I have a husky that hunts wild animals in my fenced in back...

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Answer by angie
Submitted on 10/22/2003
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Hi, I'm Angie,a vet tech, and an owner of a 3 year old husky. She loves to run, and to chase small animals and if she can catch them, she will kill them. This breed is one that would be able to survive on it's own, because it does know how to hunt. This is an instinct that they have, just like a wolf. The husky is also one that when it gets the chance, it will chase any small animal. Cats for example will try to run, so naturally the husky will chase it. The dog is thinking that it is a game. If my dog catches a cat, she will kill it if my husband or I are not there to stop her. That goes for any small animal. When she is inside and she sees a squirrel, she will cry and carry on and watch that squirrel until it is gone. This behavior is not uncommon. Don't worry ;) Because your dog has caught these things, be sure to keep it updated on the rabies shots. You never know what might happen.

Answer by Zoe
Submitted on 5/6/2004
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I have three Huskies. They're all quite different - but all very 'feline' considering that they are dogs, not cats. On the subject of chasing cats... my two girls, Diva and Boo, who are now ages 7 and 8, have never chased my indoor cats. In fact, our black and white cat's markings match Diva's, and they are best friends. They sleep together. HOWEVER, we recently added a new and very different husky to the 'pack'. His name is Romeo, and he is an unfixed male. He seems to have been born with a serious instinct to chase my cats. He corners them and barks like crazy but keeps a distance. They (the cats) have never had to deal with dogs like this and they totally do NOT understand. As for Romeo, I can't seem to change his behavior towards them. I've tried everything I can think of but in fact he seems to be getting worse. The poor kitties are now in a room that stays closed until we solve the problem. I don't want to see something tragic happen to my kitties after all these years they've been such good doggie companions. My deduction is this: some Huskies don't chase cats and others are born to do so. You never know what you're gonna get.

Answer by Dove
Submitted on 1/7/2005
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Looks like this answering chain is getting a little vintage, but I'd like to put in my two bits on huskies. I have a gorgeous three year old male - golden eyed, massive white/grey/black coat. He's a talker and stalker, like most huskies. We didn't actually seek him out, he just wandered into the yard one day with no collar, tags, markings - nothing to let us know who he was. We posted fliers, but no one answered, and he became our undoubtedly purebred, beautiful Buddy. When he first came to us, I noticed a pink scar just above his nose on his muzzle, but thought he must have come by it in the wilds. While I don't know how he'd gotten it, I know enough now that Buddy isn't one to avoid trouble. He's a gentle as a lamb, despite his wolfish appearance. But like some of the dogs mentioned here, he shows an instinct to kill small animals. He's shaken two groundhogs to death, a squirrel, a possum, and yes, even a poor, pitiful black and white cat. When I first saw this behavior, I was absolutely HORRIFIED. I wondered if he would need to be destroyed - after all, I don't want a lawsuit - but with signs posted and Buddy never allowed to roam without my watchful presence, he's fine. If you're worried about your husky killing another animal, take it from me and the rest of the folks here in this site, he has every bit of potential to do so. We had Buddy six months before he ever showed any signs of violence, and none ever toward a human. He's the best, most noble dog we've ever had. We just make sure to never allow our other dog, Scout the toy poodle, to enter Buddy's territory unsupervised. And you better make sure your cat never wanders into our yard.

Answer by Kristen
Submitted on 10/8/2005
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We have a three year old female siberian husky and she have severe seperation anxiety, even the puppy prozac the vet gave us didnt really help, so we have to put her outside when we leave or she'll poop inside and dig through the trash etc., BUT we just introduced her to a little kitten for the first time a few days ago, even though she has been known to chase small animals. And they are becoming fast friends. They play together, sleep together, eat together, etc. So dont let anyone tell you that you cant put the two together...it all depends on your dog. They are just like people, they are all different with different personalities. You just have to try and see for yourself, but its working out great for us. Good luck!

