Fact-finding mission!

Question
QUESTION: Hi there- i'm thinking of getting a Sibe(always been enchanted by these dogs) in the next year or so, but i'm doing my research beforehand!Been reading breed/training books and trawled through husky forums galore so well-versed in husky lore now, but just wondering if where i live is suitable? I'm in a ground floor tenement flat and have access to a good-sized shared garden- the fences are 6 foot high but i'm not sure that this would deter a determined sibe from escaping! Would you recommend only allowing the dog free rein of the garden when i can supervise?My partner & i both work but he only works 9-12pm so the dog would be in the house alone for no more than 3 hours on weekdays- is this ok? There are plenty of parks etc nearby so there's no question of the dog not getting decently long exercise sessions everyday- i know they're high energy and get bored easily! Sorry for rambling on but can't seen to help myself when it comes to huskies!

ANSWER: I would recommend only allowing the dog free run of the fenced in area under supervision unless you can properly secure the fence.  That would generally be finding a way to prevent digging and making sure there is no way to clear the fence by jumping over.  Securing the ground area is the most difficult, but can be accomplished with chicken wire, electrification, or concrete.  Otherwise, it sounds like the situation would be workable with a Siberian.  As for the three hours alone, a puppy can hold it's bladder for about one hour longer than the number of months the dog is old.  Therefore, an 8 week old puppy (which is the normal age you get the dog) should be fine for three hours.  Plenty of playtime, exercise, and training are the keys, so I think you would be well suited.

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

QUESTION: Thanks very much!With regards to training etc, is it possible to train a sibe to use only a particular area of the garden as his/her own for digging/ I don't want to prevent any behaviour that's  natural for the breed but i'd like to be able to direct it to an appropriate outlet- will providing the sibe with suitable dig-play area outside help to deter any destructive behaviour when he/she has free rein of the house during the day?

Answer
It definitely can't hurt.  I've heard of successful use of a sandbox to encourage digging play, and burying bones or toys in the sand is always a good encouragement.  On the other hand, some Sibes have a mind of their own and will go after other spots too.  Then, you have some that don't dig at all . . . so it depends a lot on your dog.  I've found that most Sibes dig for three reasons:

1) Bored with nothing else to do
2) It is hot and they are trying to find some cool dirt (akin to snow digging for warmth)
3) Dog hears small burrowing critter beneath the soil and is looking for lunch :)

If you keep an eye on keeping the dog engaged or worn out (plenty of exercise) and encourage a single digging spot (sandbox), you usually take care of 1 and 2.  #3 is tougher, and if you have a hunter, that is something you might just have to deal with.  But generally, a tired husky is a good one, and preparing a digging spot can be helpful.