very attached husky.

Question
I just got my siberian husky from the pound a week ago. I did my research before getting her, and I have been spending a lot of time with her. Obviously I did not think this would come to be a problem, but she has become very attached to me. Through the week, I've realized she doesn't listen to anyone but me, and when I leave the house for school or work my mom must keep her inside to keep her from leaving. When I am home, leaving is the last thing on her mind. Yesterday my mom and I went grocery shopping for about an hour, and when I got back, she had dug up my carpet. I went to the beach today, and when I went to the bathroom, I had my best friend take her and she would not listen to her at all whatsoever. Once I got back, she was calm and listening again. I know this is not a bad thing, but since I have work and school 5 days a week, I would like to know how to get her to listen to people other than me, and I would like to avoid her digging up my carpet again, so if you could help me, please do!

Answer
First, all Sibes have a penchant for wandering, so not surprising that the dog would take off if given the chance, especially if you aren't around.

As for getting her to listen to other people, give it some time.  I usually caution people to give it 2-3 weeks before expecting a new dog to do anything.  They are still adjusting to new conditions and its tough to expect much from that while making the transition to a new home.  So, relax and things will come.  After that time period, I would really look to get her in some obedience training, and invite people that are watching her to participate as well so the dog gets used to other people working with her.  That should help immensely.

As for the carpet . . . well . . . that's a tough one but your best bet is crate training at this stage, or securing her in a room in which you don't care if she does tear some stuff up.  She's had a substantial change of environment, so you have to give her some latitude and either let her tear some stuff up if she wants, or secure her in a place where she can't (i.e., crate).  Eventually, you should be able to trust her outside of the crate or secured room, but that will take some time.  One thing about getting dogs from the pound is that you are faced with trying to overcome some of the issues that they almost automatically get from not having an owner, being confined, isolated, etc.  It can take weeks or even months to get through a lot of those issues, but patience, attention, and training all usually help move it along faster.

Good luck!