Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I've got a series of problems with my 1 yr old male Sibe.

He only ever wants to fight me... he's had a problem with biting (not actually biting, usually just mouthing...) since a pup, which I haven't been able to stop. Perhaps he was weened too early?

For this reason, I have to be extra careful when taking him out, as he likes to try to go after small children.

However, he's overly friendly with visitors, to the point it scares them. I try to let him know they're MY friends. Once he gets over a particular friend he usually stops.

He's always slept in my bedroom, but he won't stay in his kennel (I've tried my best to crate train him, but at night, it's just plain too loud; i've got neighbours).
Once I lay down, he tries to assume control, which has made for many sleepless hours. He wants to put his front paws and body on the bed. How can I calmy and effectively get him off??
I often wake up with him in this position chewing and salivating on the sheets. He's already ruined the zipper in 2 duvet covers in the last 3 months.

I'm starting to think I never should have got a male... I dont know what to do, so please help. Thank you.

Take back your house, your bedroom, the doorways, become alpha, your dog will be 100% happier and relaxed with you in control. Also so much better behaved. Getting it fixed can only help.
Remember its a dog, not a person, it was allowed to gain its position in the pack by its owner.

Thanks for the help... But I already know this. Sorry, but I don't know what it means exactly. It has taken me a year to learn some specific examples, but it just doesn't come naturally to me.

There's only so much I can make him do or not do, right ? So if he's being rude (ie. climbing on my bed) what do you suggest I try?

thanks again

Him in the room or if on the second floor on that floor. Set a boundary, let him know you are not allowing him to go where he wants. Reward him for staying where he should, for behaving, make him know that you control the food, even if it takes hand feeding a bit by bit every day for a period of time. Try using the leash and walking him regularly, on a collar, and do not allow him to lead, this is easy to do, change directions every time they try to pull, eventually (doesnt take long) they realize you are leading the way. Do not allow him through doorways first, do not allow him to greet people at the doors, make him wait patiently at a distance until you say so. Make him earn every meal by learning new things, by being good, and doing what puts him in his place, you will eventually see a very relaxed, much better behaved dog when you are alpha, not him.
I hope this helps, take him to training with professionals, learn how to be an alpha and be consistent, its not mean, they are dogs after all.

Thanks for that... I need those tips.
However, I have one problem about getting off the bed (for example). That is, I need to be somewhat physical... He thinks its a great game, and it just gets him going .... right before bedtime!!! Is there a good way to calm him????
All the huskies I met in the past are different, they're much more solo, or indifferent to other people. Maybe because they're older?

I adopted my Sibe about two years ago when he was about one. My dog, like yours, tried to establish his dominance. He was very mouthy like how you are describing your dogs. The way I established my dominance and ended his biting was to take my fingers on my right hand and firmly put pressure(A poke, not a grab) on the side of his neck. Let me reassure you it does not hurt the dog if done correctly, more or less represents the bite of the alpha figure(me). When doing this I would also say something like "no bite" or "off" firmly. I have done this for all dominant behavior, and for some behaviors also put him into a submissive position, on his back.

As for the problem with the bedroom, I agree with a previous poster by setting the boundaries. I had an issue with my dog darting out the frontdoor and running through the neighborhood when I first adopted him. With my dog, everytime I was about to exit through my doors, and would give him the "sit" and "stay" command verbally and with a representive hand signal. To cut his darting behavior I would first put my palm towards his face, as if to halt him. Then I would literally draw an invisible boundary with my hand, and correct him accordingly if he were to pass. May sound ridiculous, but my dog acts as if there is a brick wall in front of him.

Just remember to always be affirmative, and avoid the discipline that has more "complaint" in your voice. Keep it sharp and firm. Remember you are 1, he is 2. Good luck, hope this gives you some ideas.

Calmer after he accepted boundaries, and relinquished control to you? They are happier, more relaxed, less jumpy, more playful, and glad to see someone else have the role of alpha.
That idea with the finger tips to poke them in the neck works, it makes them jump, and catches their attention, but does not hurt whatsoever. Also using the fingers and thumb to grab the side of the neck and hang on such as a more dominant dog does to a bad behaved puppy works if done right.
The hardest part is being calm, not getting mad, and being consistant with everything.

If I take over the alpha role, will this change in him be immediate? He does seem calmer, but I think he's a little under the weather now... maybe he found something bad to eat in the yard.
Yes, being calm and not getting angry is a problem for me ! But now that I can see the positive results it's easier.
Thanks for all the help.

Some results will be immediate, some take time and persistance. Dont worry I catch myself losing my cool sometimes, it happens. Good luck.

When my cleo has issues with dominance what i always do is put her on her back and stand over her. That always seems to work and she will calm down. She has ruined lots of my things including 150 dollar sunglasses and my nintendo DS. However I do have a female husky so it might be different.