Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I am 13 years old. I have been begging for a dog, and still havn't gotten approval. But with me and my absolutely stubborn mind, I am persistent and am going to buy a dog anyway. I originally claimed to want a labrador retriever. After researching I was still in love, but decided that a "bland" labrador was no match for me and my very unique and interesting personality/life/family. I wanted something a little out of the ordinary. So now I am in love with, instead of the labrador, the Siberian Husky. I have absolutely fallen in love with their look. And also the way they act. I have also heard of the cons.

Problems
1. Fencing
I was thinking that I would just have an area of my 2 acre land fenced off. When I say fenced off I do mean invisible fence. Do you think this is suitable? I have heard that Huskies escape easily. But I figured that if I was the alpha pack leader, I could easily convince my Husky not to leave. Or is it not convincable. Is it just instinct to leave the area?
2. I have cats
I have heard that Huskies tend to just jump on anything it sees running that is smaller than it. I am afraid that my outdoor cat will have problems. I would never want to put my other pets in danger because of my desires.
3. Noise
This one isn't that bad. I mean, I can live with 10 minutes of constant howling. But will my Husky keep my parents and I up all night?
4. Shedding
This isn't a problem in my mind. Not at all. I live in a basement room. So when it sheds, it will shed in my "house" and it won't even go upstairs to my parent's part of the house. But I was just curious to know how long their shedding seasons are. And yes, I am definitely up to vacuuming daily or more for the sake of my not having to eat and breathe dog hair. But generally, I really don't care at all if they shed.

Thanks for your attention. Please reply!!!!!!!!!

-Mimi

Well actually... I wouldn't get any dog while your parents are saying no.
It is there house after all, despite the fact that you have claim over the basement.

It seems like a wonderful idea now, but Siberians live for 12-15 years... so what happens to the dog while you go off to college?
Siberians are also typically bad movers and don't adapt as well to change as some other dog breeds.

Owning a dog does cost a fair bit of money. There is of course the initial cost of the dog, food, bowl, toys, leash, collar, vet bills(trust me, this is a big one, especially surgeries like spay or neuter) the electronic fence you mentioned... If your parents don't want a dog then that means they are not very likely to want to pay for any of it... which means you will need a job. So while you're at work where does the dog go? Yes you could just put him in a crate(another expense) or in the basement(be prepared to have stuff destroyed when he gets bored)... but since you are a student that means you'll be working after school... so your dog could be in a crate for 12 or more hours. Thats really unhealthy and the dog is likely to have to relieve itself in the crate which will eventually lead to health problems(more vet bills).
Also there is matters like house training... which obviously you'd be aware of but if the dog your parents didn't want pee's on the rug they aren't very likely to want to keep him around.

I would seriously get your parents on board for getting a dog before you really consider any kind of dog Siberian Husky or otherwise.

Thanks so much for the input. I have realized quite a few things that I know you will find not shocking at all.
1.) I am an ignorant teenager who is trying to tell myself what I want to hear and denying the realities of certain breeds of dogs.
2.) As for the Husky --- NOT a good choice for me right now. When I get older and move to Canada and have my own place and can afford a dog and have no parents holding me back, THEN I will get a Husky.

My parents did in the past week decide that I was capable of taking care of a dog. I think they realized this when they saw that I have had a record of straight A's since 1st grade, I do my chores, keep my room spit spot clean, and do my own laundry twice a week. YAAAAY!!

My mom said, "So do you want a Husky?" and like a responsible person I said "NOOOOOO!!"
Are you proud of me? Hahaha.
I told her about the research I had completed and she was quite surprised. I told her that our cats would be dead, our yard would be destroyed, there is a bigger potential of tragedy if they roam, and I'm not ready for a Husky, and you aren't either. So I feel pretty good right now.
I am getting a Labrador Retriever. That was what I wanted to begin with. So all is well and I get my dog for my birthday, my yard doesn't look like the moon, and hopefully my cats won't become doggy dinner.

Thanks so much for replying.

Mimi

If this is your first do I would probally go for something else.Your parents really need to be in on the decision because chances are when you go off to college they'll keep the dog Whatever dog you get plan on having till your at least 28.

*I would never trust a husky in a fence. I know my girl can climb over even the board privacy fences. I'd only trust a covered kennel and thats only for short potty breaks.

I am definately in charge at my house and my girl still wants to go. its nothing against us,its jsut what they were bred for. they are supposed to think for themselves.

Up untill my girl was about two she could be off leash but all of a sudden she'd jsut take of. Now she is not allowed out unless on a chain or leash.

