Dominance problems with a Siberian Husky?

Question

I know I've already asked a question on Sibes earlier! I just want to make sure I'm making the best possible choice.

While at a dog rescue centre I spoke with a dog trainer who told me that keeping two male brother huskies will result in them fighting for dominance, so I'm going to get a male and female (both will probably be neutered, if not that at least one) but I will probably only get one husky and a different breed other dog.

I asked earlier and was advised not to get two puppies at the same time, so I will get them a year+ apart (the other breed will probably be a weimaraner, a newfoundland or maybe even another husky), but as Huskies are pack animals and they can get very dominant, if I was to get a weimaraner for example, should I get the husky first, or the weimaraner? Does the husky's gender matter?

I don't want the Husky to be too dominant and not accept the weimaraner into its pack, and that is why I'm thinking to get the weimaraner first, but what do you think?

The reason I don't want to get two puppies at the same time is because I was told they are too hard to train together at such a young age.

And I am not getting a husky based on their looks, please don't assume this.

Answer 1

Your right getting 2 puppies together isn't the ideal situation they become more attached to each other then you the owner,it can be harder training them,bonding,walking everything,so your best bet is to wait untill one dog is an adult before introducing another puppy.It's not just 2 male sibes that could fight for dominance,alot of male dogs can fight for leadership and its worse in littermates.It doesn't matter which dog you get first,aslong as your 1st dog has had good socilisation and training,then it should accept a new pack member easily.Im a bit worried about the bit where you said you'll proberly get them neutered.They should both be neutered at around the 6month age group,or else you will have series problems on your hands.If you are a first time dog owner then read up carefully on your chosen breed,a sibe i wouldn't recomend for novice dog owners as they are stubborn and need a firm consistent owner.Good luck.

Answer 2

Dominance is a human idea. Dogs don't really work that way. The idea of dominance came from some very old wolf research that was done on unrelated captive wolves that were in an unnatural situation. The wolves were constantly fighting over resources. In a natural wolf pack such fighting is rare.

In addition, dogs are not wolves. They descended from wolves a long time ago, but they've been with humans long enough at this point that much of the stuff that is "wolven" about them has been bred away.

When dogs struggle over resources they are fighting to get some outcome. They either want the other dog to go away, or they want some resource (food, a sex partner), or something like that. They do what works, and despite the many years of supposition among dog people it's very unlikely that stutus seeking plays a role in it. The one that is smartest or strongest wins. That's as far as it goes.

All dogs are pack animals (not just specific breeds) although some breeds have been separated from that through human intervention for long enough that they do well as solitary dogs.

The main reason not to get two pups at a time isn't because of any dominance issue but simply because it's hard to train two puppies at once and the older dog can help train the puppy. With weimeraners and Huskies (as with any breed) you'll have better luck if you engage in cooperative training rather than force-based training. Consider taking a good positive reinforcement class. Positive reinforcement can produce very precisely and securely trained dogs.

Google Animal Behavior Enterprises. This company worked from the 1940s through the 1980s training animals for everything from TV commercials to top secret military operations. They used positive reinforcement because it produced the best, most reliable results.

Answer 3

I dont who the trainer is but I will suggest it was some crank try to give you a tip he knew nothing about. I have a siberian husky and a rottweiler that weighs 162 pounds so he is big, I have never seen them so much as snap at each other, in fact they lay on each other and go to sleep and go in each others bowls when they are eating, they are both males and are fantastic friends. Husky's are no more pack animals than all other dogs, all dogs pack regardless of there breed. Huskies are not aggressive and are certainly not dominant.

Answer 4

Dogs of any breed can be dominant dogs. Huskies do seem to be a fairly dominant breed, but it isn't an absolute. There are far more things about the breed that you should research first. They aren't a breed for everyone.

If you are worried about dominance being an issue, get an older dog that doesn't have dominance issues. Get used to the dog and after a year or so add a second dog when you have learned to read your dog and know what might fit in better with your ' pack '

Answer 5

Intimidation DOES NOT WORK!! I'm saying this from personal experience!! Your puppy is still young, and will respond well to training. You have an intelligent breed use that to your advantage! Redirect the biting, give him a toy or something "approved" to bite. Now part of being a puppy is chewing and to a point nipping but if you want to teach him to stop -which you should-use a stern voice and point your finger and say No! When he bites. (just watch he doesn't nip your finger) if he does it again put him in his kennel and leave him there for awhile(leave the room, he'll figure it out) if all else fails get a trainer. If you don't get him trained to follow directions he will without any doubt become destructive. Training prevents this!! It's true of any dog so don't feel like I'm picking on your particular breed. I have ruined 1 dog by trying to teach him who was boss. He ended up getting hit by a car. I now have 3 healthy happy dogs, I'm sure you can fix this! (try liver treats for when he pays attention and doesn't nip)

Answer 6

i got two huskys 15 months ago two brothers and u do have one thats dominant but they get on fine and wouldnt live without each other and i think that i made the right choice but huskys do have behaver problems and hard to train i would advise u to read up on them before u buy

Answer 7

why so set on a husky?? it seems that you are picking a dog soley on looks, as a weimaraner and a husky are totally different breeds ... if you like the nordic look please do a little research on the keeshond or the norwegian elkhound,, they are both much more trainable than a husky,,,, weimaraners are very trainable also..... all dogs are pack animals,, and YOU need to be the ALPHA one in your pack.. as for getting two dogs at the same time,, it is better NOT to.. for reasons being,, you can socialize one pup at a time easier as well as housebreaking etc.. the puppy will bond with you ( and not with the other pup, making training more easy) also go to a reputable breeder - especially if you have reservations about temperament.... it is a gentetic trait

Answer 8

In any given situation, focus on what you do want your dog to do instead of on whatever he’s doing wrong. Learn how to train your dog https://tr.im/epOKw

For example, suppose that on many evenings, your young dog gets busy looking for trouble just as you’re digesting your dinner. He grabs a boot from the mat by the front door and gallops through the house with it. You yell at him and take it away. He grabs its mate. You yell and take it away. He heads for the kitchen and starts checking out the counters in case something tasty’s been left behind. You chase him away. And on and on, until you’ve lost your temper and torn out clumps of hair you can ill afford to lose.

Answer 9

i have two huskies that are brothers and they are just fine, they are also my big babies, they will be 4 in aug.
huskies do like to chew on everything though.

we also have a lab and its a girl and they are all fine togather
they even have there own bedroom.

good luck with your puppies

Answer 10

Weimaraners are another dog that's well known for dominance problems - and aggression