To Husky or Not to Husky?

Vaibhav_ace · October 2011

That is the question. ha ha!

Ok, I am looking for some pointers from folks who have experience with Siberian Husky dogs. Before you give me the input, please consider that I have already done a lot of reading online (even bought a book I am reading on Huskys). So I know the "basic" pros and cons of getting a husky. However, I think a lot of those are written by "Experts" or "Breeders" and they deliberately factor out certain details.

So here's the basics

Me:
- Pretty Busy single guy
- Work 10 - 11 hours / day
- Loves to be active (Currently dedicated to p90x)
- Lives in frozen tundra called Wisconsin
- Has a tiny (not fenced yet) yard. Say 20 X 20 feet
- Willing and capable of running 3 miles almost daily (but will probably have a few days when I just don't want to run or bike or whatever)
- Avid motorcyclist (so must have time for rides, and can't really take a husky along)
- fairly unpredictable schedule.
- Not a home body (No idea why I bought a house)
- have a small car (2 seats only), so likely not the best pet transporter.
- absolutely loves dogs (had dogs growing up, but haven't really had one over last 10 years), but never owned a husky before. I've had German Shepard, Doberman (pair), Pomeranian, Himalayan sheep dogs etc.

Husky
- Beautiful (mostly love the way they look). I am signed up for a all white male!
- Stubborn (I think I can mostly deal with that)
- instinct to run and possibly get lost (I can build / buy a GPS collar)
- needs exercise daily (I think I can do this, but what about days when its 20 below )
- may not come when called and usually not willing to cuddle (I have a problem with this)
- territorial (will chase/kill cats if they intrude! I love this, sorry cat ppl)

So, the rub is, I really WANT a husky, but the rational side of me says perhaps this isn't the best dog for me, mostly due to time needs. Perhaps I should stick with a German Shepard.

PS: I am looking for folks who have experience with huskies to chime in.

TheRoadDog · October 2011

I had a Samoyed. Very similar. They need a lot of attention and love to dig.

I don't think you are ready for a dog. Not fair to the dog, if you can't give it the attention it requires.

mrdalton · October 2011

I know how you feel. I always have wanted a husky. BUT the fact is I am at work 12-16 hours a day and it just isnt fair to leave them locked up all day. Plus I hear they need crazy exercise or they get upset and into mischief. I ended up with a tiny little designer toy dog. She hates going for walks and loves to sleep all day. Perfect for my schedule.
Think it over. And best of luck to you and whatever pup you end up with.

greatdaneaddict · October 2011

Before you think about getting any dog, fence in your yard! I promise it will be the best investment ever.

Also, Wisconsin is only a frozen tundra about half the year.

GT_Ginger · October 2011

Do yourself a favor - go to a shelter and adopt a mutt. It will be the best companion you could ever imagine. When you rescue a dog they spend the rest of their life thanking you. And if you're really hung up on getting a husky - I'm sure those end up in shelters too.

wolf23 · October 2011

I have owned two huskies (they were brothers) and everything you said about them is true!

They are very independent.

Ours have killed several cats in their lifetime (those who were unfortunate/stupid to jump the fence into our backyard).

They shed like CRAZY! Fur tumbleweeds all over the floors.

They are beautiful.

They love company seeing they are a pack breed. Leaving one alone during the day may not be good for your furniture.

They do need exercise.

If you have your heart set on one, they can be trained, but judging by what you wrote about your lifestyle another breed may be more compatible.

TankGirl71 · October 2011

I have a Husky mix....he cuddles like a spoiled baby. He has wicked separation anxiety. He also sleeps spoonie style with my older fat cat. (PS - Dogs killing cats isn't funny) But he does have poor recall like you mentioned and blows his coat all over my house on a daily basis. Grooming is a constant battle, although he loves the furminator.
I understand he's a mix, but all of his personality leans towards Husky, complete with "shaking the snow off" every five minutes, even in July.

If you're going to be gone ten to twelve hours a day, don't get any kind of dog. Try goldfish.

steelguy54 · October 2011

I have a husky and to be honest, I don't think this breed will work for you. Huskies love to be with they owner and you will be at work for 10-12 hours a day, that will make a sad sad husky. They also need a large yard. I have a big yard for him to run around and play and I wish it was like 4 times bigger.

The only plus is that this dog will love the winter weather you will have. When it is near 0 degrees outside, we are freezing, they are loving it!

Cat52169 · October 2011

I had a beautiful male husky for 13 years. I love and miss him everyday. RIP Kosta boy!!! He was the BEST dog ever!!! However, that was after a year of one on one training with an expert. They are VERY stubborn dogs and are hard to train. They LOVE to run. They are very territorial and protective. They are very prideful. That said if you have the time, money and patience you will be happy.

