basic info help 1st time dog owner

ORIGINAL: janet_rose

. i really need a new running partner

Then you are not looking for a puppy. You need a dog at least two years old. That is when a dog's skeletal structure is strong enough to start jogging with its owner - especially on concrete.

definitely. my mistake. i know it'll be a while before i even begin to demand that of my dog. i totally forgot and overlooked that. but at the very least you can guys can count on me that my husky will be able to run when he/she is ready and willing to, especially with me. but the running thing really isn't an issue nor a demand. i just read that characteristic of huskies and i thought, "perfect, i run all the time." in the meantime though, i'll wait till he or she is ready. there is also a pretty good dog park we can "walk" to to hang out right by my house. they have a section for smaller dogs, too. or we can switch it up and go to another one. plenty of options here in LA. thank you for pointing that out, janet_rose. much appreciated.

i'm really digging this community. i can't say that enough.

You're in LA?
 
Here is "Husky Haven of LA"
[linkhttp://www.huskyhavenofla.org/index.htm]http://www.huskyhavenofla.org/index.htm[/link]
 
[linkhttp://www.huskyhavenofla.org/available_dogs.htm]http://www.huskyhavenofla.org/available_dogs.htm[/link]
 
It looks like they currently have about 20 dogs.
 
Siberian Husky Rescue/Referral has a big list of dogs in foster care and they seem to list dogs from a number of groups:
[linkhttp://www.shrrca.org/avail.php]http://www.shrrca.org/avail.php[/link]
 
I strongly urge you to try to find an adult through a rescue that fosters before other sources---a rescue with a good foster program will be able to tell you an awful lot about the dog. They will be able to match you with a dog that fits your family and lifestyle. Dogs in a traditional shelter get stressed out and do not act the way they normally do.
 
I think this is near you too and some of its dogs are on the page I linked above:
[linkhttp://www.huskycamp.com/page1.htm]http://www.huskycamp.com/page1.htm[/link]
 
 
***** Here is an interesting site "The Online Profiler: Is the Siberian Husky Right for You?"
[linkhttp://shusky.hypermart.net/husky.htm]http://shusky.hypermart.net/husky.htm[/link]
 
Even if you don't see an available dog that suits you at these sites it is worth talking to folks at a rescue group and asking questions. They love and know the breed and can tell you the best and the worst about them.
 
Good luck and welcome!
 
 

You're in LA?

Here is "Husky Haven of LA"
http://www.huskyhavenofla.org/index.htm

http://www.huskyhavenofla.org/available_dogs.htm

OMG, I vote for this guy, Zorro!!!  He's gorgeous!!



OK, so you shouldn't pick based on looks.  I just wanted an excuse to post a cool picture. []

While you are looking for a dog, you need to be looking for a good vet that agrees with your philosophy of caring for a dog.  That means that you have to decide what "your philosophy" is NOW, because if you get a shelter or rescue dog your first stop should be the vet.  You do not want to bring home pests like worms in your dog's feces.
 
There is lots of evidence that we have been damaging the immune systems of dogs by over-vaccinating.   Some vets push the older vaccination protocols instead of the newer ones.  My suggested way of doing vaccines:
[linkhttp://forum.dog.com/asp/m.asp?m=326568]http://forum.dog.com/asp/m.asp?m=326568[/link]
 
What do you plan to feed?  With the recent pet food recalls a lot of people are starting to use home-prepared diets - raw or cooked.  Some vets oppose this.  Keep in mind that most vets have very little nutritional training and much of the training that they do have comes from the dog food reps.  They also make money selling dog food (and vaccines for that matter).
 [font=verdana]
You need a vet that isn't going to hassle you if you choose to use pest control products other than the ones he sells (a prescription is needed for heartworm meds).  This post has the why's about my choices for heartworm and flea meds:[size=3]
[linkhttp://forum.dog.com/asp/m.asp?m=305506]http://forum.dog.com/asp/m.asp?m=305506[/link][/size]
 
In short you need a vet that is open-minded and willing to discuss things with you.  A vet that doesn't talk down to you (regardless of your age).   A vet who will accept your final decisions.  A vet who may think that a test is not needed and will tell you that, but will do the test if you want it anyway.  A vet that will work in conjunction with a holistic vet if you choose to use the latter.  A vet that is willing to learn new info that you may find.
 
You may have to interview several vets before you find one you like.  You will probably have to schedule and pay for consultation visits since you are taking up the vet's time.  To keep costs down make a list of questions so you can find out as much as possible in about 15 minutes.[/font]

When getting a young dog or puppy, you are looking at about a 10-15 year commitment.  There are lots of things for a college student to consider because these will be years of a lot of changes in your life.
(1)  Will I have to travel for my job?
(2)  When I am on my own, will I be able to afford to care for the dog and give it room to run.  If not, are my parents willing and able to to care for it for a while.
(2)  What will I do if my significant other doesn't like the dog?
(3)  If I have children, am I prepared to do whatever it takes to keep both my dog and my children safe from each other.
 
These are some heavy questions for a person your age.  Think hard about them.

Wow, I just wanted to say that there's an amazing amount of info on this thread! 
 
