two male huskies

Question
I have a 12 year old male husky and I'm about to acquire another male 6 year old husky. I am worried that they might not get along very well due to pack temperament. How do Male Siberian usually interact with other males?

Thanks!
Ari

Answer
Any same sex combination will struggle for rank within the pack more than an opposite sex combination.  However, what that "struggle" amounts to is completely dependent on the situation and the dogs themselves.  Your worst case scenario would be if both dogs possess a dominant personality, in which case they will both continue to struggle for control.  Your best case, both are completely  submissive and give up all control to the human element in the pack.  However, since most dogs are not so stereotypically defined, you will probably have something in between.  Since Sibes are pack animals, they have been bred to find their place within a pack and survive there.  One problem you may run into though is that you have two adult dogs - 12 and 6 are both older dogs and I don't know the history they've had with living with other dogs.  If they've been bred and raised with other dogs most of their lives, it shouldn't be an issue.  If both dogs have been solitary since they were puppies, their rearing then would probably overrule their breeding and they won't be as "pack oriented."  

If they do get into power struggles with each other, be prepared that you may have to separate them permanently.  This is rare and the most extreme, but sometimes necessary.  Some dogs (especially two males) just can't get along.  Try to avoid situations where violence can occur (feeding in secured separate areas, not giving treats out to both them, etc.).  This should help, and if one dog becomes aggressive toward the other, let it be.  Your job is to let the dogs figure out their own order and not interfere.  As a leader, your job is to protect the dogs, but not rank them.  If one dog "wins" a struggle, that's fine, you consider that dog in charge over the other.  The only time you break it up is if one dog has clearly submitted and the other is still being the aggressor.  In these situations, you are to separate and isolate.  Check the "victim" for wounds and treat if necessary, but otherwise ignore the "victim" dog.  You want the dogs to understand that you will protect them, but that you won't fight for them.

Hope that helps and feel free to write back if you have more questions.