husky moping

Question
QUESTION: Hi,

I recently(2 months ago) got a Husky male dog 5 years old. His owners had to move so they put his mom down(she was old) that he grew up with and wanted to give him to the husky association. I then volunteerd to take care of him.

He is very submissive and often just lies in the garage all day long. He looks a bit depressed. We try to give him lots of affection and walks/jogs but when he is alone at home he howls all the time.

The dog seems insecure and lonely/depressed.

What should I do?

There is a fairly big yard he can run in but he rather just lies down and is not even excited to see us sometimes when we come home.

What should I do?

ANSWER:  Get him a friend, your companionship can never take the place of another Siberian Husky.

 It is like this you move to a different country where no one speaks your language you learn their language and make some friends. But wouldn't you miss talking to someone in your own language just because you can express yourself better to someone you can talk to you in it?

 I am sure he loves you and appreciates all you do for him but he is missing a big part of his life now. Siberians are VERY intelligent dogs, so intelligent they crave companionship. Since he is a Siberian try to get him another Siberian if you can't do that another dog with prick ears should suffice.

Quote from the Siberian Husky Club of America-
"Siberians are a gregarious lot and need the company of other dogs or of people at all times. If you work all day, or have room for only one dog . . . don't buy a Siberian."

Link to the SHCA
http://www.shca.org/shcahp2b.htm

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Thanks for your prompt response.

Question 1:
My dog is 5 years old should I get a female or male puppy. Or a female/male dog his age?

Question 2:
The dog is not trained and doesn't respond to basic instruction like sit/come etc. Can you recommend a book/cd that will aid in this?

Once again thanks for your help.

Answer
He is at an age where he is young enough to accept a puppy and old enough to get along with an older dog. So that decision will be up to you. I would try and adult female because that is what he is used to before.

Nothing can beat going to a class and get hands on help from a dog trainer. Positive reinforcement works well. With Siberians, Hard handed correction only seems to make them more thick headed, so stay away from to much Negative reinforcement.

Here are articles that can help you
http://www.k9station.com/articles/dominance.htm

This guy seems pretty good.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fkRnfT6DIQc

http://www.amazingdogtrainingman.com/