I wanted to get a second one but remember how hard he was to train so I got a great dane instead and I would have 10 more of them in a heart beat! LOVE LOVE LOVE a great dane. Easy to train, very lovable, love to chill or exercise. Kind of go with the flow type dogs. Good luck with your decision!! I'm jealous now I want another dog! :laugh:

misty589 · October 2011

GPS collar eh? care to fill me in on this? is this something that's available?
I have a husky mix, I love love love love him! he's great in everyway, except the running part! We've had to bail him out of doggy jail twice!
The only other thing is that they are kind of hard to leash-train since they want to PULL! TBH this is horrible, but mine isn't leash trained at all! (my other 2 dogs are) but he's so friendly, gentle and submissive, he's almost always off leash. we walk run in the woods where there are rarely other people. It does cause a problem if you have to leash them though. the second half of my walk was MISERABLE yesterday when I ran into a woman with an autistic child that was really afraid of dogs. I had to keep him on leash because I was afraid to bump into them again. I spent the rest of the time yelling at him to stop pulling and having my arm pulled off

SSampley · October 2011

I had a huskey and a akita I love them both, I think I am more of a akita girl but I agree you might not be ready..those type dogs are meant to work and need you to be able to exercise them to keep them active, if you cant do that then they tend to find other things to keep them busy which means your stuff will get tore up. They are beautiful though!

Vaibhav_ace · October 2011

(PS - Dogs killing cats isn't funny)

Sorry, bad joke. Didn't mean to offend anyone.

ricanstace · October 2011

I have 2 Huskies and 1 Malamute. They are awesome dogs!! But they need lots of space, and like Road dog said, they love to dig!! I have 9 fenced acres and 1 of the Huskies still doesn't think that is enough land. He kept digging out to roam the countyside. Mine also like to hunt! Anything that comes on our property is pretty much fair game, cats, mice, gophers,skunks, ground squirrels, and even racoons. The other thing to remember is that they shed, and I mean they SHED!!!

JStarnes · October 2011

I

my husky. She was VERY sneaky at first, got into everything, things we had no idea a dog could get into and when she'd get loose she'd take off for miles. :noway: she has calmed down a lot in the last 4 years, and is now active when she/we want her to be and can also be a really great lap dog (I think she thinks she's about the size of a chihuahua lol). She sucks as far as protection goes - the only thing she barks at is cats, she doesnt know a stranger. She hasn't required any more or less attention than any other dog we've ever had. Took more patience in the beginning with her because it really was like having a toddler (sneaky, seriously, really sneaky & cunning).

We adopted her from a shelter when she was 2 years old. She had two previous owners who didn't have the patience to train her and would let her run away and get picked up by animal control. :ohwell:

Good luck with whatever you choose to do!

foremant86 · October 2011

I'm gonna say No a husky probably isn't right for you.

They are high active dogs and it wouldn't be fair to the dog to sit at home all day since you said you work 10+ hours a day.
They're also escape artists so i'm going to venture to say your small yard isn't going to contain it.

I'd also say a german shepherd isn't a good fit for you either. they are also active dogs and don't usually do too well with sitting at home all day. I know you said you've had one before but i'm guessing it wasn't with the same busy schedule?

Your best bet however would be to adopt an adult dog(3+ years) so you already know any behavior problems it may have(digging, fence jumping, etc.) and how active the dog is.

bluegirl10 · October 2011

Do yourself a favor - go to a shelter and adopt a mutt. It will be the best companion you could ever imagine. When you rescue a dog they spend the rest of their life thanking you. And if you're really hung up on getting a husky - I'm sure those end up in shelters too.

This...as my husband and I have adpoted 4 dogs from the animal shelter. However, that being said, I would look into fencing your yard and perhaps looking into another breed that isn't as active or even getting an older dog. Remember you will be gone for 11 hours a day and that means your dog is going to be left alone for all those hours.. If you do get one you may want to look into getting 2 dogs just so that they have companionship... Best of luck to you in whatever you decide.

vaderandbill · October 2011

Having trained multiple Huskies I would say that if your schedule isn't predictable then I would get a different dog. Then tend to entertain themselves when bored and this would be beneficial to your house.

The shedding will be on EVERYTHING you wear.

They tend to not play well with others and are not typically great around little kids (like every breed, there are exceptions)

they are highly trainable.

They will love the outdoors when you're not home so a fence with pavers under it and a doggie door would be best.

Very loyal and protective but if breeding isn't right then they are jumpy and not good to have around.

Healthyby30 · October 2011

I have a husky and love her to death! She is VERY stubborn as others have said. Took a lot of time to work with her on training.. I mean A LOT. They are very smart, they just don't feel like doing anything they don't want sometimes! She also loves to dig...and dig..and dig. She sheds a lot as well. Mine has gotten loose a few times, too. We do have a fenced in backyard and she never stops running! That's fine outside...but in the winter, when she is mostly indoors, its a huge problem. To have an 80 lb dog running all over, completely oblivious to everything else.. She is also VERY loving and very loyal. She's protective and does require quite a bit of attention..she loves snuggling up with me, which I love! She has killed a few cats, too....and squirrels. She's very fast.

