I am looking into adopting a Husky from a shelter. The dog is very much an indoor dog, not too boisterous, etc. I live in a large townhome; however, I don't have a fenced yard. I run every evening and work from my home, so she would get plenty of exercise. Would a long walk a couple times a day and a run in the evening be enough exercise for an indoor dog, or would it be cruel to adopt a dog without a fenced yard? The shelter said it was ok but I want to make sure she would be happy. Any advice/experience with this would be appreciated.
2006-09-06 18:29:10 · 33 answers · asked by Anonymous in Pets ➔ Dogs
No, it wouldn't be cruel. Real exercise for dogs constitutes walking/running (or in the dog world, "traveling"), playing in a yard all day doesn't really count, so it's not a big deal that they don't have a yard, so long as they go for a long walk at least once a day. It sounds like you would make a great pet owner for any lucky dog. It may sound silly, but watch the "Dog Whisperer" on Natl. Geographic, he has great advice on how to live with and train dogs, and keep them happy.
2006-09-08 10:17:04 · answer #1 · answered by wendy g 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I don't think that it's cruel at all if you are totally serious about exercising the dog every single day...In the rain, snow, etc..That's the drawback to not having a yard they can just run in..If it is an older dog it would most likely not be a problem at all..If a puppy it might become a bit more difficult-depends on how committed you are! Huskies also require a great amount of regular grooming and prefer cooler temps...(air conditioning) They have endless energy that they must use...that's what comes of being bred to pull sleds!!! Anyways, that's awesome that you are rescuing a dog from the shelter-just make sure you are prepared for this breed....
2006-09-07 04:39:59 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
It is great that you are adopting from a shelter. If you plan on walking and running the dog several times a day she should be fine. Usually the shelters will tell you the truth because they want to find the dog a good home and not have him returned. There are many people who have dogs without a fenced yard but they do walk them several times a day. How is she on a leash? Have you tried walking her or running with her? Try the walk at least to see how she is on leash. Also see how she reacts to being alone in a house, is she crate trained? Do they know why she was in a shelter in the first place? Find out everything you can. Good luck to you both.
2006-09-06 19:34:25 · answer #3 · answered by tweetymar 3 · 1⤊ 1⤋
Every dog is different, of course, but I want to pass along some of my own experiences as a Vet Tech and Husky "auntie".
My friends have 2 of them and have had to cement their fence 3 feet into the ground, raise it to 10 feet, get a special lock on the gate and the dogs still escape so often they are known on sight, by name, at all the local veterinarians and rescue facilities. They have been found up to 10 MILES from their home, running happily toward a destination only they know.
They are also LOUD. They love to sing. Not good for an indoor only dog.
When they don't get enough exersize they turn distructive and howl.
They are smart and stubborn, making them difficult to train. You gotta be firm and consistent with them.
They also have a reputation for not tollerating small furry animals, except as food. But again, every individual is different.
Ask the shelter workers why the dog was given up. They have to tell you the truth so ask a lot of questions. Watch for them to "spin" the truth. Shelter workers do good work in placing animals but some lose sight of what is best for everyone when trying to place a dog in a home.
You might have found a tame one. Give it a shot. They are really good dogs, just not for everyone.
Good Luck
EDIT:
Consider too that she will need the 2 long walks a day everyday, rain, shine or snow. Do you want to face bad weather for her sake?
2006-09-06 18:55:47 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
I have two large dogs that cannot be in the yard while I am at work even though it is fenced because they bark all day. I run or walk them in the morning before work and then again after work and they seem to be happy...I also spend almost all of my time on my days off with them and they seem great. I would think that you'll be fine because you'll be home and the dog will still be getting plenty of exercise. Just know that it will depend on you for it's time outside.
2006-09-06 18:38:35 · answer #5 · answered by Simply Jen 2 · 1⤊ 1⤋
Well a dog as large as a husky does need a bit more than a small dog. If you are going to adopt this dog I would suggest that you at least look into whether or not there is a dog park near you. This way you can let your dog just run free for a bit. Even jogging isnt really enough for a dog like that.
2006-09-06 18:32:48 · answer #6 · answered by Jess 4 · 1⤊ 1⤋
Depending on how big your house is, i think she'll be fine. sounds as though she'll get lots of exercise anyway. BUT, I, myself would put up a make shift "fence", more of a visual deterant for when she's outside alone. i know she won't be left alone long but that's all it takes for something awful to happen. Husky's and Malamuts(?) are the closest relative to a wolf of demesticated dogs, which makes their instincts a lot harder to suppress. Say for instance she's in the back yard and sees a jogger run past. It's harder for a husky to NOT chase things than it is for a labradore, say. They have been known to attack those outside the "pack" without warning. So of course a fully fenced yard would be best. and she'd love you even more for it! I don't want to scare you, they are very loving and loyal dogs. Just train her well and make it clear from the start that YOU are the boss.
2006-09-06 18:51:46 · answer #7 · answered by caleinaustralia 1 · 1⤊ 1⤋
I'm sorry that I don't have an educated answer to your question, but if the Shelter thinks it will be fine, then I would say it's OK.
Congratulations on adopting from a Shelter, too. I wish that more people would adopt from shelters or rescue organizations and ave a life. There are so many unwanted dogs that are in need of good homes. God for you!!!!!
2006-09-06 18:35:44 · answer #8 · answered by HDB 7 · 2⤊ 1⤋
If you're serious about getting out with the dog for frequent walks and the dog is comfortable inside, no problem. Dog's do need to get out for exercise. If you don't think you can stick to walking the dog day in and day out for years to come, don't get the dog.
I suppose it's possible some dogs are homebodies just like some people but I'd carefully consider the daily dog-walk routine you'd be committing yourself to and not get a big dog, no matter if it seems to be happy as a house pet or not if you can't stick to the long term walk commitment
2006-09-06 18:39:16 · answer #9 · answered by memac63 2 · 1⤊ 1⤋
I would totally allow my dog to donate blood. One of my dogs had to have an emergency transfusion to save her life and if one of the vet techs at the vet hadn't offered up her dog that was already there, mine may have died because we didn't have time to go home and get our other dog. It's a great thing to do, it doesn't hurt the donor and it could very well save another dog's life. As long as care is taken to keep the donor comfortable, then why not? I wouldn't do it excessively, but here and there to help out, absolutely. Edit: To Sunny, you mentioned that it could bother your dog. I watched them take the blood from the donor before putting it in my dog and he was fine. They gave him a mild sedative and he just laid there calmly. They all stroked him and comforted him and afterward he just sat up like nothing had happened. He wasn't traumatized at all. If it were distressing for the individual dog, then that dog obviously isn't a candidate, but I think most dogs would do just fine.
2016-03-27 01:07:57 · answer #10 · answered by ? 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