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First, they simply cannot be let off leash, EVER! They were bred to run, and that is exactly what they will do if given the chance. Even the best-behaved Siberian, who has never run before, can suddenly dart down the street one day. Many of the Siberians in shelters were once someone's pets who were not properly contained and got loose. These dogs will run until they cannot stand to run anymore, and then wherever they stop is fine with them. This also imposes a major safety concern, as they can be hit by traffic or damage people's pets or property.
Being "tied up" is not a life for a Siberian Husky. They need a lot of room to run and play. They're very active and need adequate exercise. Without this, your dog can become unhealthy. They love the outdoors. If you want the dog as an outdoor dog, fence your yard. Plain and simple. But also, keep in mind that these dogs are smart.
Do not put anything against the fence that they can climb on to escape. This includes ladders; they can climb up them. If you think they need a shelter, center it in the pen. Having a dog box close to your fence is almost like giving them permission to climb out. Opt for the 6-foot fence instead of the 4-foot, as well. They are quite the jumpers and many will jump a 4 footer. Always check your fence regularly for damages and holes, which could be potential, escape routes. If you have a gate entrance on your fence, I suggest a nice sturdy lock. You may not believe this one, but many Siberians can figure out how to get them open by watching you. No matter how secure the kennel or fence, these dogs need to have identification on them. Some people seem to think that since they have their dog in a fenced in yard, there is no need for a collar. Not true. You should have at least one ID tag on them at all times.
You can also go a step further and get them microchipped. When you do this, a little chip is embedded under their skin. It contains a number that is theirs and only theirs. This number can be read using a microchip reader, and most pounds are investing in these. All it takes is a quick scan over the dog and they can look up the number in a database and contact you. It’s a very simple process getting a chip placed in your dog and it can save you a lot of worry later on.
Yes! In my opinion, the key to living with a Siberian is PATIENCE! They are stubborn. Try to make them do something they don't want to do, and you will learn very fast how vocal they are. A Siberian who is upset about what you are doing will scream and cry as if you were trying to murder him. They also howl. They howl when they're happy, when they’re sad, when trying to get your attention, when bored.... Get the picture? A siren sounding in the distance is also taken as a good chance to get their singing voices finely tuned. If you live in the city and you have easily irritable neighbors, then chances are they won’t be too happy when you come home with a Siberian.
Another thing... they shed like nothing you've ever seen before! It's unbelievable. Siberians have a thick undercoat, which they blow when the weather starts to get warm. This fur can be spun into beautiful yarn to make sweaters and such out of, but it's a pain when it's all over your beautiful $1500 couch! If you despise animal hair on everything you own, a Siberian is definitely not the dog for you!
In addition to the above stated things, if you value your beautifully landscaped yard then letting a Siberian Husky roam around in it is probably not a very good idea. They have the ability to make a yard look like the Grand Canyon in just a few hours. Flowerbeds make perfect digging ground, and a pretty pond makes a great swimming pool. Watch out, goldfish!
The number of Siberians in shelters across the country is absolutely unbelievable. If you are looking for a good older dog, try a Siberian Husky rescue. You may be able to get the number of a Siberian Husky rescue group through your local animal shelter or another breed’s rescue group. Dishonorable Backyard breeders are people you do NOT want to get your Husky from. They are often "mass bred", which means little to no attention is paid to the dogs' health. Pet stores, although they seem harmless enough, are also not a very desirable place to get your pup. The little gal or guy may seem so precious, but is most likely a result of a puppy miller. In that case, you will have a really hard time getting help if problems arise with your pup. All in all, find a reliable breeder. Check out the kennels; meet the pup's parents. You will find the right dog for you, even if it takes some searching. If you are worried about getting the "left over" or "unwanted" dogs, don't. I got both of my dogs through rescue and they're both beautiful and absolutely perfect.
The Siberian makes a wonderful companion. They make a spectacular show dog. They can pull sleds with the best of them. BUT... they are not watchdogs! A Siberian would watch a burglar walk off with everything you own as long as the person stopped and patted the dog on the head with each trip. They're overly friendly to everyone, it doesn‘t matter if they know the person or not. They are content just loving everyone. If you're looking for a watchdog, this is definitely not the way to go. They also do not bark when a stranger is present. They wag their tale and want to meet the visitor and get them to come and play. This is just their nature. A lot of people want to buy Siberians because they’re “part wolf”. This is a myth. It’s very untrue. They are no more wolf then the Chihuahua down the street. Keep this in mind when buying a Siberian, we don't anymore ending up in pounds because of their undesirable watchdog skills.
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