Dog's Name & Age
KODIAK THE GREAT - almost 15 years
In a Word, My Siberian Husky Is…
ONE GREAT BIG LOVABLE BALL OF FUR
Best Characteristics of the Breed
QUIET, FRIENDLY, LOYAL, AND PLAYFUL
Most Challenging Characteristics of the Breed
LIKES TO RUN FREE, DIG HOLES & DOES NOT HEEL ON A LEASH.
When, Where and How I Got My Siberian Husky
My husband and I were looking for a black and white husky with two blue eyes, which is very rare. After an exhausting search, I finally found the perfect female puppy at a pet store. Coincidentally, the dog was born on my husband's birthday so I knew it was a sign. We brought the dog home on Christmas Eve, hid her in a crate in the garage, and surprised our kids on Christmas morning. She never made a peep the entire night!
I'd Describe My Dog As…
Interested in bringing home an adorable Siberian Husky puppy? Then you’ve already heard how marvelous they can be. Sociable and loving, easy going and gentle are just a few of the adjectives reserved for this resilient breed.
However, as the owner of a beautiful, blue-eyed, black and white bundle of fur (I mean fun), named Kodiak the Great, I have a duty to point out that Huskies do have their shortcomings and may not make the perfect pet for anyone who falls in love at first sight with a perky and playful Husky puppy.
Huskies are a loyal breed, that’s true. But what you may not know is that they tend to be loyal to the “Alpha Dog” of the household. So even though I’m the one who feeds her, walks her, grooms her, gives her treats, lets her out in the yard to play, Kodiak is always by my husband’s side and obeys his every command.
Training a Husky pup takes plenty of patience. It is more likely that your Husky will train you. Though Huskies are an intelligent breed, they do have a mind of their own and will only obey a command if they see the reason, or are the recipient of a tasty treat for their efforts.
In fact, our precious Kodiak flunked out of Doggie Obedience School because she would not “heel “ on a leash or “stay” on command. She does sit and give you her paw, but that’s about it in her doggie bag of tricks.
If you’ve heard that Huskies tend to run a lot, because they were bred to be a sled dog, you’d better believe it! It’s in their nature to roam and explore, as their Arctic ancestors once did. New owners should be advised to exercise caution when opening their doors to greet guests or let their Siberian Husky off the leash even for a second, as the dog is most likely to be miles away before looking around and realizing their owner is nowhere in sight.
My husband and I have learned from exhaustive experience to not run after Kodiak when she’s on the loose, but to simply lie down and “play dead.” She will usually come back to see why you’re not chasing after her any longer.
Or, when all else fails, we simply get in the SUV and drive after her. When she’s in sight, we yell “Let’s go for a ride,” and she’ll do a total about face and happily hop into the back of the Blazer eager for the scenic trip back home again with her head held high out the back window.
There’s also no such thing as a “walk” with a Husky, it’s more like a “pull.” Huskies need to be the “lead dog” way out in front pulling you along every step of the way.
Advice
- Talk to another Husky owner or a veterinarian before you decide to bring home this breed.
- For those dog lovers that still want to own a Husky, here’s a valuable tip: Dark rugs are a “no-no.” Install a light shade of Berber carpeting throughout your home. Husky hair blends right in.
- So, if I haven’t discouraged you by now with my rantings and ravings, and you are still bound, bent and determined to own a beautiful Husky, then, by all means, go out and get one today!
