[AlexJWaller]

Hi! I'm a teenager in Wisconsin, and I've been thinking about buying a Siberian Husky with the help of my dad. (This would be our first dog, I know they aren't recommended for first time dog owners)
I've been searching online, and asked several Siberian Husky breeders about them, and this is what I pretty much know so far:
* They're very friendly (not good as guard dogs)
* They can get destructive when they're bored/they're stubborn
* They shed a lot
* They are escape-artists
* You can't trust them off leash
* They need lots and lots of exercise
* They apparently don't eat a whole lot (for a large dog breed)
IF we do get it, we'll have a 6 ft fence in our yard.
I also know that they're pack animals (like most dog breeds) But, I can't have them inside the house, so it's going to have to be an outdoor dog.
I also have school during the day, (8 Hours) and my parents have work..
But I'll take it on DAILY walks/jogs.

**I've asked a lot of people, and the majority of them said it doesn't seem like I have the time for a dog, but I will love him/her, and spend all my free time with him/her!

Also planning on getting a puppy, which I understand will be even more hard work compared to an adult, and that he/she will need lots and lots of training

Basically, my main question is, will I be able to leave a Siberian Husky alone for 8 hours? Even if I give it daily exercise/attention?

I've already heard from most people that I should think about the future, and college, and how the dog will be with me most of my life, which I agree with and know is true, but, I most likely am going to stay home and go to a college nearby, instead of buying lots of furniture for a dorm/apartment. (I know, things can change)
Some people have suggested about crate training, but I'm pretty sure you can't/shouldn't leave them in a dog crate for 8 hours.. that seems far too long, to me atleast, but I don't know.

Also, please.. don't think I'm one of those stupid, ignorant teenagers, who are completely irresponsible and don't think that animals have feelings.
I'm willing to do whatever and use any of my free time to have a happy healthy dog!

[cigwyllt]

There's nothing to suggest you are an silly teenager - many adults don't do the research you've done, let alone teens!

You know more about huskies than I do so I can't help you there specifically but so far as dogs are concerned it would be cruel to get any breed of puppy and leave him/her for 8 hours a day, especially as an outside dog.

The trouble is though that all dogs are pack animals - some prefer the company of a dog back, other breeds prefer human contact but they still need their pack. On that basis alone daily walks and exercise would not be enough interaction for your dog. A dog that is easily bored would not be happy with daily exercise.

I really feel for you because you are clearly wanting the best for your dog but the lifestyle you can offer at the moment - living outside, long periods alone etc - just is not practical and, so far as a puppy is concerned, cruel. Perhaps as a family you can look into the needs of a young dog and maybe come to some sort of agreement about living indoors and maybe adopt a young adult from a pound/shelter.

[Lunareclipse]

Aww...I don't think any dog should live outside unless HE wants to live outside. Most dogs love to be with their people. Why can't you have a dog inside the house?

And having to leave them in a crate would be IMO less cruel than making them sleep outside. You can always hire a person to come over and let your dog out of his crate for about 15-20 minutes in the middle of the day. But if your dog is outside he will probably be without human contact for more than 8 hours a day. And I think that would be even worse than crating him in the house.

[angiesample]

Siberian Huskys are wonderful dogs!! I wouldnt leave the dog outside all the time when it is hot outside especially. Huskys generally LOVE the winter but they do not like to be hot and they have a lot of fur so they get hot fast.

Huskys need a lot of exercise i would say 2-3, 45 min brisk walks a day or they will tear ur house to shreds.

Crate training huskys is essential... especially when they are young.. they get bored incredible fast.

There mind needs to be worked daily.. When u first get the dog, if u decide this is a good breed for u, u need to do obedience class as soon as possible. After that i would look for a group around u that does pulling. This activity is very popular for huskys they harness the dog up to a cart or something and they just go for walks. I dont know a ton about this sport but i was reading an article very recently about it and it sounded very interesting.

This breed really likes companionship... probably more than most breeds. Especially since they get so bored so quickly a companion really helps with keeping there selves entertained.

