Big Paws Only Dog Forums

"brave enough" to have their Husky off leash while walking? NO, not brave. Stupid and irresponsible. If their dog sees a squirrel, rabbit, or even just another dog he wants to go say hi to, he could take off, through traffice, and who knows how far the dog will get, or if it will get hurt or killed.

It makes me so angry that people don't do the research before they get a dog, don't learn about the breed and their characteristic s.  Then the dog is in a situation with an owner who is not prepared to property take care of them, and many Huskies are found as strays, or returned to shelters becuase the owners had no idea what they were getting into with a Husky. It's not the dog's fault.

Many Huskies very rarely bark. Instead they may make "talking" sounds, some more than others. Yes, Huskies are known for being escapte artists, so you need to make your fences and gates Husky proof. This site http://www.siberianhusky.8m.com/sibeinfo.htm#Not%20so provides some very clear facts about the Siberian Husky - escape artists, runner, digger, etc.

If you want to discuss tips for containment and Husky proofing your fence and  gates, go to www.everything husky.com and go to the forum. There is a section on Fencing and Containment where many Husky owners have submitted excellent ideas.

It has nothing to do with the dog not loving you - it is in the Siberian Husky's nature to run, wander and chase. Intact males (not neutered) have an even stronger urge to wander to search for females, and if there is a female in heat nearby, he will do anything to get out and get to her.

I work with a Husky rescue organization - even with the best of training and discipline and the closest relationship, you cannot trust your Husky not to take off, especially in an area where there are small animals  they can chase (rabbits, squirrels), or traffic.  A little over a year ago, a Husky was adopted out to a home where the adopters were, as usual, educated on the necessity of being careful with doors, making sure the dog didn't get out of the house or yard off leash. The next day one of the doors to the house wasn't securely closed, he got out, and was hit and killed on the main road near the house. Even the most well-trained Husky will give in to their instincts to run at some point and just take off, so it's up to the owner to guard against this with caution and leashes. Obedience training will help, but it's never a 100% guaruntee.

Here is a quote from the Siberian Husky Club of America site (http://www.shca.org/shcahp2b.htm): "Of all the shortcomings to be found in Siberians, the most dangerous to the pet owner is their tremendous desire to RUN. But the very first dash that a puppy makes across the road could be his last run, anywhere. A Siberian, for his own protection, should be kept confined or under control at all times. If you are one of those people who think it is cruel to kennel a dog, or keep him confined in his own backyard . . . don't buy a Siberian. "