Basically, if you don't have a lot of time to spend with the animal, you might not realize what you're getting yourself into. I've always had dogs growing up, Doberman Pinschers...and she is NOTHING like any dog I've ever had. She takes a lot more of my time, but it's definitely worth it.

La_Amazona · October 2011

I had a husky before and the shedding was awful.. that's the 1st thing I think about them! ha

Second, I don't think you have the time for a husky. They love to be active. Your work schedule sounds like you wouldn't be able to give them the time they need.

littlesis412 · October 2011

Summary: Resist temptation and do what's best for both of you. Don't get a husky.

mandeiko · October 2011

Do yourself a favor - go to a shelter and adopt a mutt. It will be the best companion you could ever imagine. When you rescue a dog they spend the rest of their life thanking you. And if you're really hung up on getting a husky - I'm sure those end up in shelters too.

THIS. They have Husky rescues. PLEASE look into them before going to a pet store or breeder. Do not support puppy mills!!

If you are not home most of the time, I would steer clear of getting a dog for the time being. All dogs need constant companionship, husky or not.

ALSO, do not be THAT person who deliberately lets their dog kill other people's pets (cats) or even wildlife. I know it happens from time to time, but it's just downright awful to wish it will happen.

Vaibhav_ace · October 2011

I had a husky before and the shedding was awful.. that's the 1st thing I think about them! ha

Second, I don't think you have the time for a husky. They love to be active. Your work schedule sounds like you wouldn't be able to give them the time they need.

Shedding is not as much of a problem, because I can raise an army of Roombas to tackle that.

I can also deal with the exercise needs, as I can run a couple miles in the morning, and a go on a long walk after work. This is actually a good thing in my case, as I can use a running buddy. I am mostly concerned with leaving the poor dog (especially as a puppy, he was born 4 days ago) alone all day, knowing they are naturally against that. I know this would be a problem with any dog/puppy, but it seems Husky's needs are greater in this arena.

I certainly understand the "It's not fair for the dog" argument, what I don't understand is, I couldn't be the only single person with a full time job (and then some) to also want a dog.

I appreciate everyone's feedback. I will consider it in my decision making process. I want to do what's best for the dog, as its a long term decision and hence I am taking time to think about it. This pup will come from a friend's litter, I have to wait 8 weeks (which is normal), so there's still some time to think it over and over again (and make proper arrangements if I decide to get him).

PS: As far as GPS collars go, there are some available online, and for the right price, I could build you one (Yes, most days I am Tony Stark :P )

PSS: It seems Huskies really are "That much more" work, as the internet would make it sound.

La_Amazona · October 2011

well in that case (since you don't care about shedding and husky will get plenty of exercise with you) get 2 huskies!! :laugh: Seriously, he won't be lonely!

SkateboardFi · October 2011

me and my boyfriend have a husky and she is VERY energetic, but the most goofy, lovable dog...very stubborn though. if you're a very busy person i'm not sure if a husky would be right for you because idk about everyone elses but mine HATES to be alone. she will whine all day and tear things up if we leave her out. make sure you have a way to burn that energy though, my bf takes her on runs

UpToTheChallenge · October 2011

I've never had a Husky, but I do currently have a German Sheppard. She is a great, loyal dog. She used to go to work with my dad when he owned his own shop, but he sold it and now can't take her to work. She does look pretty upset when we leave her in the morning, but she is so happy to see you when you get home and she is great by herself at home all day.

Good luck with your decision!

withchaco · October 2011

I've had three malamutes, and while there are definitely differences, they are similar enough to huskies for the purpose of this discussion.

Like you said, the biggest problem is that the dog will be left alone for hours on a daily basis. All dogs can be destructive when bored, but sledding breeds are particularly notorious for it, as they hate being alone. I thought I'd dog-proofed the house well enough, until mine chewed up the WALL and made multiple deep, large craters... Are you prepared for this!?

And if the dog will be left alone for hours, how is he supposed to pee, especially when he's a puppy and has a smaller bladder? (this one will be less of a problem if you adopt an adult dog)

Remember the dog needs to be walked even on the coldest day. Cold weather doesn't mean no pee... or no energy.

GPS collars sound great, but I wouldn't rely on them. They won't prevent your dog from getting hit by a car before you find him. Plus, some dogs become experts at slipping their collar/ harness off... like mine...

AmeChops · October 2011

I have 4 Sibes - boy are they hard work...but so worth it!!

Judging purely by reading what info you've given a Sibe is definitely NOT the dog for you.