Answer by Missy
Submitted on 8/4/2006
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Ok I am getting frustrated and slightly impatient. My dog is a husky lab mix and he is 7 months old. When I first got him and he was introduced to my home he was also introduced to my cat. Everyone said give it two WEEKS max and they would be the best of friends, considering my dog has lived with cats since the day he was born. However, that is not the case. They get along decently in the house, even though sometimes I have to yell at my dog and put him in his kennel for misbehaving with the cat, however outside is a different story. For instance, yesterday I took my dog swimming and i also let my cat go outside to roam. Everything was fine and dandy until my dog noticed my cat running around outside. It was quite the task trying to get my dog off of my cat. I thought he was going to kill her. People tell me to get rid of my cat so he doesn't kill her but I have had her for longer and just couldn't do that. But so everyone knows, whenever I am not at the house my dog is in his kennel so there aren't any mishaps while I am not around. I just wish there was an easy solution to this problem becuase it is embarassing when my dog isn't always controlled and everyone looks at me like I am not doing the right things. I have started training him on the leash to sit still and not chase, but I feel success of that is a long time coming if it even happens at all.

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Question by kim
Submitted on 10/7/2003
Related FAQ: rec.pets.dogs: Siberian Huskies Breed-FAQ
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I have a husky that hunts wild animals in my fenced in back yard. She has caught large birds, small birds, squirrels, rabbits. She hunts like a cat. Is this common of the breed. I haven't read anything on this subject in this breed.

Answer by @@
Submitted on 10/21/2003
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I own a 2 months old husky puppy and so far I'veobserved that he acts just like a cat! I think its quite common in the breed

Answer by Jason
Submitted on 11/6/2003
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MY huskies will hunt catch and eat. mine appear to hunt like cat.

Answer by Bob
Submitted on 1/10/2004
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My 2 year old has killed 2 cats ,groundhogs , chipmunks, rabbits, and just tonight we had to take one of our cats to the Vets to have his hind leg amputated that the husky had torn all up.

Answer by Tanisha
Submitted on 2/16/2004
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My husky stays penned up but she has caught animals on her leash while on a walk a few times! When she sneaks up in an animal she seems to crouch down and pounce like a cat. My huskies grew up with cats and have never hurt one. Our one cat was grown up when the pups were young so she had the upper hand and taught them to stay away or else. The other was a kitten with them and they catch her but never hurt her. She sleeps, eats, etc with them. They just have to be introduced to cats and taught to be nice young.

Answer by gary abel
Submitted on 3/26/2004
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I have 2 11 mo. old huskies who are no different 5 cats dead so far, but everyone be careful. The city I live in is trying to declare them dangerous, viscious dogs and kill them or have them removed from the city. These dogs are wonderful and not dangerous, they are just acting natural. I feel bad for the cats, But the silly city government people never watched Tom & Jerry when they were kids to understand that cats chase mice and dogs chase cats.

Answer by Melissa
Submitted on 4/2/2004
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My 1 yr old male husky has never caught or killed any animals, but he gets out of control (jumping, whining, pulling) around rabbits and kittens. He will chase cats and squirrels, but doesn't harm them (he only wants to play). But I would like to know how to train him at this age to be gentle and possibly ignore small animals like that so he doesn't catch/kill anything. Any suggestions?

Answer by Tanisha
Submitted on 4/4/2004
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Melisa, I don't know if you can train him not to chase things. These dogs were bred for Independence and it is not easy to train them to do things you tell them to off leash. My Huskies grew up with cats and they chase them but to my knowledge have never hurt one. They usually stop if I tell them to too. You should check out http://www.siberianhuskysecrets.com/ It has a book with everything you will ever need to know about your husky like feeding, grooming, training, and much more. Good luck! Tanisha

Answer by Tanisha
Submitted on 6/14/2004
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Some dogs are introduced to cats young and they will be friends. It's just what they're taught to be used to. You don't know what this new males background is and that is the difference. He might have chased cats at a former house and if that is the case, you will never break him of his habit. It is their instinct to chase cats and if that is not altered young and they grow up chasing cats, it's too late. I agree that some huskies have a more laid back temperament than others but the real conclusion you should come to is that their behavior depends on their background. Also, your friendly dogs are alot older and wiser too :)

Answer by kirsty may walker
Submitted on 12/22/2004
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i love animals

Answer by 007
Submitted on 1/27/2005
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my husky and german sheapard sleep with 2 kittens but the older one pms all the time so the 2 kittens jump the older cat when they are bored. Its Quite Amusing.

