Question:

The Idaho Humane Society charges $55.00 for an adoption, and that charge includes a spay or neuter (as well as initial vaccinations).  They keep the animal until it is spayed or neutered and do it the morning after adoption (i.e., you adopt a dog on Tuesday and pick it up Wednesday night).  When I adopted a dog that wasn’t neutered, I asked if I could take him outside so he could urinate, and they said no since he wasn’t neutered.  Obviously, they take no chances here which, in my opinion, is a good thing. Richard – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> In fact, I’d like to do an informal survey — people reading this thread, > how many of your local pounds and shelters spay and neuter before > placement?

Response:

>Cartman writes… > I had no idea the incision would be that big (turned out >she was 15 days pregnant)!  Anyway, it was a bonding time for us. >Pregnant? Wow, where did you get this dog, from a shelter? >What’s going on with the pups so far?

Yes, we got her from a shelter, and she had to be spayed.  The vet did a doggy abortion when Sasha got spayed. >A doggy door is a good idea, as long as you have a 6-foot-fenced >in yard with a locking gate —

We do have a six foot fence, but we need to put down some metal something or other to prevent her from digging out.  We also need a better latch and lock. >My Siberian Husky ended up stuck in our house for *12* hours one >time due to heavy traffic on our way home from a larger city in >our area, and he managed to unlock and open our sliding glass door >in order to do his business outside.

Sasha has been playing with door handles and the latch on our gate with her snout.  I’m afraid she’s gonna get the latch open and take off, so we’re working on getting something "husky proof". >Ever heard of Sibernet-L? It’s an e-mailing list for Siberian >Husky owners/breeders/trainers/mushers or whatever, and you >can really learn a lot from the people subscribed to it.

Thanks!  Gonna hook up with that list soon.

Response:

> Cartman writes: > :so my husband and I occassionally start > :howling and "woowooing" and Sasha jumps > :right in (are we wierd?). > Yes, you are weird. Which means that you are > well on your way to becoming absolutely tip-top, > FIRST CLASS dog owners. > JohnR

I have to agree with that one!LMAO!!:)) Crys — Music and  love are the two wings of soul…

Response:

>I try not to "preach," but… >Your Siberian stays in the front yard, all day (getting >constant attention) — I assume that means he’s tied, >or that you have a tall fence out front… >Siberian Huskies are well known for jumping short fences, >and running until they run out of gas, and once they stop >they don’t know where they are, and since they’re such >people-dogs, will stay with whoever picks them up.

Yes, Sorry I forgot to mention that!  The absolute worst week of my life is when he broke his cable and ran away.  In six hours he made is about 12 miles (as the crow flies, or husky runs  Before someone picked him up. It took a week of ads in news papers and on the radio before we were able to connect with the people that picked him up.  Thank God there are people who now how much a dog (family member) means to some people.  Now that couple wants a husky! >That’s exactly how Jax (my SibHsky) is just when I pick up my >winter coat, or grab his leash in the summer. Heck, I think >he’s even starting to pick up when I’m slipping socks on. It >isn’t very easy doing that, or tying shoes, when you have a >nuclear ball of Siberian Husky energy bounding around and >getting in your face until you’re entirely ready to go. >As far a I’m concerned, Huskys are a great pet/friend. >You’ve hit the nail on the head on that one. >If there’s one thing the Siberian Husky is best at, >it’s being the family pet; though it’s recommended >that you get more than one to keep the other company. >Oh, btw, it’s spelled "skijoring."

Thanks >On a related note… >Ever heard of Sibernet-L? >It’s an internet email mailing list for Siberian Husky >owners/breeders/trainers, etc. >There are a few DMV’s, I’m pretty sure, and everyone >there is very knowledgeable of the breed. >R. Kingsboro (super-informed Siberian owner, thanks to Sib-L)

No I haven’t  heard of Sibernet-L.  I can figure out the Sibernet part but what is the L for? DMV’s???  Sorry this is only the second time I’ve ever been here.  Some of the abbreviations are kinda different.

