Questions about Huskies and adopting in general

Hi...I adopted a Siberian Husky from a Rescue Shelter in September --- he was 7 months old -- when I first brought him home he was a little skiddish -- it took about 3 months before he trusted us completely -- now he loves us to death -- and we do him! He knows we mean business by just two sayings -- Good Boy he loves! Bad Dog he really hates! (luckily I don't have to say that too much) but he will look at me from a distance with those baby blue eyes and his head down -- and won't come back near me until I say Good Boy again! Just those two words will make him stop what he's doing - except running!

I live in the City...but I have a very large yard----I'm lucky I do, because he LOVES TO RUN...he also loves to hide under the tree and watch for squirrels --he hasn't caught one yet -- but he gives them a run for their money! I hope he doesn't catch one!

When you hear they shouldn't be off the leash--- it is a true statement -- they are very smart -- but when it comes to running -- they won't lesson to you when you say come --- they might slow down a bit -- but believe me - they're going to keep going! I would never chance it! My guy got out twice -- but we were very lucky!

They love to dig!....so don't leave them alone in the yard for too long or they will dig big holes -- the longest I've left Chubby(that's his name) out alone is for about a 1 hour -- and there was a hole! When you leave him out make sure he has some toys to keep him busy --- the Kong Toys are great!

There very friendly dogs and love to play -- he loves plush, squeaky toys -- will squeak them for hours -- just watch the plastic kind though -- they will eat plastic.

He should be brushed at least twice a week to keep the shedding down -- I brush mine with a Furminator once a week and a regular brush twice a week.

Never cut there hair!

Huskies have sensitive stomachs -- after trying different combinations -- I now feed Chubby -- 1 Cup of Blue Buffalo Dry Food in the morning & 1/2 Cup at night with 1 Cup of Boiled Chicken or Beef in a little broth -- most of the time this is enough for him -- if he eats his dinner real fast -- I will give him 1/2 Cup of Dry Food more (only because I know he's really hungry)--he also likes raw carrots, string beans & broccoli.

During the day -- I give him 2-3 biscuits - his favorite is Milkbones.

I hope this will help you --- they are great dogs -- Chubby is my baby -- my husband gets jealous! ...but he'll get over it!

Good luck & keep in touch!

Donna

Your new addition is adorable!....He looks to me like he has alot of Siberian Husky in him....but I also see Greyhound.

He will come around with alot of love -- The first night I brought Chubby home he was very, very nervous -- and very skiddish of everyone - except me, he took to me right away. Sat by my side and watched everyone in the house with those baby blues very carefully.

I let him sleep in my room and when I woke up in the morning, I found him sitting in the bathtub in the dark! The next night I closed my bedroom door and he was fine ---he has a blanket & a pillow and sleeps at the foot of my bed on the floor -- and he sleeps right through the night!

He now loves everyone...the more the merrier! He knows the time too --- when it gets to be about 3:00pm he automatically looks out the window and waits for my kids to come home from school.

Good Luck with your guy --Dogs are terrific, they will be your loyal companion forever - through thick & thin -- Shelter Rescue dogs are special, they can't tell us where they've been or what they've been through -- so we just have to be patient with them and they will come around.

Donna

PS - Please be careful with the raw diet --

"He is your friend, your partner, your defender, your dog. You are his life, his love, his leader. He will be yours, faithful and true, to the last beat of his heart. You owe it to him to be worthy of such devotion." -- Author Unknown