I want to get a Siberian Husky, but I live in a non-fenced in suburbian yard/house... can it work>?

Question

My parents are convinced that the second they let it out the door it will bolt and we'll never see it again, but I've never wanted a dog so badly in my life and they owe me this. Is there any possible way this dog could work in my yard?

Answer 1

Yes it can work but only if you are committed enough to meet this dog's high energy needs. I live in a city and know a very well taken care of husky who gets walked for two hours every morning and another hour in the evening. Rain or shine. Snow, sleet, hail - you name it. As everyone above has mentioned husky's cannot be trusted off leash unless they are in a fenced area. They were bred to pull sleds all day long and when given the chance they will run....and run....and run.... and life as nomadic creatures in the Arctic didn't give them much homing instinct. Missing huskies can turn up in shelters 30+ miles away from home.

If you truly want a dog, you can't expect to just "let it out the door" for excersise and potty breaks. Even suburban areas have leash laws. It is irresponsible to allow a dog to wander at large, no matter what the breed. If you really want a dog you will need to either leash walk it or build it a run/fence. There's no reason why you can't have a husky if you are committed to caring for it. But there's no breed of dog that you should get if you just plan on letting it roam.

Answer 2

I've had dogs all my life (37 years). I currently have a 10 year old Husky/Shepard/Chow mix and a 7 mo. old purebred Siberian Husky. Trust me when I tell you how very, VERY important it is that you do plenty of research BEFORE getting a Husky. When people say they are a breed of their own, I promise you, they really mean it! If you can't get a fence, don't get a Husky. They aren't the type of dog you can put on a tie-out. Regardless of training, they have an unbelievable desire to RUN. It's in their blood. It's not something you can just train them to stop doing. They need a BIG yard with, at the very LEAST, 6' fencing. They also LOVE to dig and will most likely dig themselves out under the fence in no time at all. All it takes is a few minutes of sheer boredom. If you have an 8hr a day job, I definitely wouldn't get a Husky. They require a lot more attention and interaction than any other breed I have ever had. They also don't do well on their own. If you can't be there with them for the majority of the day, I would recommend another breed. I love my Husky more than anything and have done hours upon hours of research from reputible sites and have really found the experienced owners to be of great help to me in raising and understanding mine. Gather info and advice from multiple owners' sites. Every little bit you learn will be helpful at some point and time should you decide to get one.

Most Important... If you can't get a large enough fence, I wouldn;t get a Husky and believe it when they say you should know what you are getting yourself into BEFORE getting a Husky. They require A LOT of your time and a ton of patience, but are more than worth it in the end. I wouldn't trade mine for anything in the world!

Answer 3

Your parents are right! It will bolt. I have 4 Siberian Huskies and I would never let them out of my yard for a second. It is in the nature of this breed to run. And that is what they will do. I don't think that you are prepared to get a Husky honey.

Not unless you are going to fence in your yard.

Just read the last answer. My male dogs name is Nanook, but I spell it Nanuk. Funny!

Answer 4

Yes it can work. The dog will need to be trained. Dogs that bolt are not trained.

I'm not saying open the door and yes he will stay in his own non-fenced yard. Not so. Either fence the yard or get an underground electric fence.

You can chain him up but I'm not really for keeping dogs chained up. They should have the freedom of the whole yard.

Is he going to be a house dog?

You may want to look at some other breeds. A small dog may be better.

Answer 5

I had a husky when I was a lad. They are working dogs, and they like to run and travel.

I lived in the country and if I didn't take Nanook out for a romp about every other day, she'd go off without me. Normally she'd bring me dinner (a rabbit, a groundhog, sometimes a grouse or a squirrel) and leave it on my doorstep.

Your parents are right. A husky is a dog for a rural, cold area. It could work, but the odds are against you. You'll have to be very vigilent about keeping her safe.

Answer 6

Our neighbor used to have a husky, fenced in yard. We used to watch the dog scale the fence in the morning. My sister has one in her neighborhood that runs away all the time. I saw him when I was there, mentally challenged girl owner running after it. This is 20+ years later, still seeing huskies running away. Guess things haven't changed. That's why I won't let my kids get a beagle. They are heartbreakers.

So, with no fence you won't have to worry about the dog getting hurt. ;)

Answer 7

I have 2 Siberian Huskies and I would NOT even begin to have these dogs without a fenced yard! Please do yourself a favor and consider some other breed of dog for a pet.

Answer 8

You can get electronic fencing where the dog wears a shock collar if it tries to cross the line. Will set you back somewhere in the range of 1-2 K but is cheaper than fence and it is out of sight.

Answer 9

My sister and my aunt have a husky and they runs out the first chance they get. They have a fenced in yard and it will dig a hole under the fence to get out. I wouldn't reccomend a dog like that if you don't have a strong fence.

Answer 10

huskies will run when ever they have the chance and will not stop running until they are tired there stubborn like that .You can get a a running leash or also an electrical fence .after about three four years they wont wonder to far away from there home .but in the begining good luck....