!

A good vacuum and my dust buster are my saving grace...

I read something by a dude that was a professional photographer of labs. He stated that the greatest thing about his dog was that he slept on the couch until it was time to "go" - he didn't do daily walks with him but maybe weekly or even monthly outings. They're bread to rest up for the big hunt (that mine never get to go on!?! ) But shhhh...don't tell him!

I've noticed the same thing about my lab. I don't walk him every day...he does get "throwing the ball" excercise and get to chase a fake duck - and then the 13 year old will use his rip stick around the block a few times a week. Other than that? sleep! When we camp it's a whole nother story. I take him out and I ride my bike and we do 3 miles before the day even starts so he can be calm for the day with all of the excitement?!

 

[Skidooski]

We have an ivory lab (white) and he sheds like no other. Wife said we need to get a new vacuum as ours was quite old. Went to Sears, I was holding a $79 hoover, the wife had a $799 Dyson animal. Guess which one we bought? Hint: I had to go out to the parking lot while she paid for it.

 

[Dave_B]

We have an ivory lab (white) and he sheds like no other. Wife said we need to get a new vacuum as ours was quite old. Went to Sears, I was holding a $79 hoover, the wife had a $799 Dyson animal. Guess which one we bought? Hint: I had to go out to the parking lot while she paid for it.

That's funny!!

At least SHE paid for it

 

[snoeatr]

Dogs are great all the time. Anyone want to take my white German Shepherd for the next couple months? Enough shedding everyday to build another whole dog! I don't know how she's not bald yet. Nice lookin pup DaveB.

 

[Dave_B]

Dogs are great all the time. Anyone want to take my white German Shepherd for the next couple months? Enough shedding everyday to build another whole dog! I don't know how she's not bald yet. Nice lookin pup DaveB.

Thanks!!

I have enough dog hair filling up my house right now though. Can't take any more...cough...cough!