I just got a husky, she is about a year old and she...

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Answer by angie
Submitted on 10/22/2003
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Hi, My name is Angie, I am a vet tech and a owner of a 3 year old husky. I want to help you. If you got this dog from a shelter, humane society, or private individual, she may have been abused. The husky is a very loyal breed and if you can help her to trust you, you will have half of the battle done. Because I do not know the background of this dog, all that I can tell you is to spend time with her. Brush her a lot, and talk to her in soft friendly voice. Let her smell the brushes and go at everything in a slow way. Have plenty of little treats to give her, and reward her verbally and with the treat for her behavior. This will start her to get to know you and your mannerisms too. Because she is really scared, I would start with this. soon, maybe she will let you put a collar on her and you can go out with a leash into the yard and start to smell things and look at things. Keep telling her that "it's Okay, and give her time to look around. Don't do this for very log at a time, she could get board. Just check her out for the interest level. This will be a timely process, but the more you do it the better your relationship will be. As she gets used to this, go out into bigger spaces and do the same things. Try to introduce her to things once in while and people too. Try to tell your friends to be slow and talk in a calm friendly way. Keep her on a leash though. Maybe sit on the floor with her and have your friends do the same, so it is not a "threatening experience." Remember to be patient and give her lots of reassurance. Before you can teach her any type of tricks or commands, she needs to learn that she can trust you and that she is not in any danger with you. After this bond is created, new doors will open up for you and your new friend. Good luck.

Answer by spweeks
Submitted on 12/12/2003
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Hi! I'm actually going to school to become a veterinary technician, but I have to disagree slightly with Angie's answer. We have a very fearful dog at our school, and we make a point of absolutely NOT coaxing him when he becomes frightful. One of our classmates has introduced something called the "jolly routine." The key is to change your dogs perception of things from scary to fun. When you go outside be excited with your dog, tell her what a good dog she's being, give her treats and play with her. You want to reward brave behavior. However, when she becomes fearful, the key is to absolutely ignore her. If possible, turn your back to her, then as soon as she stops, and begins acting brave again, immediately reward her with a happy voice, treats, really anything you know she loves. When you say "oh sweetie, it's okay" when she acts afraid, you are actually rewarding this fearful behavior, thus encouraging it. Dogs are very motivated by receiving attention, ANY kind of attention. Make things fun, be "jolly" give lots of praise and attention for good behavior, and ignore her when she's acting fearful. Don't worry, she'll come around, it just takes time and lots of love :)

Answer by tek_shrek
Submitted on 12/29/2003
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Every Husky I've ever encountered has been somewhat resistant to external direction. Some might view it a as stubborness but it's simply programming to survive. Don't try to force the dog to do anything, but don't cater to it either. Put water where the dog has to get up and go get it. When you feed the dog (and don't leave food out all the time), do it in a place where you are doing something. Associate yourself with a kind voice and food and in time the dog will be a willing participant in your outings. However, consider that this dog may consider itself a partner in decisions and less of a follower of your direction. A Husky is a great companion dog, but it needs to be convinced that you are the source of pleasure (food, peace, etc.) - be patient.

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Question by shocked
Submitted on 9/11/2003
Related FAQ: rec.pets.dogs: Siberian Huskies Breed-FAQ
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I just got a husky, she is about a year old and she absolutly will not do anything you want her to she is frightened of everything, help i am at my wit's end

Answer by tanisha
Submitted on 12/31/2003
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Hi! I've learned from experience that huskies are very intelligent. This is why they are tougher to train, because they can learn how to get out of doing things. This is an instinct that saved many mushers lives since the husky would disobey because of sensing danger. if you got her at 2 years you have missed her most crucial training point. But I know that my Husky trusts me and because of that I can get her to do almost anything. These dogs are eager to please and love attention so you have more than half the battle won if you gain her trust. Good luck! Tanisha

Answer by Kary
Submitted on 7/13/2004
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I think when you got the dog the wrong age. I think you should have got a puppy instead, cause this one might want his last owner and might be frightened from the new habitat. It will take some time for the dog the get used to this habitat.

Answer by pail
Submitted on 4/4/2005
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i just got A HUSKY and it eats everything it even eats it`s on poop is that normal?

Answer by ashley
Submitted on 11/13/2005
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i got a husky from the SPCA and she was abused so bad all she dose is sit arounf the house i try to get her to trust me some time she will play with me but she never braks or some times she will howel when she wants in from outside she loves outdid when you say want to go for a walk she howl and run to me and she loves the car. i dont know how to tell how old she is they say and where fron 3-5 but i know its not ture plz help me

Answer by bob
Submitted on 10/30/2006
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boooo!!!

Answer by Darbie Law
Submitted on 5/16/2007
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Do all huskies have a small knot on the end of their tail? or could it have been broken?

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