husky princess

Oh I know far too well that problem. I groom my sib husk pup every day because there is so much fur everywhere so reduce it by grooming daily sometimes up to an hour if it's alot. But the routine is get slicker brush out and I say 'BRUSH' she stands to attention and comes to me, knowing what she's in for. Usually starts off in a heel position then becomes lazy and sits then even more lazy lays down with belly down. Gives me great coverage on top, head, neck, tail etc. Then I move it down and she likes to have her belly brushed so she positions herself and it just moves around like that. Try telling her to 'HEEL' or 'SIT' then once she does sternly tell her 'STAY' and do it gently allowing a massage kind of feel and tell her to stay and pat her and praise with other hand. I usually hold her head gently if I want to brush the tuffs around her neck and praise her, sometimes with treats like cheese or something she likes. Calms her down. I find she doesn't hate it because she rolls over for me to brush her under sides but sometimes will try and sneak off to my husband who is watching. I always groom sitting on the floor and work throught a slicker brush, deshedding comb then lastly if I can be bothered the comb. Good luck and just find what suits you, as my SH is a medium sized dog I can't put her on the dinning table and we don't have a coffee table either, treat and reward her if she stays still for you.

Not really unusual - beagles are known for being evil but I found her very different to my Sibe when it comes to training. There are some similarities though: they are both stubborn, head strong and VERY strong willed! The other thing I found with Mish was he changed a lot once he got to about two years of age. He calmed down a lot and focused easier. We have had training difficulties as he had bad experiences with other dogs when he was younger and I have had to deal with him being dog aggressive/dominant. That is a real challenge and something that needs constant management. However, he is so happy to come out with me and have new experiences and he does like to do new and exciting things. I have found if I make training exciting and I am full of energy he works so much better - I take high value treats like roast chicken and a squeaky toy or ball to reward him with. He doesn't like tug toys as much as my beagle does, so instead I rev him up by running with and changing direction suddenly and getting him excited. As I have said before the benefit of training a stubborn or strong willed breed like a Sibe is that it is SO very rewarding when you make progress. I personally find biddable "easier" breeds boring.... I'd take a tricky dog any day!! TRUE, TRUE. I love the feeling when she's done something correct and love training her. I was surprised to hear cos according to this instructor who has it in for me and my pup is sibes are the ONLY problem child. So any other breed not mentioned is surprising and I welcome the news. LOL. Join the club so to speak. That sounds great thanks and should there be limits to how many tricks per lesson, or do you stick to 4 a lesson or less/more? I only go over one thing in each training session. Though on walks I sometimes put some training into it with random sits and drops and such. Great training tip. Maybe someone else will also find it handy and useful.

A "real dog" is apparently what ever the person who says you ain't got one has. That is it!

That is true poodlefan as she is teaching me a thing or two on how to conduct my methods. And to those people who said poodles arn't real dogs, tell me what is a real dog? A wolf? LOL.

Thank you poodlefan for your encouraging and kind words. I am so determined and driven to do exactly what you wrote and prove everyone wrong. Oh and excuse me for the typo I just finished editing it to make more sense. LOL. I type so fast and click things here and there then my fingers press the wrong button before you know it, it's been posted. Oh and the poodle in the small dog group is so adorable, you must get adoring looks and great comments while walking yours.

That sounds great thanks and should there be limits to how many tricks per lesson, or do you stick to 4 a lesson or less/more?

I just quickly watched one, the trick where he puts things in a bucket was sooooo cute. He is adorable and he uses his foot to get it in completely was so intelligent. Love it, will watch more tomorrow as my husband is asleep next to me and I have the laptop on mute. But great job and keep it up and more videos please. Thank you.

I'm KoolieMum, but if you search Wal Koolie I think you'll find all 3 of the vids I've got up atm. You've motivated me, I'll try to video the taking off my jacket trick and put it up this week. Great thank you, will look at them soon and give you some funny feedbacks.

So if you go longer than that they just lose interest? The reason for asking is that in class they're currently want us to teach them 2-3 sets of 10 minute lessons. We do now, thanks to NILIF Minook used to barge through the back door as soon as we opened it to let her in of an evening. We have taught her now that she must sit and wait for permission to enter the house. Even if I am standing there with the door wide open, she won't come in now until she is invited. Same with her food bowl - we put it down, BUT she's not allowed to touch one morsel of food until given permission. It has taken a lot of persistence and frustration, but when you finally succeed it is well worth all the effort Good luck with Sayuri!! Oh thank you for your well wishes and you sound like a great teacher. They learn very fast sibes, but sometimes I feel like she knows it but slips up and then either way it becomes a test where if we don't pick it up and correct put them in their place they learn to ignore then forget. I did that in the beginning but my husband decided one slip up was ok and didn't send her back out and correct her, next time she just ran in. Now months later you don't even need to ask just open the door wide open and sits right in front even with my husband enticing her waving a bone. She gets the bone once she sits and waits for "come in." To be honest I am very proud of her progess as she learnt very early at only 9 weeks old to sit and adding more commands, so my problem isn't with her but the perception and comments dished out to my face. You know what I mean? X