Response:

Cartman writes:

:so my husband and I occassionally start :howling and "woowooing" and Sasha jumps :right in (are we wierd?). Yes, you are weird. Which means that you are well on your way to becoming absolutely tip-top, FIRST CLASS dog owners. JohnR

Response:

Cartman writes… >I just wanted to let everyone know how wonderfully everything >is turning out.  I’ve educated myself on dog behavior (especially >in Siberian Huskys), and am very comfortable with Sasha now. >After we brought her home from the vet, we babied her and babied >her.  I had no idea the incision would be that big (turned out >she was 15 days pregnant)!  Anyway, it was a bonding time for us.

Pregnant? Wow, where did you get this dog, from a shelter? What’s going on with the pups so far? >I’m much more comfortable with her when she "talks".  In fact, we >read that huskys that live in packs will spontaneously all start >howling and "talking" together, so my husband and I occassionally >start howling and "woowooing" and Sasha jumps right in (are we

wierd?).  We just love her! How can you not fall right in love with a dog that tries it’s best to carry a conversation with you. Anyway, no you’re not "weird," as far as Siberian Husky owners go. I think most of us who really care for the dogs tend to start "talking" with them. >About the outdoor/indoor thing…we’re basically keeping her >an indoor dog because we read huskys want to be with their pack, >and we are her pack.  We’re even calling our house "the den". >She still likes to go outside, but if we don’t go with her, >she’s not out there for too long.  We know she’s ready to come >in when she starts trying to turn the door handle with her snout >(she’s so smart!).  We’re thinking about building a doggy door >for her.

That’s very true; Siberians pretty much have to be with their family in order to be truly content. All Siberians love the outdoors, but not when there’s noone to share it with. A doggy door is a good idea, as long as you have a 6-foot-fenced in yard with a locking gate — Since you did some research, I’m sure you’re now aware that most Siberian Huskies will take off and keep running given the opportunity to have such fun. Remember though, Siberians really are *extremely* clever for being "just dogs" (though I rarely refer to them as dogs; it’s kinda belittling My Siberian Husky ended up stuck in our house for *12* hours one time due to heavy traffic on our way home from a larger city in our area, and he managed to unlock and open our sliding glass door in order to do his business outside. >And about her eye color…I love it!  Now that I know her better, >I know she’s just sweet as can be, and her whitish blue eye doesn’t >give me the spooks anymore.  I wouldn’t want her any other way. >We kiss her and hug her all the time.  I think we’ve gone ga-ga >over this dog!

So she has one blue eye, right? Totally normal, and definitely a little "spooky" to the uninitiated. Ever heard of Sibernet-L? It’s an e-mailing list for Siberian Husky owners/breeders/trainers/mushers or whatever, and you can really learn a lot from the people subscribed to it. R. Kingsboro

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>A couple of weeks ago my husband and I adopted a 2 year old siberian >husky.

I just wanted to let everyone know how wonderfully everything is turning out.  I’ve educated myself on dog behavior (especially in Siberian Huskys), and am very comfortable with Sasha now.  After we brought her home from the vet, we babied her and babied her.  I had no idea the incision would be that big (turned out she was 15 days pregnant)!  Anyway, it was a bonding time for us. I’m much more comfortable with her when she "talks".  In fact, we read that huskys that live in packs will spontaneously all start howling and "talking" together, so my husband and I occassionally start howling and "woowooing" and Sasha jumps right in (are we wierd?).  We just love her! About the outdoor/indoor thing…we’re basically keeping her an indoor dog because we read huskys want to be with their pack, and we are her pack.  We’re even calling our house "the den".  She still likes to go outside, but if we don’t go with her, she’s not out there for too long.  We know she’s ready to come in when she starts trying to turn the door handle with her snout (she’s so smart!).  We’re thinking about building a doggy door for her. And about her eye color…I love it!  Now that I know her better, I know she’s just sweet as can be, and her whitish blue eye doesn’t give me the spooks anymore.  I wouldn’t want her any other way.  We kiss her and hug her all the time.  I think we’ve gone ga-ga over this dog!

