Huskies are beautiful. But...

...need a *lot* of walking, will sing to you at all hours, shed like f**k, can be expensive to fix when they break down (though that's true of all fentons tbf). They are affectionate, pretty, great companions though.

What are the characteristics you're looking for from a dog? If there are specific things there might be specific breeds which work well.

You could consider:

- companionship - some dogs love cuddles, others don't; some are naturally "affectionate" in human terms, others are more independent

- exercise - it might be blowing a hoolie but doggo still needs to stretch legs. Some breeds need less and you can get away with a day or so of not too much, others not so much. When you're feeling s**t the doggo doesn't know or care and still needs walkies. That can be a positive thing: as you know I have some MH issues and hound forcing me to walk in nature when I really just want to curl up in bed has done me favours in the past.

- shedding, they all do, some more than others. Breeds with longer hair need grooming which you can do yourself or pay £££ if you've got too many sponduliks and want to give some to someone else.

- cost of ownership. Include:
- vet bills (at least the annual jabs, I budget for one Incident per year; you can insure but that's also £££, I do at the mo but when doggo gets older I might reconsider, and most of them have an excess you have to pay anyway)
- neutering if not already done
- adoption fee/purchase price
- toys
- accoutrements: leads/harnesses/bowls/travel harness/ water-when-out/crate if using/doggie blankets
- worming and flea treatments, all dogs needs these on the regular, I use petdrugsonline as it's the same stuff you get everywhere just much cheaper.
- food: standard food and low-value treat foods and high-value treats for training
- training, you can do this yourself but if it's your first one it can be helpful to get advice/help from others

Be aware that the internet is full of advice on dogs. Everyone seems very confident and knowledgeable and they all say different things to each other. Find someone local whose dogs behave like you wish yours did and ask them.

If you adopt a rescue be aware the dog will come with Issues. A good rescue will spell these out and provide support to help you train your dog past them. Some rescues sadly don't do this and vanish when there are problems (I've not had this but a friend has).

Check out breed-specific requirements e.g. AP recommended dachsunds (which are lovely, lovely dogs) - they can't be allowed to climb stairs or on furniture (because of their spine, they will get all kinds of issues later in life otherwise) so you have to provide access to where you want them to be able to get to and so on.

A dog is a *wonderful* companion and a really great addition to anyone's life so please don't be put off by this long list! Just be aware of what you're in for. You might qualify for therapy dog training or an already-trained therapy dog and you could check that out, that's a really good route if you do qualify. Check out User Posted Link or User Posted Link or many others (giylf!).

Posted By: Old Man on November 3rd 2024 at 12:42:59

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