I would like to give a shout out acknowledge and thank you sincerely the amazing contribution from the following and others which has given me a bright light at the end of the dark tunnel. I look forward to training her everytime now thanks to all your kind words and thoughts. You all sound like you have wonderful and obedient sibes and keep up the good work for those still going hard at it. I hope anyone considering a sibe or any breed some peopel consider "DIFFICULT, STUBBORN, HEAD STRONG, UNTRAINABLE" to read the many excellent experiences and advice in the forum and remember that, where there is a will there's a way. Good luck and thank you again. itkay - Exactly it the trainer who has a problem with the sibes has a border collie and on that day her dogs were enticed by 2 different puppies trying to get close to them and escaped from their tether and rushed over to the puppies. And as I was the last one walking behind everyone else towards class she noticed I wasn't interested in what happen and was concentrating on getting my pup to class. Came over and gave a talking to. The owners of the 2 puppies that were trying to get to her dogs weren't interested in listening to anything she had to say, as it was crowded enough without getting into close proximity to another dog she directed it to me instead. I'm actually very polite and kind so I just said OK and nodded my head. From that day on she's noted how sibes are so disobedient and untrainable. I've learnt never to take her off the lead in any public or new area where she will run non stop and only take it off in the safety of the backyard. And with your theory, you may be on something there. I am very happy with my sibe and wouldn't trade her in for any different dog or breed. Does your sibe chase the horses? Rusky - My attitude completey towards this subject, I deeply enjoy training her and she definitely makes me laugh. It's just when someone who isn't even your instructor says sibe's are untrainable making out as if I should just give up now and leave the club, that really becomes annoying. I mean every dog is different, a lot of people in a seperate group on the same level commented on how well she's behaving and that she's the best out of all the bigger dogs. The instructor owns a border collie and tells ME a sibe owner that my dog is difficult and will always be. The breeder told my husband the same thing when he picked her up as a surprise present for me that they are very intelligent unbeknown to the general public. Shell - Good thing is yes I am ignoring her because she isn't even MY instuctor and she still has the nerve to say those things, I mean c'mon. MY INSTRUCTOR says there is no such thing as "untrainable" and don't stereotype her into the "DIFFICULT LEVEL" because she's a sibe. Another instuctor who taught my class twice says it's normal for a dog that doesn't interact with anyone person or dog besides my husband and I. And that I should bring her a bit earlier so she has time to interact or paly with the other puppies to calm her down. They've very positive and assuring that she can do just as good as anyone. "NO EXCUSES PLOISE." And with walking she does the same thing, as we come up to any road that we need to cross I get her to always sit and before we enter or leave the house. I also say "Leave" if she is getting too close to another dog's space or lagging behind. It's great. I was asked to join the current club but will take your advice and search around for one that suits my needs and pupps. The new club sounds just right for you. The other club sounds like they just couldn't be bothered to help/train/teach any person/breed. Sam&Saki - That line is very funny, and those sympathy looks also - hmmmm classic. Yes that is true about the treats during class, many instructors have commented saying "you should try something else like roast chicken" I just reply "I could give her steak and she'd still rather go play with the other dogs." "Steaks she can get at home anytime but one thing I don't have back there is puppies and playful dogs!" She loves those treats I have with me in class once I get home and reward her for doing something right, so I know it's not the food. But they also have the smurk look, like they know your dog and your situation. One size doesn't fit all! I will try the agility training or sledding. I agree they are not untrainable, I mean if it were that difficult why else would a sibe owner buy another sibe if they were so disobedient and horrid. Miss B - I agree recall is not their thing and would never let her off the leash ever, I'd learnt the hard way the first time and have never forgotten. I am doing the same no food is free, even bones. So who rules your roost? anita - OMG that's what I was thinking the whole time, she has no idea how this pup came to be with me, not only was she a surprise birthday/christmas present but what would you like me to do give her away and find a breed that is seen as EASY? I'm doing the responsible thing by taking her to learn basic obedience so she wouldn't misbehave when socialising outside of her inner circle. Absolutely I'm sure those BC's are doing great things but I that isn't my dog! Squeak - Congratulations on your commitment to training her and sticking to your guns. In the beginning at home when I was training her personally I almost cried because I thought I had gotten the pup that hated me and didn't want to listen but after learning and watching her I realised and still, how to cater to her personality and attitude. WOW so many tricks you must've put in a lot of effort. As I said before the instuctor who commented on my sibe isn't even teaching my class and she owns a collie, so that explained a few things for me. You deserve a pat on the back and gives anyone out there who gets down to keep going and it will eventually become 2nd nature to them. huski - LOL goldie turn, turn straight into a tree. That is classic! LOL. Micha sounds like a very good boy, but that's different the beagle is the difficult one. Lord Midol - Our training technique and methods is the reason to blame I agree, I'm learning how to use what they've taught with my own and figuring out what works for me. Are you saying your training session is only 1 min and a half and 3 minutes is that right? How many lessons do you conduct in a day? Tahna - Great to hear your husky is a pleasure to train and a good girl. In the house she does see me as the ALPHA DOG or TOP DOG but onces she gets out and smells the scent of dogs in her reach and view, she goes NUTS! She wears a halter and bounces up and down twisting like a bunny. The observing instructor saw this behaviour as disobedient and wild. I will definitely look up the Husky club in Vic. THANK YOU AGAIN and always feel free to contribute more as it helps me & others tremendously. All please add experiences and advice.

