Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Hey everyone,
I will be getting a husky pup in 2 weeks (when she gets to be 6 weeks of age) and Im very excited about it, but a lot of what I've been reading has people complaining about their behavioral issues and boredom tendencies.

Anyway, I've come to accept that the dog will dig and be destructive if it becomes bored or left alone. I am hoping to make her a indoor/outdoor dog, keeping her in the house when Im not at work or taking her out to exercise and hopefully minimize that as much as possible.

I am planning on attending the training courses at petsmart and I've got a few training books with illustrations as well. Has anyone had any success with this? Or would it just be a bad investment? I'd really like to raise the pup right and hopefully she will carry the discipline into her later years.

Also, what brand/kind of dog food would be best for her? I've read a couple places just to start them off on adult dog food to help with the teething.

Any advice you could give me on them would be great, thanks!

Jon

I think the pup would enjoy going to training with you, seeing the other dogs, and going for the outing. Then, after everything is said and done, the Sibe will do whatever the heck it wants to do anyway. At least that's my experience.

I really believe these are the smartest domesticated dogs on the planet, but they don't get that respect because they don't do tricks and don't follow your directions blindly like a Lab or Golden.

They want attention, companionship, fun/play, and that's about it. Those things come secondary to food, even, for them.

good luck! they are wonderful dogs. you just need to know what to expect and accept it.

Walt

I can't address the food thing specifically for huskies, but i have some experience with independednt spitz breeds in regard to training.

Overall with training ANY training is better than nothing. Positive reinforcement training that is upbeat and low on repetition and high on rewards for attempts at doign things right will give you the best chance for learning with your dog.

Although one can train out of a book, I find going to a class is of huge benefit because it allows you to train for distractions in a safe enviornment. So, your Petsmart class shoudl be of great value to you.

With books, each dog is different so if the method described in the book isn't working, modify it. Just because it's written on paper doesn't mean it will work for your dog. Your dog didnt' read that book or at least that chapter of the book.

Make training fun, short, consitent, and not too goal oriented at the start. Also, once your dog has mastered a command, start to proof that command in new places. Just because Fido can "sit" in your front yard doesn't mean he can do the same behavior on a croweded school yard or at the vet's office.

Have fun with your puppy and your dog.
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Chelle and the rest of the crew including, but not limited to Kita and Taiko (the shiba inu wrestle maniacs), Adi (reserved and dignified tabby cat), and all 28 reptiles

hello!

I just got my pup monday, at 8 weeks, and dont worry even though there's some work to do (with any puppy, really) It's worth it

they get the hang of things fairly quick, because they're extremely intelligent dogs. Training Classes sound ideal.

Are you getting the pup from a breeder? Ask the breeder what they're feeding the pup. Mine were feeding puppy chow (purina) so i continue with that, but when the bag runs out, i'm going to start mixing it with the food i want her to have, science diet. If you want to change your puppy's food, you can just mix it gradually, so they dont get a sick tummy.

good luck! I think you'll be happy when the training you do pays off, and a good puppy book is a must!

- fellow husky lover, Taryn