Davetvt Posted June 12, 2018 Report Share Posted June 12, 2018 Hi All - the big plan was to adopt a rescue Husky as part of my active retirement (lucky to be able to go at 55) and so have been doing all the breed due diligence research and getting things ready (watchtower, 12ft high fences, have bought the cement mixer to fill in the flower beds, usual sort of stuff ). Family are all bought in and we are looking forward to the adventure and welcoming the new member of the family. Helpful as ever, eldest son comes home from college and declares that a classmate is looking to rehome their 2 year old Husky as it "belonged" to an elder sibling who is no longer at home and now the dog isn't really getting the level of attention/exercise it needs. Rather than dive in, I'm now in the process of asking a lot of questions (any issues, how did they get him, parentage, what training has taken place, out on lead behaviours, crate training, diet, health, vaccinations etc etc). So far so good......Then I hear that the dog in question joined their family at 4 weeks old (sounds way to early from what I can understand and likely many socialisation processes it would have learnt from mother & litter many not have been learned). Haven't met the dog yet as I don't want to raise any expectations on either side. Grateful of any experiences and issues that you folks have had, or heard of with dogs that were taken from the litter at such a young age. Very much appreciated. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
robke Posted June 12, 2018 Report Share Posted June 12, 2018 TO Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KimHuskyMom Posted June 12, 2018 Report Share Posted June 12, 2018 I am not sure if this well help you, but my experience is that I adopted a husky at almost 3 years of age. We, and the rescue group are not sure what he endured during his first six months of life, as he was taken to an animal shelter at that age, and then fostered by the rescue group. Anyway, although he is a sweetheart and is very well behaved, he does have some fear issues. Fear of dog brushes, or of anything touching him, fear of people, not friendly with strangers. I believe this could be because he was not socialized as a puppy. He has become quite playful and affectionate in these last 11 months. So, there is hope - but, I guess those are a few things you should consider. I hope it works out for you, if you decide to adopt this one. Kim Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rachael_Astro Posted June 12, 2018 Report Share Posted June 12, 2018 I think you’re asking all the right questions, I would definitely meet the dog at least twice though as you can’t go by everything they say. Some people do unfortunately mask problems to make it easier to get rid of the dog. Also see if it’s possible to bring the dog to your house for a trial and take him for a walk or 2 as he may behave differently out of his home environment At 2 years if he’s had the right training any issues caused by being taken too young should be gone. Issues he may have had include separation anxiety, and not knowing boundaries when playing (biting etc), lack of socialisation skills with other dogs Sent from my iPhone using Husky Owners Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chelseafan Posted June 12, 2018 Report Share Posted June 12, 2018 As above, most behavioural issues can be worked out with the right training, it will require commitment on your part, as I’m sure you’re already aware. If you decide to meet the husky in question I’d definitely take for a few walks over a period of a week or two, you’ll know soon enough how you feel about adopting him. It will be an adventure, but one you won’t regret, I don’t feel there’s any negatives to sharing your life with husky’s. Good luck [emoji6] and please post pics as and when [emoji3]Sent from my iPad using Husky Owners Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Luna-tic Posted June 12, 2018 Report Share Posted June 12, 2018 Adopting a dog is always a gamble, I have had 2 border collies rehomed from their owners, both dogs I loved to bits, both quite different dogs and both had their foibles but weren’t any trouble. Second collie had back issues that previous owner knew about but was never forthcoming on what so we just had to cope with it as he got older. The husky, well, she’s a lovely dog, we got her at 6, story is on here, I now have few regrets but those I have are not the dogs fault. She isn’t hugely affectionate, she keeps mostly to herself and she can be insecure. I have an idea that she’s probably chased livestock in the past and of course that’s not something likely to be mentioned by an owner desperate to move the dog on. I found out too, after I’d taken her, that she was rehomed earlier as a pup because the owners then were locking her in a cupboard, it’s obvious to me that she has been physically chastised to the point of being fearful, she cringes at sudden movement near her and on the few occasions I’ve shouted at her because she was misbehaving (nothing serious but I had to use a stern voice) she runs away in fright, a big over reaction. I’ve never lifted a finger to her but it makes me wonder to what she was subjected. Anyway, I think my points are a. that it’s unlikely you’ll get the whole truth, the owner looking to move on a dog they don’t want will sanitise the facts b. You have to live with the dog to really know what it’s strengths and weaknesses are. It will take time and really if you take any dog, my opinion is that it’s for better or worse unless you have a dog who is dangerous to you or others in which case there may be a hard decision to make. This dog sounds like one who needs a good and loving home with an owner who has the time and inclination to do the best for him he can. You seem to fit the bill, you have a sense of humour which you’ll probably need lol, especially if like Luna she poops and pees in every place but outside until she settled, regularly ate the cats food and sleeps in hubby's chair despite having several bed options. I’d certainly walk her before deciding but I don’t think you should take her home for a week and then give her back, that feels wrong to me and you won’t see the best of the dog if she’s in a place she’s not familiar with and to which isn’t used. We've had Luna 9 months now and I still don’t think she’s fully settled, she’s making progress though and I’d not give her up because I made a commitment. Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Vickie Posted June 13, 2018 Report Share Posted June 13, 2018 I adopted my husky from a shelter when she was 7, who turned out to be super lovely best pup ever, so I don't have any advice for a young husky. I just wanted to pop in to say that well done on doing all the research and preparing to ask all the questions! If it works for you in the end, the husky would really appreciate that you're home with him all the time! Good luck! 6 hours ago, KimHuskyMom said: I have an IKEA Livlig too! ❤️ It's mine, though, not my husky's. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Katya Posted June 13, 2018 Report Share Posted June 13, 2018 I'm a new husky mom to 4.5 month old Katya. We adopted her from a breeder at 2 months. If you want a husky, you know they come with exercise and behavorial requirements. They're smart and energetic and require constant mental and physical stimulation. I haven't met a husky I didn't love, honestly. Of course, Katya is my true husky love, but I'd work through any issues presented. I like that you're doing your research. Responsible dog owners are the best! Best of luck to you!!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rachael_Astro Posted June 13, 2018 Report Share Posted June 13, 2018 Adopting a dog is always a gamble, I have had 2 border collies rehomed from their owners, both dogs I loved to bits, both quite different dogs and both had their foibles but weren’t any trouble. Second collie had back issues that previous owner knew about but was never forthcoming on what so we just had to cope with it as he got older. The husky, well, she’s a lovely dog, we got her at 6, story is on here, I now have few regrets but those I have are not the dogs fault. She isn’t hugely affectionate, she keeps mostly to herself and she can be insecure. I have an idea that she’s probably chased livestock in the past and of course that’s not something likely to be mentioned by an owner desperate to move the dog on. I found out too, after I’d taken her, that she was rehomed earlier as a pup because the owners then were locking her in a cupboard, it’s obvious to me that she has been physically chastised to the point of being fearful, she cringes at sudden movement near her and on the few occasions I’ve shouted at her because she was misbehaving (nothing serious but I had to use a stern voice) she runs away in fright, a big over reaction. I’ve never lifted a finger to her but it makes me wonder to what she was subjected. Anyway, I think my points are a. that it’s unlikely you’ll get the whole truth, the owner looking to move on a dog they don’t want will sanitise the facts b. You have to live with the dog to really know what it’s strengths and weaknesses are. It will take time and really if you take any dog, my opinion is that it’s for better or worse unless you have a dog who is dangerous to you or others in which case there may be a hard decision to make. This dog sounds like one who needs a good and loving home with an owner who has the time and inclination to do the best for him he can. You seem to fit the bill, you have a sense of humour which you’ll probably need lol, especially if like Luna she poops and pees in every place but outside until she settled, regularly ate the cats food and sleeps in hubby's chair despite having several bed options. I’d certainly walk her before deciding but I don’t think you should take her home for a week and then give her back, that feels wrong to me and you won’t see the best of the dog if she’s in a place she’s not familiar with and to which isn’t used. We've had Luna 9 months now and I still don’t think she’s fully settled, she’s making progress though and I’d not give her up because I made a commitment. Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk I didn’t mean take the dog home for a week, even just a few hours as that’s what husky rescues did when I was looking for my second husky, they would bring the dog round to my house for a few hours. If they care about the dog I’m sure they will want to see the home their dog is possibly going to as well Sent from my iPhone using Husky Owners mobile app Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KimHuskyMom Posted June 13, 2018 Report Share Posted June 13, 2018 11 hours ago, Vickie said: I adopted my husky from a shelter when she was 7, who turned out to be super lovely best pup ever, so I don't have any advice for a young husky. I just wanted to pop in to say that well done on doing all the research and preparing to ask all the questions! If it works for you in the end, the husky would really appreciate that you're home with him all the time! Good luck! I have an IKEA Livlig too! ❤️ It's mine, though, not my husky's. The IKEA husky was supposed to be for my son, but Olaf claimed it right away. 😉 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Davetvt Posted June 13, 2018 Author Report Share Posted June 13, 2018 Thank you all so much, great to be welcomed with plenty of sound advice from those who have trodden the path already. Really looking forward to it all, either with this dog or one of the (sadly) dozens in all the rescue sites I'm scanning. I'm sure there will be other questions as we're in this for the long haul Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Davetvt Posted July 13, 2018 Author Report Share Posted July 13, 2018 Well dear reader, we got him....Meet Jackson - just under 2 years old, got some good habits already but lacks a bit of lead training and wasn't very socialised so a bit excited around new people and meeting other dogs. All fixable with a bit of time and effort. Vet thinks he needs another kilo or two but the move from "Tescos Meaty Chunks" to the raw food diet ought to see to that. He's made a massive difference to our family already and so the journey begins Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chelseafan Posted July 13, 2018 Report Share Posted July 13, 2018 He’s a handsome boy! He looks very settled already [emoji3]Sent from my iPhone using Husky Owners Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
robke Posted July 13, 2018 Report Share Posted July 13, 2018 Nice one... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Michelle Sopi Posted July 13, 2018 Report Share Posted July 13, 2018 Another awesome Red 💕 welcome and enjoy 😍 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ARMANI & ALINAH Posted July 13, 2018 Report Share Posted July 13, 2018 Aww, JACKSON is gorgeous!! With a little more weight on him, he'll feel really good. You'll fall in love more & more everyday!![emoji847][emoji191][emoji252][emoji93]Sent from my Moto Z (2) using Husky Owners mobile app Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Luna-tic Posted July 13, 2018 Report Share Posted July 13, 2018 Oh what a lovely boy, thank you from me for taking him in. I’m sure you won’t regret it, he is a wee bit skinny but he should fill out with good food. Best of luck with him and I hope he brings you years of pleasure. Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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