Response:

> Who said anything about "without companionship"??

In essence, you did.  The original poster said she had ONE dog, no kids so the Sibe got ALL of their attention.  So, if she was outside with no other dogs or people, then she is without companionship. > Maybe "you" are outside.

Possibly, but not very likely.  Most people (not all) tend to give less attention to an outside dog. > Exercise and attention are two different things.

Yes, of course they are but my point here was that Sibes do not need endless amounts of structured exercise because when time is spent with them , there are usually games/activities involved. > I’ve no idea. I never suggested that.

Re-read your orignial post.  While you never said it outright, your meaning was ambiguous, especially given the fact that the owner had one dog and worked all day.  I’ll tell you what most lone Siberians do outside all day. They bark, dig, howl, pace, and become very bored. Jean

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>> > I have never heard of a animal shelter letting a dog leave without being > > spayed. From whatI understand NO exceptions are made on this and to be > > honest, I’m disappointed they made an exception. > With due respect, I think you have not heard of many animal shelters.  It > is still very common for shelters and pounds to adopt intact animals with > a promise of later spay/neuter. > I have experience with animal shelters. I wouldn’t say it was "common". It sort of defeats

Well, the last time I asked around locally, it was very much a common practice.  I got the same impression from reading newsgroup posts, that many people still spayed and neutered AFTER adoption. In cases where the spay/neuter is required but not done at the shelter, yes, the spay/neuter fee is usually part of the adoption fee or paid at the time of adoption.  Locally, it’s a separate fee but must be paid at the time of adoption, although it can also be prepaid for a particular dog or cat by any person wishing to do so. > Does anyone have a copy of a contract used in these special cases? I would be curious to see it.

I just found the contract from Jackie Woof’s adoption.  There is a place to write in a date, and a statement that the dog is to be spayed or neutered on or before that date.  There are other statements too about promising to care for the dog, provide proper shelter and training and companionship, and a statement that the dog may be taken back if some conditions are not met.  I’d be happy to send you a copy;  it is still the standard contract for this shelter. I’d be interested if you would call around to shelters in your area and let me know how many of them are spaying and neutering before placement. In fact, I’d like to do an informal survey — people reading this thread, how many of your local pounds and shelters spay and neuter before placement? — Elizabeth B. Naime            *   Email may be forwarded and/or posted CUR 70 / FUR 212              *       * Standard Disclaimers Apply*

Response:

>Different dogs like to do different things, just like people. >My Siberian Husky (Sabre) stays outside all day. Other dogs >come over, visit and play.  And sometimes Sabre just sleeps. >He must be out in the front yard, though.  With people and >kids walking by he always gets attention!

I try not to "preach," but… Your Siberian stays in the front yard, all day (getting constant attention) — I assume that means he’s tied, or that you have a tall fence out front… Siberian Huskies are well known for jumping short fences, and running until they run out of gas, and once they stop they don’t know where they are, and since they’re such people-dogs, will stay with whoever picks them up. >Come winter time, sabre and I go cross-country skiing (I think >it’s called Skorging, spelling may not be right).  The two of >us go about seven miles a every other day (less at the begining >of the season).  I just love the look on his face when he sees >his harness, he lights up like a big ball of energy!!

That’s exactly how Jax (my SibHsky) is just when I pick up my winter coat, or grab his leash in the summer. Heck, I think he’s even starting to pick up when I’m slipping socks on. It isn’t very easy doing that, or tying shoes, when you have a nuclear ball of Siberian Husky energy bounding around and getting in your face until you’re entirely ready to go. >As far a I’m concerned, Huskys are a great pet/friend.