No such thing as untrainable. Your instructor sounds like a bit of dill and not really experienced with dogs in general. All dogs can be trained to one level or another. Thank you my thoughts exactly, the instructor for my group which is the medium to large size dogs of all breeds says the thing as you no such thing as untrainable and combined with all the excitement of leaving the house and meeting socialising with others is understandable. Others have also said she's a dill. LOL thank you again. Yes easy dogs are a lil boring. *sigh* I want an easy dog! How does one find one of those? LOL. Mine was a joke but maybe they have a sign on their foreheads with "EAZY".

There are a few on our Youtube page - shutting doors, taking socks off, putting things in things (see my sig). He can do others that I haven't got around to videoing yet - our faves are 'kiss' and him unzipping my jacket, and pulling the sleeves to help me take it off. I originally heard of the behaviour as an assistance dog task, but Wal is far too intense when he does it to be much help to someone who wasn't pretty active. He'd probably injure rather than help them lol. We're working on untying shoe laces, roll over, flat on his side, crawl. And I'm thinking about body targeting too. I've tried that in the past and not had much success but now I think I know how to do it.But I also continue to reward the thing's we've been doing for years - come when called, handling, sit, drop etc. That is so cool, what keywords should I put in to get your videos or better yet what is your youtube username? Would be interesting and funny to watch.

I use "quick, quick!" - it's easy to say and less embarrassing to say in public than "wee wees" :D Mine is 'toilly' and 'go toilly' like toilet but baby talk like and she goes like flash. And then I say the praise word and clap and do a cheer. So who wins for most embarrassing? :D

Do you have a special word for toilet - eliminating?

Yes easy dogs are a lil boring.

Do you have problems when they see, meet and interact with other dogs, as in do they bounce and turn deaf? Congrats and good job on the training. :D I only just got her 2 days ago one of those raised flea proof Snooza beds and taught her 'bed' or 'on your bed' and she's caught on very well obeying the command first time asked always and stays on her bed. I'm not complaining about the level of difficulty training a husky but one trainer likes to make comments any chance she has referring to sibe's reaction towards being in close proximity to other dogs. I think the trainer has it in for me but she's not even my instructor.

You've chosen a terrible breed for a first time owner :p I used to think recalls in sibes was impossible. I've changed my mind, however, positive only methods will NOT work. I can confidently say that in 99% of sibes you will never obtain 100% compliance without using punishments. Huskies by nature are incredibly independent. Luckily Gizmo and Lily are about 1000 times easier than Axle was. Axle was an incredibly tough dog. Of course, all sibes are different. This is just going by the dozen or so I've met. Yes I can thank my husband for the wonderful birthday present last christmas. I'm sure as they get older they will mellow out and seeing another dog would be no major excitement.

Siberian Husky are they like most view as being untrainable and disobedient? A trainer from my obedience school commented that I hadn't chosen the right breed for a novice or first time dog owner, making out as if she would never be fully as obedient or trained like other breeds there. Might I add she is only 9 months and gets extremely excited to be around other dogs because that is the only time she gets to see them. She is very friendly, non-aggressive approach and submissive but at the end of the day only wants to play with someone other than me all the time. Was the trainer correct, had I chosen a breed that is extremely difficult and would find it more difficult than other owners and will never be 100% obedient? Sibe owners much appreciated on your insight on how you trained yours or their training approach and the sibe's participation behaviour attitude. (Also non-sibe, owners of different breeds more than welcomed to add their 2 cents in.) Thank you everyone.