Answer by Hagstar
Submitted on 3/14/2005
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I'm amazed how casually posters above accept cat killing by dogs. My Springer just killed my cat, his lifetime companion, and tried to kill my other cat. I plan to have him put to sleep, like any person with a sense of decency would, period.

Answer by uratwat
Submitted on 7/6/2005
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UR ALL MOFOS U GAT TWATS

Answer by mickeyjade
Submitted on 9/16/2005
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Shame on you for not being responsible pet owners. If you can not redirect your dogs prey behavior to other outlets (Frisbee, ball, etc), then you have an obligation to restrain your dog so that he or she can not attack cats. What will you do when a small child runs by and triggers your dogs hunting instinct?

Answer by Jess
Submitted on 10/21/2005
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Anyone with a similar situation to mine please help me! I have a 5 yr old sibe, who grew up with an adult cat. she leaves the cat alone, but chases unfamiliar cats. we have never allowed her to catch them, so i dont know what she'll do. she has killed rabbits, mice and birds. i want to get a new kitten, but im very scared she will kill it. she killed my baby rabbit in my arms, so i dont want to take the chance again. thanks.

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Answer by amber
Submitted on 10/27/2005
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Michelle

Answer by bob
Submitted on 11/29/2005
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hay bob

Answer by sirus
Submitted on 1/6/2006
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i think the question about the husky ive done reports an have owned huskies in my past and every one has been hunters huskies are like wolves at least to the common dog eye lol they think they are but its natural that they hunt their swift and cunning why wouldnt they hunt

Answer by Cherise
Submitted on 2/8/2006
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Its no biggy who really cares not me but i love animals Peace out~

Answer by Fenris
Submitted on 5/23/2006
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Deal with it. My husky can't be trusted around any small animals and in some cases large ones. If let off his lead or out of the yard he runs. He argues with me when I give a command and generally does what he likes. This my friend is the way it is with husky's anyone who say's otherwise is either mistaken or lying. This is the cross we bear for owning husky's. Wouldn't change it if I could, long live the husky.

Answer by Ashley
Submitted on 7/2/2006
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I have a 4 year old female husky. She gets along well with one of my older cats, however she tried to attack one of the adult cats today while I was outside, and when it was time to bring my 3 month old kittens inside for the night I found that she had killed it. I guess that it depends on the temperament of the dog and opportunity for something to happen.

Answer by matty19
Submitted on 9/2/2006
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i have a 1 year old husky that loves to chase stuff yet he will never kill them. if he does catch one he will carry it to me or my sister and drop it at our feet. then the animal will run away. hes done that with rabbits,squirrels and once with a groundhog. he loves my cats though except when there in the backyard. then just chasing them. he never makes the attempt to catch it though. hes a goofy character so hes just playing around most likely.

Answer by chocal8
Submitted on 9/19/2006
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My huskies is kind and it doesn;t chase animals around at all. unless its bored. but it has good listening skills and it knows when its tea breakfast and lunch time... But if u really like Huskies do buy one because they are fun and they keep you company when u need them 2 be but u have to train them be fore you start getting used to them but have fun with your dog...!!!

Answer by macca
Submitted on 3/12/2007
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hi i have 1 husky named loan he is now allmost 15 weeks old, a few weeks ago he came in the house cumming in from the back yard with a dead black bird in his mouth with no head! I hope he dosent get used to this habbit as we have 4 birds in our home

Answer by david
Submitted on 3/28/2007
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i have a 16 week old husky that i am trying to teach hunt more, i am a very woods active person and want to teach this puppy how to survive on her own and to follow hunting commands if anyone has an answer. for info about you huskies visit www.allegrohuskies.com

Answer by Billy
Submitted on 4/17/2007
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I am about to adopt a Husky puppy, and my mom is very worried because we have 6 housecats. I plan to spend a lot of time with the puppy and the cats, teaching him to be "nice" and to familiarize himself with them by leaving their scents on blankets near his food dish and bed. I don't think we will have any problems, as others seem to agree. Can anyone give me some assurance on that? Nobodyssecret@aol.com