You’ve hit the nail on the head on that one. If there’s one thing the Siberian Husky is best at, it’s being the family pet; though it’s recommended that you get more than one to keep the other company. Oh, btw, it’s spelled "skijoring." On a related note… Ever heard of Sibernet-L? It’s an internet email mailing list for Siberian Husky owners/breeders/trainers, etc. There are a few DMV’s, I’m pretty sure, and everyone there is very knowledgeable of the breed. R. Kingsboro (super-informed Siberian owner, thanks to Sib-L)

Response:

> > I have never heard of a animal shelter letting a dog leave without being > spayed. From whatI understand NO exceptions are made on this and to be > honest, I’m disappointed they made an exception. > With due respect, I think you have not heard of many animal shelters.  It > is still very common for shelters and pounds to adopt intact animals with > a promise of later spay/neuter.

I have experience with animal shelters. I wouldn’t say it was "common". It sort of defeats the whole purpose of a shelter/pound, doesn’t it? The cost of the spay/neuter is usually part of the payment fee to adopt the dog/cat/whatever as well. Does anyone have a copy of a contract used in these special cases? I would be curious to see it.

Response:

>Your opinion is WRONG!  Sibes do VERY well as indoor dogs. >Siberians kept outside and without companionship become >neurotic and shy.  If you don’t own more than one Sibe or >dog, then you are the Sibe’s pack and she MUST be inside >with you.  Siberians do not need as much exercise as you >state.  Two walks a day of 30 minutes each is more than >enough, especially when your Sibe receives indivdual >attention in the house. >What, pray tell, would a lone Siberian have to do all day >outside by herself? >Jean C.

Siberians *do* do very well as indoor dogs, and yes, they *do* need about 60 minutes of exercise, and whether or not you know it, they get it. It comes in the form of play (which they don’t take very seriously , 2 or 3 walks a day, depending on the length of the walk (it is suggested that they get in about 2 miles a day), and whatever other high-energy activities you have with your Siberian. There’s no reason to keep a Husky outdoors, but some of them prefer it out there, and if they like it better outside, let them stay there until they want to come in (mine knocks when it’s time to come in.) My Siberian, Jax, always finds something to do when he’s outside for long periods of time, though he prefers me to be out there with him (and makes it well-known He finds long branches that fall from trees and chews on them, he has a sandbox he likes to dig in, and a number of toys are in the backyard for him strictly as outdoor toys. Of course, when all that gets boring, the occasional wandering squirrel is fun to chase back up the tree. To sum it all up: 1. Siberians need a lot of exercise, only to put on    the normal amount of muscle. If they don’t get    their exercise, they just won’t be as muscular    as they would be if they did. (i.e., they’ll be    kinda scrawny, but not bony) 2. Siberians are quite capable of entertaining    themselves with whatever is present, be it    branches/sticks/acorns, toys, or small animals. 3. Speaking of them chasing squirrels, I should    mention that they don’t do particularly well    with cats, unless they’re raised with them    from puppyhood. 4. Referring to the main topic of this thread;    The original poster’s Siberian (I assume it    is a *Siberian Husky* and not a Malamute,    American Eskimo Dog, or what-have-you)    is probably just "talking" to her when she    speaks of growls. They do not bark. They    make a kind of a "grrrumble-woo-woo" sound,    and it’s normal for them to howl whenever    they get the urge. It’s not a threat. R. Kingsboro p.s. A good place to get information about any dog breed is http://www.k9web.com/. Look for their "breed FAQ’s." They also have information on training, and other topics of major interest. For Siberian Husky references, visit http://www.siberianhusky.com.

