Myths and Misconceptions

THE HUSKY MYTHS

Myth 1 - Huskies are part wolf

It's been many thousands of years since any connection to the wolf has been bred out of Huskies. Aside from a physical resemblence, Huskies have little in common with wolves.

Myth 2 - Huskies can live in the yard or on a chain

Huskies were never bred to live away from human companionship. Quite the opposite, Huskies absolutely thrive on interaction with our two legged species. Leaving a Husky unattended in a yard can often lead to tragic concequences, with Huskies trying to escape to find companionship, overheating in the summer sun or suffering from sun induced cataracts and blindness, just to mention a few of the possibilities.

Myth 3 - Blue eyes are connected with deafness in dogs

While this is true of some breeds, deafness is not associated with eye colour in Huskies. Huskies rarely suffer from deafness

Myth 4 - Huskies are vicious

Huskies are no more prone to viciousness than any other dog and much less prone than many. Generally Huskies are people friendly, dog friendly dogs. Any dog, however, that is neglected, unsocialized or left without human companionship can become a biter. Socialization doesn't end with puppyhood either. It is important to allow your Husky to interact with people and other dogs to maintain their good manners.

Myth 5 - You need a huge property to own a Husky

A giant plot of land isn't necessary to be an excellent Husky owner. A willingness to ensure that your canine companion gets necessary exercise is. This, however, can be done in any number of ways, at leash free parks, hiking, jogging or engaging in any safe energy burning activity. It can't be stressed enough, a Husky with no exercies is NOT a happy Husky.

Myth 6 - Huskies aren't intelligent

On the contrary, Huskies are exceptionally intelligent. So intelligent, in fact, that they will make their own decisions if you don't make it very clear that isn't an option. Huskies can certainly keep their human companions on their toes, which is generally what Husky owners find so satisfying about this breed. With a Husky, life is never dull and is usually a very satisfying and entertaining experience.

RESCUE DOG MYTHS

Myth 1 - A puppy will be better bonded with you than a Rescue Dog

This is one misconception we hear frequently. The truth is a rescue dog will bond as strongly wtih you as any puppy ever can. Many rescue dogs know what it is to have a tough life. Wouldn't you bond with someone who saved you from that?

Myth 2 - You can't teach a dog anything after the first year

You should start training any dog the rules of the house and expected behavior from the time he or she joins your family. HIt is absolutely possible, despite the well known saying, to teach an older dog new tricks.

Myth 3 - Puppies are better because....

There are many advantages to rescue dogs and one of the most important is the fact that a dogs nature is much easier to know after the first year or two than it is to know in puppyhood. With an older dog, what you see is what you will get, provided you are a good pack leader. Also on the plus size is that most older dogs are past their house training stage, or, if they haven't been house trained, have the ability to hold their bladder through the night, so there are no urgent runs to the yard at 3 a.m.

The very best thing about a rescue dog is that, for every person who adds one of these deserving canines to his or her family our rescue is able to save another dogs life. It also decreases the demand at pet stores that allow puppy mills and backyard breeders to proliferate, which is the single greatest cause so many amazing dogs being euthanized in over crowded shelters and pounds.