My own suggestion for you darwin is to look into an adult dog.  They require a lot less time intensive attention.  A puppy will eliminate alot of your social life because of the "two hour" rule and socialization, things of that nature.  The adult will settle down in 3 to 6 weeks and you can watch the dog's personality blossom!

That's a good point - really think about some of the "common" reasons that people rehome / or get rid of a dog, like moving into an apartment that doesn't take dogs or takes dogs, but not large ones, getting married and having children. etc.

I'd also say to put some thought into adopting an adult dog. I've had dogs for the last 6 years (as an adult myself--childhood pets that you don't have 100% responsibility for don't count!) and I've never had a puppy and I'm not sure even at this stage in my dog owning career I'd be ready for one. I'm a highly involved, fairly experienced dog owner, and I know for a fact that I couldn't deal with raising a puppy. Maybe another 10 years of dog ownership and it'll be time. It's really a tremendous amount of work.

Adult dogs are just as trainable, and in many ways easier to train, than puppies.

Siberians are beautiful dogs.  Many people are drawn to them as well.  Just know that they are not very good for first time dog owners.  Here is a site that lists the pros and cons of owning a husky  [linkhttp://www.siberianrescue.com/seneca.htm]http://www.siberianrescue.com/seneca.htm[/link]
There are so many huskie's in shelters and rescue groups because people love the way they look, especially when they are a puppy.  But when they get to the adolescent stage and don't listen and become a problem child, they decided they do not want them anymore.
If you think you can handle all the cons of owning a husky, then I would look at rescueing an adult as well. 
Rescue groups are a great place to look for them.  They evaluate the dogs and can help you find the right dog for you.  Don't fall in love with one just because of the way they look.  Other benefits of getting an adult through a rescue, they've probably already had someone working with them on obedience.  Might already know how to sit, down, stay,  hopefully they would be good on a heel.  These dogs were bred to pull, so when you put them on a leash that's what a lot of them want to do. 
Do all the research that you can on huskies and owning a dog in general. 
It takes time, money and patience to be owned by a dog.  But the love you get in return is unconditional and worth it. 

ORIGINAL: houndlove

I'd also say to put some thought into adopting an adult dog. I've had dogs for the last 6 years (as an adult myself--childhood pets that you don't have 100% responsibility for don't count!) and I've never had a puppy and I'm not sure even at this stage in my dog owning career I'd be ready for one. I'm a highly involved, fairly experienced dog owner, and I know for a fact that I couldn't deal with raising a puppy. Maybe another 10 years of dog ownership and it'll be time. It's really a tremendous amount of work.

Adult dogs are just as trainable, and in many ways easier to train, than puppies.

Cressida, RIGHT ON!  

I raised my puppy.  I can't tell you how many times from day one I kept telling myself 
"Only 10 months of hard work" and then the countdown began.  10 months isn't that long but wow, there were some nights when I got NO sleep.  Staying up with a vomiting dog that picked up a toad.  Loads of fun.  Going through teething stages when everything is fair game (I have a small guitar collection!)  Dealing with explosive diarrhea, accidents, rude neighbors, the roomie's parents, lots of walks, and so many more things I can't even begin to describe it.

I love puppies, but I don't think I'm up for another one any time soon.[sm=backtotopic.gif]

Hey Dwin..do you bike at all?

[linkhttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=go0r5ftEXxg]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=go0r5ftEXxg[/link]

I'd like to offer first-hand advice on husky-owning.

1. They are escape artists. The BEST.

2. When they blow their coat, you are will be brushing them DAILY unless you want to be overwhelmed in dog hair.

3. Left to their own devices they WILL find something naughty to do! (Except my dog. I don't know why! Must be the elkhound in her, LOL) I would not leave any dog, but especially a husky, in a yard alone unattended. As in, alone in the yard while you go to school/work, etc.

4. When they get away the run run run.

5. Huskies have a tremendous prey drive. They will catch and kill just about anything that runs away from them. Like your neighbor's cat....[&:]


Not to dissuade you from a husky, but they are a real handful!

I think people have given you a lot of good advice, so I'll just chip in a few more things.

What are you going o do with the dog when you move out on your own in two or three years? Money will be tight, you're not going to be able to afford a house-and-yard, and with a dog- especially a large dog- you're going to be priced out of most of the cheapest apartments around.

If you *REALLY* must get a dog, I'd recommend you find osmething smaller-to-medium- unless you're a marathoner, a 25 pound dog will totally be able to keep up, under 30 pounds, and an adult NOW. It'll be a LOT easier for that dog to adapt in 3-4 yeras to apartment living than a young adult very active working breed- especially once you start working full time, when your schedule will totally change from being a student.

If you like the look of the husky, look at American Eskimos, Shiba Inu (not an easy breed, but not imposible for a first time owner), look at corgis (ditto). Look at Alaskan Klee Kai and German Spitzes. Heck, look at Pomeranian and sheltie rescue groups! All of these will be easier to manage in an apartment. And the chances of you living with your parents for the next 12-15 years are pretty darn low.

I'd like to offer first-hand advice on husky-owning.

1. They are escape artists. The BEST.

Be sure to microchip any dog that you get!