Response:

Different dogs like to do different things, just like people. My Siberian Husky (Sabre) stays outside all day. Other dogs come over, visit and play.  And sometimes Sabre just sleeps.  He must be out in the front yard, though.  With people and kids walking by he always gets attention! Come winter time, sabre and I go cross-country skiing (I think it’s called Skorging, spelling may not be right).  The two of us go about seven miles a every other day (less at the begining of the season).  I just love the look on his face when he sees his harness, he lights up like a big ball of energy!! As far a I’m concerned, Huskys are a great pet/friend.

Response:

 > Is she an indoor dog? In my opinion this dog does NOT do well as an > indoor dog. They need a lotof exercise, probably more than 2 or 3 walks a > day, and a LOT of attention

Your opinion is WRONG!  Sibes do VERY well as indoor dogs.  Siberians kept outside and without companionship become neurotic and shy.  If you don’t own more than one Sibe or dog, then you are the Sibe’s pack and she MUST be inside with you.  Siberians do not need as much exercise as you state.  Two walks a day of 30 minutes each is more than enough, especially when your Sibe receives indivdual attention in the house. What, pray tell, would a lone Siberian have to do all day outside by herself? Jean C.

Response:

j >  > Is she an indoor dog? In my opinion this dog does NOT do well as an > indoor dog. They need a lotof exercise, probably more than 2 or 3 walks a > day, and a LOT of attention > Your opinion is WRONG!  Sibes do VERY well as indoor dogs.  Siberians kept > outside and without companionship become neurotic and shy.

Who said anything about "without companionship"?? > If you don’t own > more than one Sibe or dog, then you are the Sibe’s pack and she MUST be inside > with you.

Maybe "you" are outside. > Siberians do not need as much exercise as you state.  Two walks a > day of 30 minutes each is more than enough, especially when your Sibe receives > indivdual attention in the house.

Exercise and attention are two different things. > What, pray tell, would a lone Siberian have to do all day outside by herself?

I’ve no idea. I never suggested that.

Response:

>Why are you trying to "look" at her in the eyes for prolounged >periods? To a dog, this is considereda challenge or an intimidation >technique used by the "pack". I suggest not doing this. I believe it >makes a dog uncomfortable to be looked at directly in the eyes for long >periods.

I disagree with your advice.  As pack leader, you have every right to look the dog in the eye and the dog should look away.  Yes, it does make them uncomfortable to be stared at, but they will accept it from you, the pack leader.  And it is that acceptance that will gain you the respect needed.  A dog that will not look away and/or gets aggressive when you do this is not willing to accept you as leader, and in fact considers you subordinate….

Response:

> I have never heard of a animal shelter letting a dog leave without being > spayed. From whatI understand NO exceptions are made on this and to be > honest, I’m disappointed they made an exception.

With due respect, I think you have not heard of many animal shelters.  It is still very common for shelters and pounds to adopt intact animals with a promise of later spay/neuter. > This is nothing personal but I don’t feel it is appropriate for a shelter > to do this.

I agree with you that it’s a very good idea and all shetlers SHOULD do it — but very, very many do not spay or neuter before placement.  In my state, they do usually have a contract stating that it must be done within a certain period of time, but this does not guarantee compliance. As far as adopting out a bitch in heat, well, personally I would be very careful who she went to, but if the adopters were very trustworthy and had experience with intact bitches before… I think I’d want to get her out of my shelter so all the other dogs would settle down again <grin>!  – Elizabeth B. Naime            *   Email may be forwarded and/or posted CUR 70 / FUR 212              *       * Standard Disclaimers Apply*

Response:

>>Why are you trying to "look" at her in the eyes for prolounged >periods? To a dog, this is considereda challenge or an intimidation >technique used by the "pack". I suggest not doing this. I believe it >makes a dog uncomfortable to be looked at directly in the eyes for long >periods.

. >I disagree with your advice.  As pack leader, you have every right to look >the dog in the eye and the dog should look away.  Yes, it does make them >uncomfortable to be stared at, but they will accept it from you, the pack >leader.  And it is that acceptance that will gain you the respect needed.  A >dog that will not look away and/or gets aggressive when you do this is not >willing to accept you as leader, and in fact considers you subordinate….

