Should I Get a Husky? 5 Important Things to Consider Before Bringing Home a New Furry Friend
Deciding to bring a new furry friend into your life is an exciting and memorable experience. When considering the type of breed you are looking to bring into your home, it’s important to consider getting a breed that fits your lifestyle. Huskies are known for their striking appearance and loveable nature, but they are also a high-energy breed that needs a lot of attention and extra training. Before you commit to bringing a husky into your home, consider these factors to ensure a happy and healthy life for both you and your future four-legged companion.
Lifestyle
Whether this is your first dog or you an addition to your pack, a big thing to take into consideration is the change in lifestyle once you have a new husky. Huskies are known for their unique personalities, usually involving a certain level of stubbornness. They are independent and strong-willed, requiring a husky parent who can match their energy and provide mental stimulation. If you have an active lifestyle and enjoy outdoor activities, a husky might be a great fit for you. However, if you prefer a more relaxed routine or have limited time for daily exercise, you may want to reconsider getting a high-energy dog.
The most noticeable change I made after getting Asher (my first husky) was having to ensure that I pre-planned my time and events around him. This meant finding new resources such as dog walkers, sitters, daycare, and friends to walk, watch, and/or feed him when I wasn’t around. Asher had a lot of separation anxiety during his early years and couldn’t be left alone for long periods or he would become destructive. Many huskies aren’t capable of being alone in the house for long hours, especially if they haven’t been exercised. They are curious dogs that need to be mentally and physically stimulated every day.
2. Exercise
One of the defining traits of the husky breed is their endless amount of energy. Huskies are bred for their endurance and strength, as some are still used as working dogs. Daily exercise is not just a preference, but a necessity for a happy and healthy husky pup. If you’re not prepared for a significant time commitment to dog-related activities and exercise, a husky may not be the right choice for you. A tired husky is a happy husky, and also a well-behaved one. Most huskies are destructive because of their innate curiosity and pent-up energy. Giving your pup the exercise that it needs can provide you with a more harmonious relationship with your husky and save you from some unruly behaviors.
Asher and Bokeo have become easier to handle with age, but the addition of Katara drastically changed our daily exercise and activity routine. We went from two walks per day to four, switching up the older dogs with Katara for each neighborhood stroll. Each week consists of a hiking adventure, run, dog park outing, or extended stroll around the lake for some added exercise. Most weeks we are doing multiple activities to blow off the never-ending, pent-up husky energy. I took up winter hiking and snowshoeing with Asher, as I knew that his need for exercise didn’t stop during the cold season and now I just love to see how happy all the dogs are frolicking in the snow. Daily exercise and frequent dog-related activities have been incorporated into our lifestyle and there are no days off with three active huskies.
3. Space
Huskies are generally medium to large-sized dogs with a strong instinct to roam and explore. They need an adequate amount of space to be their curious and independent selves, as well as blow off that husky energy. If you are considering getting a husky, knowing if you have the right space for your new pup is key for their overall happiness and your continuing sanity.
Things to keep in mind:
Breed Restrictions: Some apartment complexes have breed restrictions, and huskies are often on the list. Before getting a husky, make sure to check with your landlord or complex to ensure that you are allowed to have a husky in your rented space.
Yard Space: Not having a yard adjacent to your living space isn’t a dealbreaker for getting a husky, however, you may need to double your outside/walk time with your pup to add in extra potty breaks that they need throughout the day. Certain husky rescues may also require you to have a fenced-in yard before approving your eligibility for adoption.
When I first adopted Asher, we lived in a townhouse without a yard. There was a tiny grass area in the back driveway for late-night potty breaks, but most of our time was spent on extra walks and dog park outings. As Asher began to grow, it became clear that we were outgrowing our space and a yard was a must. Now with three large pups, we have a larger space where they can all have room to be active and play. Our huskies love their freedom to roam through the yard and bask in the sun in between walks and outdoor activities.
4. Training
Huskies are intelligent and independent dogs, but with their spunky energy also comes a certain level of stubbornness. When determining if a husky is the right dog for you, take into consideration the time, cost, and patience needed to train your new pup. Investing time and intention into your husky’s training is essential for creating a harmonious relationship between you and your dog. There are many ways you can choose to do training with your husky, and that depends on your lifestyle and the way you want to bond with your new furry friend.
While the fundamental training for all our dogs follows a consistent approach, each of them has exhibited unique behaviors that required adjustments to meet their individual training needs. Katara and Asher have both participated in group training sessions as well as private behavior training to address more specific behaviors. Consistency is key and we have to provide regular follow-through for commands to ensure that our dogs maintain our desired responses. This takes a lot of intentionality and patience in how we work with our dogs. Training is a life-long commitment for you and your pup. This is something to think about when deciding if training a husky is the right commitment for you.
5. Cost
Bringing a new pup into your home is an exciting time with lots of new fun and experiences. With a new addition brings new expenses to your budget including added costs for food, veterinary care, grooming, training, toys, and other supplies for your furry companion. It’s important to consider whether your budget can handle the added costs that a new dog brings, and also plan for unexpected vet bills along the way. You may also need to add in daily expenses such as dog walking or doggie daycare, as well as save up for dog sitting for planned vacations.
It’s worth it to sit down and look at your budget before getting a husky to understand the changes and costs that will occur once that furry friend enters into your life. Unexpected vet bills can become a significant burden on your finances, and I had some pricey vet visits within the first few weeks of adopting Asher. After learning the hard way, I changed my monthly savings to add in a bucket for dog-related emergencies, which we’ve certainly had a handful of. I also budget a few hundred dollars of expenses each month for dog food, treats, and supplies as having three pups requires more frequent pet store runs and larger receipts. Additionally, factoring in the costs of daily walks or doggie daycare (ranging from $20-$30 per day) and dog sitting (adding approximately $60-$80 per night to your vacation budget) is crucial for a comprehensive financial plan for covering your dog's needs.
While huskies can make wonderful companions for the right owner, it’s essential to carefully consider whether a husky is the right breed of dog for you. Taking time to assess if your lifestyle, activity levels, available space, commitment to training, and budgetary responsibilities will fit the needs of your new furry friend is a key factor in starting your journey to intentional husky ownership. Knowing if this is the right time and right breed will set you up for a successful and happy life with your new furry companion.
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