[Galya the G'mork]

I just got my new puppy yesterday. She is six weeks old. Her mother is a pure bred husky, Her father is either husky mix or Malamute Mix, we aren't sure. I'm having trouble taking her out. I take her out very often, once every hour or two. She almost never goes when we're out, (which she did while at the friends's she came from) and has twice now gone almost directly after coming back inside. To make matters worse, it has started snowing in the last few hours, so now she's just wild to play as soon as we go out! We were outside for 30 minutes and she never squatted once! I'm getting very frustrated, and have never owened my own dog before. Please, anyone have some advice to help me deal with this rambunctious baby? Thanks.

-Galya's new home.

[Xeph]

First thing I'll ask is do you have a crate? I can tell you that you took the puppy too early and she should have stayed with her mother for another 2-4 weeks.

Huskies are a difficult breed for people who have experience with them, let alone a first time dog owner, so I suggest you start thinking up ways to problem solve and entertain this puppy.

As far as housebreaking goes, crate her when you can't watch her. Take her outside, give her 5-10 minutes to potty (ON LEAD) if she doesn't go, bring her back in the house, and put her in her kennel for 10-15 minues. Lather rinse repeat.

Puppy isn't allowed to roam the house until she's pottied outside. And when she DOES go outside, begin linking it with a word right away (go potty, hurry, etc). Praise her like a maniac when she goes, and then allow her off leash to romp as further reward.

[Galya the G'mork]

I called the vet when I first decided to take her, to get the info on her first visit, shots, worming and all, and I did ask when I should take her, and 6 weeks was actually his suggestion! Maybe that means I should look into other vet options. Anyway, I do have a crate. I've been avoiding using it so far because everything I've read says that it's too soon for her to stay for any length of time, but I suppose a few minutes at a time makes perfect sense, because it will also help her get used to the idea of staying there when she's a bit older. Thanks, I'll try it.

[Xeph]

Then "bad vet" in this case. In most states it's illegal to take a puppy before 8 weeks.

Those two weeks she's missing out on with her littermates are critical for the bite inhibition period.

And don't put off introducing her to the kennel. The sooner you do it, the easier it is. My dog, Strauss (who is almost 4) was introduced to the kennel his first night home. I kept it next to my bed so he would be comforted by someone's presence, but aside from a "No, quiet" when he whined, he wasn't interacted with while he was in there.

He loves his kennel just fine (goes in it on his own frequently).

[Pax]

Patience is key here, too. Your pup is still very young, and huskies are one of the harder breeds to housebreak. It will almost certainly take quite a while longer. I know it can be frustrating, but try to be patient, she really is doing her best to please you.

[flutterby0504]

First - she is cuter than heck!! Second, I agree 6 weeks is too early so unless taking her back for another 2 weeks is an option it does sound like you will need to put your patience hat on.

You have been given some really good advice already and I wish you and Gayla the best!

Julie