. Staring, as the first poster pointed out, is an intimidation method.  While it’s useful in a situation where the dog is being a bit too cheeky or rambunctious, to remind it who’s boss, why on earth would you go out of your way to make your dog uncomfortable just because you can?   When you need to get a message across, it works fine — but there’s no reason to stare at a dog who’s not challenging you any more than there is a reason to harshly order small children about.  It’s overkill, much like the proponents of alpha rolls, who seem to think it’s a preventative measure against all kinds of ills.  A dog that will permit you to roll it doesn’t need to be rolled, and a dog that won’t permit it is dangerous to roll. . LIkewise, a dog that looks away when you casually glance at it should not be stared at — in the dog’s language, it has submitted by looking away, and continuing to stare at it is going to make it neurotic.  And if you engage in a staredown with a dog that isn’t backing down, you’re asking for trouble and escalating the situation. . I’ll stare down a dog that is challenging me in a "I want my own way, I’ll pretend not to listen to her" sense.  I haven’t had too much experience with seriously dominant dogs who won’t back down to tone of voice and a direct gaze, but I imagine that prolonged staring contests with them would not ease the situation any.  But it sounded to me like the original poster has a friendly dog that is off-putting for some reason, probably due to eye color, and that staring at it will either make a submisive dog neurotic or a dominant dog agitated. . kassa

Response:

> A couple of weeks ago my husband and I adopted a 2 year old siberian > husky.  She’s so cute, and I love her.  We don’t have kids, so she > gets all of our attention.  The problem is sometimes she scares me.

Why does she scary you? Because her eyes are 2 colors?? or because of her size and appearance?I’m confused why you are judging your husky by her eye color? >   I’m almost afraid to look into her eyes for a > prolonged period of time.

Why are you trying to "look" at her in the eyes for prolounged periods? To a dog, this is considereda challenge or an intimidation technique used by the "pack". I suggest not doing this. I believe it makes a dog uncomfortable to be looked at directly in the eyes for long periods. >  When my husband leaves for work, she howls > and growls at me to take her for a walk, but I leave for work soon > after my husband so I can’t walk her (besides, we walk her 2 to 3 > times a day!–First thing in the morning, in the afternoon, and then > sometimes again at night).

Is she an indoor dog? In my opinion this dog does NOT do well as an indoor dog. They need a lotof exercise, probably more than 2 or 3 walks a day, and a LOT of attention. Huskys are pack dogs and like to be with the pack. The howling and growling could be signs of extreme boredom. I suggest getting lots of toys, and spending LOTS of time with her when you do get home from work, this includes exercising her, playing with her, and letting her be a part of family as much as possible durinng the times you are home. > their owners?  Oh, one other thing–she got spayed today (the animal > shelter normally has that done before you take them home, but they > made an exception for us as long as we promised to have it done by > tomorrow) .

I have never heard of a animal shelter letting a dog leave without being spayed. From whatI understand NO exceptions are made on this and to be honest, I’m disappointed they made an exception. This is nothing personal but I don’t feel it is appropriate for a shelter to do this. The animals there are not meant for breeding under any circumstances because of their present situation. And to let you adopt a dog in heat…? That’s is strange and frankly, irresponsible on their part. > I’ve heard spayed and neutered dogs are more gentle.  Is > this true?

This is true. Good luck with you dog.

