Siberian Husky/Beagle mix

Question
We were given a Siberian Husky mix that is 4 months old.  She has been with us for 2 months now.  We believe she is mixed with Beagle or some similar hound.  She exhibits mostly Siberian behaviors.  Unfortunately we are her 4th home but she seems to have adjusted well.  She is very smart but very stubborn.

My questions are:

1)  Why does she whine so much?  She will be sitting beside me and whine.  I can be looking straight at her or even petting her and she still whines.

2)  Being that she is part Beagle and has the short hair coat and coloring of a Beagle would you still suggest the prong collar?  She pulls me constantly and is hurting herself with the flat collar but still keeps pulling.

She is a very fast digger and digs constantly.  She is a house dog but when I let her out I have to put her on a line unless I'm staying out there with her because she can dig out in just minutes.

She tries to exert her dominance all the time but I am training her slowly.  If I am on the computer she slaps at me with her paw and digs her nails in my skin.  She will also make this same action if she wants her hindquarters scracthed. I have, however, made progress with stopping her from using us as her chew toy.

I have a 2 y/o grandson that she loves but plays to rough with.  In fact she tries to herd him and ends up knocking him down and then sits on top of him.  

With the mix breed we have the barking, howling and whining.  She is our special angel.

Thanks for your help.  

Tami :)


Answer
Tami,

Well, mixed breeds are always fun - you never quite know what you are getting.  The stubbornness sounds like the Sibe in her, so get used to that.  Here's my takes on your questions:

1) Some Sibes are notorious talkers, and add to that the baying nature of beagles and you could just have someone who really likes telling you about her day.  My younger male does this until he is satisfied he has told you enough.  Obviously, food, play time and outside breaks are important and many dogs use vocalizations to communicate this, but sometimes, I think they just like talking too.  I would suggest talking back to her (it sounds silly, but it can be fun).  A lot of times dogs will whine to express a desire to do something else, talk back to her, maybe try to get her to play . . . or maybe she'll realize you are making fun of her and she'll be quiet.  :)

2)  I would suggest the prong collar if it is properly used.  Actually, unless you are knowledgeable about the use of a chain, it can be difficult to use.  The prong collar's limited slip will get her attention without causing harm.

As for the digging . . . well, you have two breeds mixed that like to dig.  You may want to try an electrified border to the fence to supplement the barrier.  Also, encouraging digging in sand boxes or acceptable areas can also be good.

As for the dominance with the paw slaps, that's a normal invitation dogs use for play, even with other, more dominant dogs.  You have a choice - ignore it, or play with her.  I would suggest playing with her some, but if you are busy, ignore it, or a quick stern correction with a verbal "NO!" usually suffices.  It's akin to the growl of a dominant dog.

As for the grandson, that sounds like normal puppy behavior.  Supervise the interactions and try to make sure that the two year old is safe.  It's tough in this case because you want the dog to associate that all humans are above her in the pecking order, but a two year old is often too young to take charge of his own actions to show dominance and control.  In that case, careful supervision and control of the situation is important from your part.

Hope that helps some and feel free to write back if you have additional concerns or need clarification.