Hi everyone, but quick question. What are DOLERS?

Congratulations on the new bubb, many good times ahead. When I got my sibe pup I'd already bought her a plush squeaky pig toy another squeaky plush, plus one of those toys for cats with a toy mouse on a rod, used that like a fishing rod until she grew big enough to chew it right off. Also with any type of toy for dogs or little kids section, with a strong rope attached is good, she loves chewing on those when she was teething. Older enough will play tug with you. Basically any squeaky toy that makes a sound, they become attached to that sound and will love any toy that has it. A rope toy, and also a ball of some sort ie tennis ball, giant soft ball. Alot of play and toys will keep her away from developing a bad habit of chewing up shoes and more of your personal belongings. Even now 9 months she doesn't chew on any of my belongings, but if kept unsupervised bored in the house alone may be a diferent story. Just keep her occupied with toys. Try keeping a big plush toy next to her while she's sleeping, I gave her my giant plush toy dog which didn't squeak but kept her warm in her bed. Good luck.

A shout out to.... rommimum great names, MEMPHIS, MASON, HUNTER and more. Love em. I agree many names that are very versatile both boy and girl. Thank you for your contribution. Keep em coming if you have any more hot suggestions. indigirl YES YES love alien movies and RIPLEY also, so you have a friend indeed. Also love love KAOS which is mentioned by another admirer. Good luck with your new pup bet is gonna have an awesome name to go with it. Thank you also for your input much appreciated and feel free to add more if they spring to mind. Fevah as always you are my name dictionary, excellent addition and compliation very interesting and different names which is a bonus. If only we could have more dogs to name right. LOL. CHUBBY that is soooo mean, must be an in house joke or something but thank goodness the dog doesn't know what it means. You must've been giggling hearing a few of those names. Thank you much appreciated and looking forward to more from you, if you can spare more of you quality time. bustam Oh I adore KENZI, BOSTON and once again by popularity KAOS. KENZI is so unusual and exotic, would definitely stick out in a crowded park. KAOS is mentioned a second time now previously by INDIEGIRL. Must be spreading. Thank you very much for your valuable addition has made a conversation starter among friend's about unique names, and hope to see more from you if you can spare a few moments. shoshana oh yes if only we could use all those dream names on our dream pets, we would be smothered by fur. Honey is an awesome name for a GRD. Great names and nice choices in breeds. And your son definitely hit the mark with that analysis, cool name. Thank you for your additional contribution and hope to see more. Today I thought of KYRO, BANDIT, MADDOX, LARZ, SHIA, RONIN, KNOX and LENNOX. SHIA is hebrew for 'GIFT FROM GOD.'

I agree... Also certain names go better with certain breeds. Is true but just widening the name book thats all.

That sounds great I'll give it a go. Thank you again.

Question to your game plan, what happens if he doesn't eat after a day or 2 maybe more and the food goes stale, do you still feed it the same thing or throw it out? After you throw it out is it a new fresh serving of the same thing, and what happens if you go through it again? If it is dry food, it won't go stale if you are storing it properly. If it were a mixture of dry and wet, even if he WERE eating some of it, you'd be throwing out the leftovers anyway after a day or so so therefore it really is a moot point. No HEALTHY dog will WILLINGLY choose to starve. Believe me, after 22 years of breeding dogs, it has been my experience that even the fussiest eaters will start to eat when they get hungry enough. And also, the OP has already stated that the puppy will eat the dry food if he gets hungry enough. It could just be that the OP is putting more down than the puppy requires in one meal, provided they are feeding him more than one meal per day. They could also be confusing him by offering too much choice. Dogs have very simple tastebuds. The wonderful range of flavours and seasonings that are offered in dog foods are more to please OUR sensibilities, the dogs truly don't care. They're more into smell and texture. Why else would they knock back an expensive, lovingly chosen plate of designer doggy food in preference for a munch on roadkill or something just as toxic (to us)? Hi ellz, I totally agreed as I only experiemented with the changes last week and even now she's becoming bossy and not eating. So I've tried your method and we'll see tomorrow or the following day. What dry food brand do you feed your dogs and is it a good balance if I mixed it with dog food raw meat as part of it's regular diet? How many times daily would you recommend feeding a 9 month? Thank you for your advice and time.

Question to your game plan, what happens if he doesn't eat after a day or 2 maybe more and the food goes stale, do you still feed it the same thing or throw it out? After you throw it out is it a new fresh serving of the same thing, and what happens if you go through it again?