Response:

I do not have a husky but I do have an Australian Shepherd with 2 crystal blue eyes.  I have actually had someone not let their child pet him after he looks at them.  He is the biggest hug stealer and would not hurt anyone (did not even try to bite the vet when they checked out his broken pelvis). I think a lot of people have just heard stories about blue eyed dogs being mean or "evil".  If you have seen signs of aggression from your dog, then you should worry.  But if it is just the color that gives you the "willies",  it is just a color. Lisa – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – > A couple of weeks ago my husband and I adopted a 2 year old siberian > husky.  She’s so cute, and I love her.  We don’t have kids, so she > gets all of our attention.  The problem is sometimes she scares me. > She has one brown eye and one Marilyn Manson blue eye.  If I look at > the brown eye she looks sweet, but sometimes that blue eye gives me > the spooks.  I want to kiss her on the head or hug her, but I’m afraid > that will bother her.  I’m almost afraid to look into her eyes for a > prolonged period of time.  When my husband leaves for work, she howls > and growls at me to take her for a walk, but I leave for work soon > after my husband so I can’t walk her (besides, we walk her 2 to 3 > times a day!–First thing in the morning, in the afternoon, and then > sometimes again at night).  Unfortunately for us, she was in heat when > we adopted her (we’re pretty sure she went out of it a couple of days > ago).  I haven’t had a dog since I was 10, and I’m in my early 30’s, > so I’m just getting used to all this dog stuff again. > Is this normal?  Are there any incidences of huskys turning against > their owners?  Oh, one other thing–she got spayed today (the animal > shelter normally has that done before you take them home, but they > made an exception for us as long as we promised to have it done by > tomorrow) .  I’ve heard spayed and neutered dogs are more gentle.  Is > this true?  I guess I’ll find out tomorrow when we pick her up from > the vet.

Response:

Your Siberian sounds perfectly normal. Eyes of two different colors are common in this breed, and I assure you the blue eye does not represent an evil side. Siberians are very vocal, and adept at making their wants known. I would suggest an obedience class, and a few good books on the breed. Also, a little less paranoia may be something to work towards…..

Response:

> Is this normal?  Are there any incidences of huskys turning against > their owners?  Oh, one other thing–she got spayed today (the animal

The eyes are normal.  I have heard that Siberians (and other northern dogs) often vocalize in a way that sounds like a threatening growl to some people.  I know I have a mixed breed (Any husky in there?  God only knows!) who is "talkative" and some of her vocalizations do sound dreadful.  Especially at 6 in the morning when my alarm didn’t go off and she’s on the bed, standing over me (which I LIKE, thank you, as without the Dog Alarm I would have been late to work that day!). However, Jackie’s fiercest growls are accompanied by loosely flopped back, relaxed ears, rapidly wagging tail (back and forth and low), play bows, crouches, and other submissive and playful body language.  Other dogs never mistake her bark for her bite, they tune into the body language and know she’s a marshmallow with a tough vocabulary! Watch your new dog’s body language.  If at all possible, get in touch with people who have northern breeds (is there an all-breed kennel club in your area, or even a breed club?  Ask vets and trainers, such clubs aren’t usually listed in the phone book unless you’re really lucky).   Have people who know the breed look at her and tell you if this is normal, nonthreatening behavior or if there is something odd. If she tests out like Jackie the mild-mannered Woof, you should in fact hug her and kiss her and so forth when she "talks" to you.  So have some other people who know dogs and preferably know Siberians check her out and watch her body language. > tomorrow) .  I’ve heard spayed and neutered dogs are more gentle.  Is > this true?  I guess I’ll find out tomorrow when we pick her up from > the vet.

Well, they are less prone to same-sex agression.  In some dogs it appears to make them less dominant, thus neutering in particular is commonly recommended with dominant-agressive male dogs.  But neutering and spaying don’t always or automatically change behavior.  I saw no behavior changes in Jackie (spayed as a puyppy), none in Sprite (spayed between one and two years) other than not going into heat and being antsy at that time, and little in Lance (neutered as an adult – he stopped trying to hump anything that smelled canine, nothing else changed exept we didn’t have to name him Randy after all). If she was in heat when you got her, you may have been seeing some restlessness and crankiness which bitches in heat often exhibit.  Spaying of course puts a stop to this! — Elizabeth B. Naime            *   Email may be forwarded and/or posted CUR 70 / FUR 212              *       * Standard Disclaimers Apply*

