A veterinarian weighs in on the trait that make up a family - friendly frank , whether huskies gibe the bill , and how to give your dog and kids the best chance at a dependable , healthy relationship .
TheSiberian huskyis more than just a cunning face . Under all of that fluff and scruff is a unique personality that deserve careful consideration before you impart one to your syndicate — especially if your home includes small kids .
Meghan Connolly , DVM , owner ofAtlantic Veterinary Behaviorin Gaithersburg , Md. , is here to help with these dog deliberations . In accession to helping us answer whether huskies are well with kid , she savvy into what we intend by labeling breed as " family - friendly " and the steps you could take to facilitate safe child - pup relationships .
Photo: Volodymyr Tverdokhlib / Shutterstock
What Makes a Dog Good With Kids?
What do we mean when we say that a dog is " good with kids " or " family - friendly ? " For Connolly , the idealistic dog for a home with kids is one that ’s comparatively easygoing and on the serene side . These trait will serve them well in the front of young children who are n’t quondam enough to esteem personal space and whose behaviour can be erratic and rough . Thus , it follows thatanxious dogswho are easily startled and those who show any sign of guarding behaviour are not idealistic for dwelling with Kid , she explain .
Interestingly , kid - favorable is n’t synonymous with Thomas Kid - sized , as some of the most gentle , laid - back dogs are also some of the bighearted . And yet , size of it does matter ( think of a 60 - pound pup trying to play tower of state of war with a tot ) . Medium- and large - breed dog are n’t inherently bad choices for abode with children , but they will necessitate extra precautions and unremitting supervising to mitigate unintentional harm cause by the size disparity . On the other hand , very diminished dogs can also be less than idealistic because it ’s soft for them to get hurt ( even accidentally ) if a child steps on them .
Can an Entire Breed Be Good With Kids?
Connolly mark that certain stock can have generalized feature that make them more likely to do well in a home with kidskin but thateach individual wienerwurst at last has their own personality . With this in mind , she typically encourages hoi polloi with children toadopt older dogswho’ve already lived in a foster surroundings and have been exposed to kids . This will give you a much better idea of what to expect , and you ( ideally ) have the bring incentive of skipping the smitten - breeding stage . Older pups are also more likely to possess a lay - back temperament .
But if your heart is set on a puppy , Connolly advises observe both parents and their previous litter , if possible , for a more precise picture of what ’s to come in . " If going with a breeder , rent them know you ’re looking for a kinfolk ducky , " she explains . " There are ' working line of reasoning ' of breeds who can make wonderful mob PET , but these firedog tend to be gamy - energy . They demand to be kept very busy and can be a moment too hyper for those with youthful families . "
unluckily , raising a dog from puppyhood does n’t mechanically guarantee kid - friendliness , and Connolly say she see a stack of pup and teen dogs in her behavior practice who can exhibit fast-growing behaviour and guard issues . As with all breed , other socialization , positive reinforcement training , and adequatementalandphysical exerciseare crucial for helping husky puppies become dependable , healthy companion .
Are Huskies Good With Kids?
Connolly describe husky as well-disposed and warm detent who can do well with tike , but she apprize prospective pet parent to do their research . " acquaint yourself with the breedand with the individual dog , if potential , " she explains . " Huskies can be loudand require a lot of exercise ( think hiking and escape for several miles vs. a short walk around the block ) . They ’re also notorious for escaping and taking off when given the chance . " Huskies can also be destructive if they do n’t get enough exercise — both mental and physical .
These characteristics do n’t necessarily indispose huskies from a family - well-disposed designation . But knowing their traits and taking into account their size of it ( adults weigh between 35 and 60 pounds , some bigger ) , can help you set up your home and your docket in a agency that helps your husky flourish and keeps all of your children secure , furry ones included .
With this in judgement , Connolly recommend guide the following stair to facilitate success :
How to Introduce Dogs and Kids
When it do tointroducing wienerwurst and young kids , it ’s always skilful to be proactive rather than reactive , Connolly say . If you already live with a husky andplan to add a small humanin the near future , she offers the following top as a start head :
It ’s a good idea to give your veterinarian a heads - up about the changes ahead in your domicile . They are in the best position to give you advice about your unique ducky , and they may even concern you to atrainerorveterinary behavioristfor more in - depth prep . you may also check to see if there are sister prep classes available in your area or online .
If you already have small tike and are planning to receive a furry family member , localise up distance where your small fry and your frank can safely play apart from one another . And if your child is previous enough , you could start teach them how to use a blue touch and the grandness of respect your Modern frump ’s personal distance in preparation for how you require them to interact with your positron emission tomography .
Once the domestic dog is in your home , you may begin focused enculturation andpositive reinforcement preparation . Adult dogscan be socializedtoo , it just takes some more time and patience . This is especially important for dogs who were take over from shelters or those who overlook out on proper socialization as puppies .
Whether you ’re adding a new heel or a new human to your home , it ’s of paramount grandness that you never go out your small children alone with your puppy , regardless of your dog ’s size of it or temperament . Neither dogs nor children are 100 - per centum predictable , and even the best intention can lead to chance event . Finally , if you notice any responsiveness , anxiety , or other concerning conduct from your favorite at any degree , progress to out to your trusted vet and trainer for help so they can partner with you in finding a solution .