They are people loving animals who crave human attention - being away from them for 10 hours per day will not only leave you with half a house (they're very destructive) but your neighbours will be hacked off with the howling and your dog will likely start to suffer mentally.

You have to be prepared to take them out every day, otherwise they get very hyperactive.

They are stubborn and won't do anything unless they see it will benefit them in some way - plus they like to back-chat you lol!!

Your garden is big enough so long as you're planning on getting them our for 3-4 hours everyday, however you'd need at least 6 foot fencing (I know a husky who can jump 8 foot), also because they like to dig you'd need to ensure the sides are undiggable (that's so not a word lol) otherwise they could dig their way out if unsupervised - they're very quick at this - our garden is fully paved, got bored of the craters!!

Very few can be trusted off lead as they're stubborn and will chase (and probably eat) anything small and fluffy/feathered - potentially this could include small dogs as well although I haven't heard of this happening.

My two boys are big softies and love hugs all the time, however, the girls tend to keep to themselves and will only walk over for a fuss when they feel like it.

They can have very sensitive stomachs so need to be fed a high quality food - but eat surprisingly little!!

If you want any more information on them feel free to message/friend me but I'd hold off getting a pooch until you can dedicate more of your time to them - after all they're referred to as mans best friend :-))

SkateboardFi · October 2011

I have 4 Sibes - boy are they hard work...but so worth it!!

Judging purely by reading what info you've given a Sibe is definitely NOT the dog for you.

They are people loving animals who crave human attention - being away from them for 10 hours per day will not only leave you with half a house (they're very destructive) but your neighbours will be hacked off with the howling and your dog will likely start to suffer mentally.

You have to be prepared to take them out every day, otherwise they get very hyperactive.

They are stubborn and won't do anything unless they see it will benefit them in some way - plus they like to back-chat you lol!!

Your garden is big enough so long as you're planning on getting them our for 3-4 hours everyday, however you'd need at least 6 foot fencing (I know a husky who can jump 8 foot), also because they like to dig you'd need to ensure the sides are undiggable (that's so not a word lol) otherwise they could dig their way out if unsupervised - they're very quick at this - our garden is fully paved, got bored of the craters!!

Very few can be trusted off lead as they're stubborn and will chase (and probably eat) anything small and fluffy/feathered - potentially this could include small dogs as well although I haven't heard of this happening.

My two boys are big softies and love hugs all the time, however, the girls tend to keep to themselves and will only walk over for a fuss when they feel like it.

They can have very sensitive stomachs so need to be fed a high quality food - but eat surprisingly little!!

If you want any more information on them feel free to message/friend me but I'd hold off getting a pooch until you can dedicate more of your time to them - after all they're referred to as mans best friend :-))

you pretty much summed it up flawlessly lol

LoveleeB · October 2011

Husky
- instinct to run and possibly get lost
- may not come when called and usually not willing to cuddle
- territorial

PS: I am looking for folks who have experience with huskies to chime in.

I have a husky and she doesn't do either of the 2 things I quoted from you. She is a big baby who can be lazy and cuddle all day. She does love to run but never ever gets lost and we never worry about her running through the park woods by herself. She always finds her way back, however she can be stubborn about this sometimes if she is tracking in interesting scent.

A side note: she loves the cold weather.

Elizabeth_C34 · October 2011

We had a beautiful Alaskan huskie for 10 years. He was really a wonderful pet. We had him from about 5 weeks until he died from cancer. We did a lot of leash training when he was young so that he wouldn't be so stubborn.

Enjoy him and love him well. I miss ours all the time.

Vaibhav_ace · December 2011

Thanks everyone for chiming in. Your input has definitely played a major role in the decision making process. However, I must have some Husky in me, because I can be just as stubborn. I know all of you said I wasn't ready, and while this has merit, I am taking steps to make sure I will be able to change some of that.

I am going to bring my beautiful Siberian on Saturday. He has been named Enzo (Yes, after the founder of Ferrari motorcars). Before you jump to conclusions, here are the steps I am taking to make sure he remains happy,

- Work from home more often (at least once a week)
- Reduce my office hours to 8, even if that means I have to come home and work after walks.
- Bought a once a week membership to a doggie day care (Central Bark Milwaukee, google it), they have play times / nap times, grooming etc.
- paying a friend to let him out and take him for walks mid-morning on the 3 work days he will be let alone for long periods.
- using a concierge service to take him on a longer walk mid-afternoon (30 minute walk)
- setting up my workout schedule to include morning and evening runs, probably will be a short run (1 - 1.5 miles) in the AM, and a longer (2-3 miles) in the PM.
- Also, I took 2 weeks off from work starting Saturday (the day I get him) so I can make sure he has enough time to get settled in , and doesn't miss his siblings too much.

Well, I hope this is a start of a long, fun relationship. I am super excited.

To Husky or Not to Husky?

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