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A couple of weeks ago my husband and I adopted a 2 year old siberian husky.  She’s so cute, and I love her.  We don’t have kids, so she gets all of our attention.  The problem is sometimes she scares me. She has one brown eye and one Marilyn Manson blue eye.  If I look at the brown eye she looks sweet, but sometimes that blue eye gives me the spooks.  I want to kiss her on the head or hug her, but I’m afraid that will bother her.  I’m almost afraid to look into her eyes for a prolonged period of time.  When my husband leaves for work, she howls and growls at me to take her for a walk, but I leave for work soon after my husband so I can’t walk her (besides, we walk her 2 to 3 times a day!–First thing in the morning, in the afternoon, and then sometimes again at night).  Unfortunately for us, she was in heat when we adopted her (we’re pretty sure she went out of it a couple of days ago).  I haven’t had a dog since I was 10, and I’m in my early 30’s, so I’m just getting used to all this dog stuff again. Is this normal?  Are there any incidences of huskys turning against their owners?  Oh, one other thing–she got spayed today (the animal shelter normally has that done before you take them home, but they made an exception for us as long as we promised to have it done by tomorrow) .  I’ve heard spayed and neutered dogs are more gentle.  Is this true?  I guess I’ll find out tomorrow when we pick her up from the vet.

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>The problem is sometimes she scares me. >She has one brown eye and one Marilyn Manson blue eye.  If I look at >the brown eye she looks sweet, but sometimes that blue eye gives me >the spooks.

Bi eyed Siberians are not uncommon. I think the blue eye does give the appearance of being *hard*. Dont let it fool you though, they are probably one of the sweetest, easy going breeds about. I would very much doubt your husky would  ever *turn* on you. > I want to kiss her on the head or hug her, but I’m afraid >that will bother her.

Oh dear!! the poor dog is probably *dying* <g> for you to hug and kiss her. I know a correct tempermented sibe loves attention and smooches. Spaying her probably wont alter her temperament much if at all. I am assuming in this post the dog as done nothing else to make you weary of her (ie growled or excessive postulating?) and it is just the appearance that is off putting to you. That being the case, rest assured you probably have a wonderful, loving, new companion to share your life with as typically Sibes are very affectionate and easy tempered. You might also like to subscribe to a Sibe mailing list where you will meet lots of other sibe owners who can answer any questions you might have in the future. Nordic breeds are somewhat different to your more common breeds and sometimes an experienced hand to guide you can make all the difference. Keri Kokani Alaskan Malamutes

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>I’m almost afraid to look into her eyes for a >prolonged period of time.  When my husband leaves for work, she howls >and growls at me to take her for a walk,

Any dog can be capable of bad behavior, so agression would be difficult to assess on this forum.  However, there are a few things which you may want to know about the breed to dispel some myths. First, it is neither unusual nor bad to have different colored eyes on a Siberian Husky.  In fact, it is quite common in the breed and is not tied into any type of behavior characteristic. On the growling, are you sure that it is a growl you are hearing?  Nordic breeds (i.e. Malamutes, Akitas etc) tend to be very vocal dogs.  The typical "talking" that they do sounds like AROOOO AROOOO (very hard to type on the screen!) and to many of us is one of the things which endear them to us.  In fact, I have an Akita bitch who loves nothing better than to "tell" you all about her day.  She will arooo and howl and even growl (an affectionate throaty sound) and get all excited to report to us.  Watch for other signs like wiggle-butt and tail wagging, that communicates the difference between agression and play. There are other places on the internet to access information about Siberians, including a subscriber e-mail list.  I once posted that website, but Diane Blackman corrected me that the website which I had was moved to another URL and I didn’t keep that one in my Favorite Places, so maybe she will re-post. In any event, good luck with your Siberian and if you are able to reach out to Siberian breeders or fanciers in your area, it may be beneficial to you both. Marc

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