* As far as the cats I'm not sure. the day I picked my hsuky up the breeders persian was killed by my girls dad I almost didn't get her but I figured if I brought her up around them it would be ok. I didn't stop to think the breeder did the same thing.

Luckilly my girl has chased my cats but never really gone after them. She has on the other hand gotten rats,possums,racoons,and a sheep.

*My girl was a whiner for probally her first couple of months but I know some huskies that are constant and do drive people nutts. My girl only"talks"now when you talk to her or she sees something outside she wants to eat

*the shedding is bad. there are times it looks like we have shaved a sheep. I also have the basement in my parents moms but the hair is still all over the house. I cleaned the fans a couple months ago and found it up there. the best thing to do is jsut constant brushing and a good food really does help.

Honestly for a first dog I would go for a lab(thats what I had!). Better yet go to a shelter and get a cute mutt. My shelter actually has huskys and husky mixes in all the time.
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Thanks for your response!
I suppose you are right about maybe not choosing a Siberian Husky first. Do you think that a Husky mix would be better? I am really not sure at all what the difference between a mix and a regular Husky is. I did want a lab for a long time. Then I started looking at other breeds and decided that I wanted something different.

You may be able to find a mix that has a bit of a husky look and more of a lab or shepherd attitude. If you could get in contact with a good rescue you and your parents could come up with what you are looking for and they would try to get close to that.
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Hey! First of all -- props. We all love huskies too
Huskies can NEVER be trained to be left off of a leash outdoors, unless in a fully fenced yard. Even with a dog whisperer-- or the best dog trainer in the world, they have tendencies to run, very fast, and if you chase them-- they like to play a little game called... you can NOT catch me.

I agree with the first person who replied to you about if your parents are saying no, for the good of the dog you should say no too. Unless you invest a major ammount of time and talk into letting your parents know just how enthused you are, I'd let the dream go. Because
A: If you beg, they may just be giving in' which can result in dsmay of your parents, when the puppy pees on the carpet, and there's a family fight about 'I told you i didnt want this dog! No I told YOU I didnt want this dog!" In turn, the dog's the one who's screwed
B: If you simply buy the dog, your parents may decide to punish you, they'll remove the dog... inturn leaving the dog homeless, as many dogs are year after year.

They are the longest living working dogs, so a 15 year commitment is expected... and they can be 'difficult' to train due to high intelligence levels.

HOWEVER. I love my husky, I keep up with her energy and intelligent with running, jogging, games, and LOTS of play. If you're compatible with the husky, it sounds like a GREAT animal choice, my only advice is to give it a bit more time, to make sure your decision is set in stone ( I know it stinks to wait, but It will pay off, if you start deciding maybe it's a dalmation, orrrrrr a mastiff! that you want ) AND Really talk things over with your 'rents. In the end, you need alot of their support.. so I'd give them the benefit of the doubt, and try to let them understand just how strongly you feel for this animal, maybe work out a payment plan (lol) Tell them how great you'll do in school, and chores if you get your 4 legged friend, and such (no begging, or bribing, just making them confident in their decision)

one last thing--- If you get your husky as a puppy (8 weeks) They will need to be let out of their crate to go potty every 2-3 hours.. Make sure you're ready to comit to that before buying (If it's too much, you may want to rescue an older dog, maybe 1-2 years, from a siberian rescue or animal shelter)

Hopefully, those were helpful tips.. Let me know how it goes!
- Taryn

Mimi,

I think it's great you are doing so much research before you get a dog!

First, though, you should not just "buy a dog" without your parent's permission. You are not an adult for another 5 years, and by law, your parents could take the dog away, sell it, etc, and you couldn't do anything about it. Not to mention that you need buy-in from your parents, because this is a HUGE responsibility. Can you pay for its food, spaying/neutering, regular veterinary bills (shots, exams), or emergency Vet treatment? A single regular exam on a dog plus yearly shots is probably around $80-$100. If your dog needs to go to an emergency Vet, you NEVER get out of there for under $200, and emergencies DO happen! The best bet is to show your parents your research and how you will take care of the dog and be responsible. You will get a lot further with that than with demands or just "getting one anyway".

OK... Assuming you have your parents permission, here are a few thoughts on your questions.

First, even invisible fencing on 2 acres would cost you a LOT of money. For that much wire, besides the cost alone, you would probably need some sort of amplifier because you would lose signal/current over that stretch. You would have to talk with a fencing expert.

