3 year old husky behaviour problems.

garyfisher · 09-25-2010

To tell the full story, ive recently bought a 3 year old KC registered female husky called Meishka. (undressed) We were originally going to buy a pup but we have a 14 month old little boy and thought that a pup would be to playfully and pups teeth are like little razors so we decided to buy an older one which was good with kids.
Anyway we bought Meishka on the understanding that she was brought up with two young boys a little older than ours. The previous owners told us she was great with the kids but she was being bullied by one of the other female huskies they owned and had to get rid of one. (I dont believe we were told the truth)
When we got her home after a few days, when the little man crawled towards her she growled at him. I originally put this down to her being in season which she was and being in a strange new home. She soon settled in and claimed the spare bedroom but she has been out of season 3 weeks now and this is continuing. Then she also started hiding bones, food etc and became quite agressive towards anyone who went near them or her bed. (phantom pregnancy has been mentioned) Mainly growling but with more of a snarl than usual. I didnt back off when she done this as I knew I had to cement my place as Alpha male which I am quite confident she has accepted me as as she does obey me and I can walk her off the leash which is supposedly unusual.
Then on a recent visit to my mother in laws who owns 2 collies she visciously attacked the bitch of the 2. She didnt seem to bother with the male. Previous to the attack it was pretty obvious she was a very dominant dog and have a feeling she was bullying the other dogs at her previous home rather than the other way round like we were told.
All these things dont seem to be traits of huskies or am i wrong. I thought they were meant to be good pack dogs and good with kids etc.
Im obviously concerned for my son and im wondering if its worth me putting the time in with this dog and re-training her or would I be wasting my time and money. I was thinking having her dressed may calm her. Any suggestions on training would be grateful, especially getting her to accept the little fella otherwise she will have to be moved on again. (Poor Meishka)

Yogi · 09-25-2010

Sorry, but appears you have been misinformed. Huskies possess a high prey drive and can generally be extremely possessive, which can lead to aggressive behavior when it comes to protecting what it deems is theirs. In addition, two intact females of breeding age generally do have problems. In her case, spaying may control much of her attitude at this time. Huskies are not for the faint of heart and usually do best with a dominant experienced owner with knowledge of the breed. You would actually been better off getting a puppy. Teaching it from a young age to grow with the child and teaching the child how to treat dogs is usually a better choice. Adopting a dog in many cases results in baggage not seen or in your case not clearly given to you truthfully. She very well may have been the aggressor with the other female, especially if the other was intact also. But at this point, spaying would be the first thing to do. Good Luck.

garyfisher · 09-26-2010

Thanx for taking the time to reply to me, its much appreciated and I think i'll give getting her speyed a go. Ive also been looking into methods of getting her to realise that giving up a bone etc. isnt all that bad such as rewarding her with a treat when she does so.
I just hope she doesnt see the wee man as prey.

Yogi · 09-26-2010

Quote:

Originally Posted by garyfisher

Thanx for taking the time to reply to me, its much appreciated and I think i'll give getting her speyed a go. Ive also been looking into methods of getting her to realise that giving up a bone etc. isnt all that bad such as rewarding her with a treat when she does so.
I just hope she doesnt see the wee man as prey.

lol..I would not worry. So long as you come across as the boss she will eventually concede.