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Husky Children & Other pets

This is a place to gain some understanding of dog behavior and to assist people in training their dogs and dealing with common behavior problems, regardless of the method(s) used. This can cover the spectrum from non-aversive to traditional methods of dog training. There are many ways to train a dog. Please avoid aggressive responses, and counter ideas and opinions with which you don't agree with friendly and helpful advice. Please refrain from submitting posts that promote off-topic discussions. Keep in mind that you may be receiving advice from other dog owners and lovers... not professionals. If you have a major problem, always seek the advice of a trainer or behaviorist!

  


Member Since
09/21/2012		 
 
Barked: Sat Sep 22, '12 12:00am PST 
Hello everyone,

I am currently 2nd with a hold on a husky. I find out Monday after visiting this dog every day for over a week if the first people with the hold will be adopting her.

Since I made up my mind I have been doing lots of research on the breed as I had originally hoped to rescue a Norwegian Elkhound. I have experience with collies, pit bulls, rat terriers, poodles, and a dozen other breeds which have all been family pets, but realize each breed has its quirks.

My main concern is my potential future companion's safety. One of my biggest nightmares is though on a leash that someone could provoke her to bite, that she not take well to an over zealous youngster or she could get in a fight with another dog which has an incompetent owner.

She is currently 3 or 4 years old according to the kennel attendant, and while she has a super sweet personality towards me, a male 27 year old, I know she could treat women, children, and other animals differently depending on how she was socialized in the past 3 or 4 years of her life.

What is the safest way to test her comfort without putting another pet, child or her at risk?

Cheers,

Cody

Edited by author Sat Sep 22, '12 12:02am PST

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Kali

She's game for- anything that's- fun.		 
 
Barked: Sat Sep 22, '12 6:51am PST 
I would ask the shelter what kind of tests they've put her through. If they haven't tested her with children and other pets, then I would ask them to. They can do it under very controlled circumstances. At least you would know what you were getting into and deal with it accordingly. I would be careful around small animals if she hasn't been socialized with them. If she does have socialization issues, then I would look for a trainer or behaviorist to help you with that. Sounds like if you do end up with her, that she'll get a good home. Good Luck!
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Sanka

The ground is my- newspaper.		 
 
Barked: Sat Sep 22, '12 5:27pm PST 
I agree with Kali.

If you need a dog that's good around kids, females, etc, then you should find a dog that has been tested for that. You shouldn't get a dog with an unknown disposition when you need specific traits. That's asking for problems. If the shelter you're getting her from does not test for those things, you may want to look for one that does. It will be better for you and the dog in the long run if the dog fits your criteria beforehand.
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Kodiak

The cheese ninja		 
 
Barked: Sat Sep 22, '12 8:30pm PST 
I agree, if any of those things are dealbreakers, make sure you know what you're getting into. It's devastating to have to give back a dog, and you are probably better off picking a rescue that will do behavior testing if that one won't.

If not, the best advice I can give is to learn about body language, so that you know when she's getting uncomfortable before she resorts to undesirable distance-increasing behavior like lunging or snapping. All dogs are a little different, but often they will freeze up and stare at something they feel threatened by (also when they're hunting squirrels et al, so don't worry about it if she's restrained and it's toward small prey). Growling or a short, frantic tail wag are also usually signs of discomfort. A dog who's sort of dolphin-diving along the ground with relaxed face and tongue hanging out is probably comfortable and just excited to say hi. On the other hand, one who alternately bolts forward and freezes and stares is probably less comfortable. Playbowing, approaching at an angle, body oriented toward but eyes looking away, butt sniffing, and face sniffing are all friendly greetings (although playbowing is a great indication that you are about to get hog tied by the leash). You may want to avoid getting within striking distance on your first walk, and just see how she responds to other dogs. If she ignores them or displays happy/comfortable body language, next time you can try getting a little closer. If she seems anxious, fearful, or aggressive, you can start doing reactive dog protocols at a distance she's comfortable with. Same deal with spastic children. See how she does with them from a distance. Many dogs, although not aggressive, will play bow and jump when they see kids running around, which can be unsafe for little kids or kids who are fearful of dogs. So, even if she's not reactive, just give her some time to show you how she responds before you put her through potentially difficult encounters. Many owners are incompetent, so understanding dog body language will also help you to avoid problem dogs. I've had people smile and tell me their dog is friendly while he is overtly snarling. And that was a puppy, so I shudder to think of what kind of adult they turned him into.
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