Second, I don't think a Siberian would ever respect that invisible fence barrier, shock collar or not. If he/she saw a rabbit on the other side, they would bolt full speed over that without a second thought. Sure, she might get a zap, but once they did, they'd be going full speed and would be away in a shot. Once your Siberian is loose, they are at danger of being stolen, hit by a car, or killed by a predator (if you live in what sounds like a rural area). Also, they only come back when they're tired and hungry and may forget the way home. The best bet is at least a 4 foot high picket fence. Who's going to pay for this fence? A decent sized fenced area (say 3 sides off the house at 30 feet by 100 feet) would cost upwards of $1000-$2000 depending on materials. My Sibe respects her fence, but still digs under it to try to get to prey.

That brings up another point. A Sibe will dig up your backyard until it looks like the surface of the moon. Your parents won't like that.

Whether you're the "Alpha" or not, that will not affect their primal instinct to run, explore, and hunt! Also, Siberians are very stubborn and independent, and you'll be surprised how much they will NOT listen! You're lucky to get them to want to do what you want to do. It's more in the vein of convincing/enticing them to what you want to do.

Next, if you get a Siberian, your cat(s) are in extreme danger. Sibes view birds, squirrels, possums, racoons, mice, cats, rabbits, and any small mammal as food. You cannot convince them otherwise. If it's a young puppy when you get it, you may be lucky to get them to accept them as part of the pack, but when it grows up, you could be in for a tragedy.

Noise is minimal. Most Sibes are dead quiet unless they REALLY want something bad! They don't incessantly bark like some other breeds (Labs included).

Shedding is TONS twice a year. I think you could deal with that, too.

The biggest concerns are costs and restraint. You can teach a Lab to stick around you and not wander off because they are so protective and loyal. They are also not so headstrong. You can NEVER take a Sibe off-leash outside your fenced property.

Assuming you get your parents' approval, I think a Lab mix would be the best choice for you. Purebred Labs are prone to hip disease, and a mix would hopefully be less susceptible. Also, this dog would help protect you, your house and property. A Siberian would welcome an intruder in with open paws!

If you got this dog now (with approval) and you kept it its whole life, it would probably live until you're 26, at which time (or before, once you live on your own and have a job) THEN you could get a Siberian.

They are beautiful dogs, sweet with other dogs and kids, but aren't as dependent as other breeds.

I hope you take my advice to heart in your decision!!!

Walt

I dont personally own a husky, but I know several people who do, and hike with them off lead, it is possible to have them off lead but you have to have control over them, not just think you have control.

Well that probably works most of the time... but I still wouldn't trust them to not see something they would rather be doing and leave.

It is possible, however there is always the chance that any dog will decide it's going to chase after a smaller animal.

So how long do you want to play the odds for?

Sorry but with a husky you always"jsut think you are in control". thats how they were bred nad if they hike with you like a lab they are a pretty bad example of the breed. Like i said earlier my girl was fine off lead untill about two and then that was it,never again.
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Thanks so much for the input. I have realized quite a few things that I know you will find not shocking at all.
1.) I am an ignorant teenager who is trying to tell myself what I want to hear and denying the realities of certain breeds of dogs.
2.) As for the Husky --- NOT a good choice for me right now. When I get older and move to Canada and have my own place and can afford a dog and have no parents holding me back, THEN I will get a Husky.

My parents did in the past week decide that I was capable of taking care of a dog. I think they realized this when they saw that I have had a record of straight A's since 1st grade, I do my chores, keep my room spit spot clean, and do my own laundry twice a week. YAAAAY!!

My mom said, "So do you want a Husky?" and like a responsible person I said "NOOOOOO!!"
Are you proud of me? Hahaha.
I told her about the research I had completed and she was quite surprised. I told her that our cats would be dead, our yard would be destroyed, there is a bigger potential of tragedy if they roam, and I'm not ready for a Husky, and you aren't either. So I feel pretty good right now.
I am getting a Labrador Retriever. That was what I wanted to begin with. So all is well and I get my dog for my birthday, my yard doesn't look like the moon, and hopefully my cats won't become doggy dinner.

Thanks so much for replying.

Mimi

Congratulations, Mimi! That's really responsible of you!

I think you're going to love your Lab. They are great dogs. Very loyal, playful, and a lot more lovey-dovey than Sibes.

Post a picture here when you get it!

Now a choice... Black, Yellow, or Chocolate !!!

Walt

Well Mimi it sounds like you are already turning into a good dog owner. I am glad you have decided a husky just isn't the right fit for now. Check out the dog training boards on here they is some great advice.
Make sure you research your breeder before you buy a pup. And maybe look into puppy training classes.

Best of luck to you.