This breed is a runner so always keep ur dog leashed or fenced in. An invisible fence will not work for this breed. I cant tell u how many huskys we get at the shelter simply bc they got out and just ran. Good luck!!

[lange]

First off, I don't think you're stupid at all. You're RESEARCHING (and well!) before jumping into getting a dog. That's something many adults don't even do!

The difficult thing IMO, is that you say it will be an outdoor dog that you will spend all of your spare time with. Most dogs prefer to be with their pack. They will be destructive & usually develop behavioral problems being alone so much.
With your being a teenager, your life is going to get fuller & fuller. Your social life is going to explode & your spare time will be next to nothing in the coming years. Even if you stay home for college, your in for a busy life that will be hard to keep up with even without the dog. You have your whole life waiting to unfold.

Think about your potential dog..is it really fair for it? Having dogs is very much like having children when it comes to fulltime commitment for the next 15 years. You did say your dad will be helping you, so I'm unsure if this this is something you are both wanting. If your dad's not the one getting the dog & being its primary caregiver than things may not be ideal for your dog. Your life is going to be changing rapidly no matter how much you try to stop it. I personally would not get my own son a dog. However, I would (and have) gotten myself dogs.
I hope that makes sense.

And GOOD FOR YOU for being so smart as to ask questions & paying attention to all the feedback you've been given! Best wishes!

[CorkyMax]

Hi! I'm from Wisconsin too--a little place called Cobb--10 miles east from Dodgeville. Ever hear of it---If I may ask--Where are you located?

There isn't much I can add to what others have stated here--I agree with them whole-heartily! I know you are set on having a Husky right now but if nothing else--Maybe you could consider a more appropriate smaller less active breed that you could keep in the house and you could get some experience on having a dog ---Later when you have the time and experience of owning this 1st dog and things are better set for having a Husky---and if at this time you still have the 1st little dog--Would be a companion for this pack loving breed. And of course by this time I am hoping you will want the Husky to be a house dog! ;-)

[Yogi]

I have to agree with the previous posters but at the same time must note that in reality you already know the answer as to whether you should or should not get a dog. By questioning it, you are in a sense realizing that a puppy especially high energy breeds like Huskies require hands on pretty much all day long. Giving it all your free time is something that no one can commit to. You are young and with this there will always be other obligations that can take away from the little time you will have with the dog. Waiting til you are set up after school where you truly have control over your time would seem the best at this particular time. This breed is as you have already noted, not for the first time dog owner. It is noted for a reason. They do require constant human connection to be happy. Being gone that long each day especially as a pup and to not be allowed in the house greatly limits the actual time you will spend with the dog. Realistically, do you plan on a cold winter night staying outside with him for 7 or 8 hours since he is not permitted in the house. In addition, as a breed commonly needing others of his kind, they look to you as a replacement. If you cannot be there for him for the majority of the time, is it fair to him? Just things to consider. Good luck no matter what decision you make.

[Lunareclipse]

You know what? I don't want you to think I am insulting you or anything, because I'm not, but maybe you could consider a cat. They can be left at home all day and not care just as long as they have food and water. They are pretty clean animals with low demands. And when you get to the age where you move out of the house and find a place of your own where you can have a dog indoors, you can take your cat with you and get a dog too. When I was a teenager, my first real pet that was all my own was a cow. I couldn't keep a dog inside the house because my mother is allergic. So I spent $35.00 and bought a calf. He was a really great outside pet. You probably live in town and can't get one, but cats are great to get.

[cigwyllt]

You know Luna I had a similar thought. Generally a dog will want companionship, not just regular attention. There are lots of other outdoor pets that you can build a relationship with/bond with that will thrive on regular attention/exercise but do not require the same companionship as a dog. This really is not meant to insult you - you clearly are very sensible and very keen to do the right thing. But if it has to be an outdoor animal why not consider a rabbit (or two, desexed) or a goat? Or of course, a cat.

[JackRT]

I certainly hope that you did not get a Husky... for a starter dog, Huskies are a challenge... we recently rescued a Husky that someone had bought because he was a cute puppy and kicked him out when he started showing what a Husky is all about...

I hate irresponsible people who think pets are a decor to their house.