Hello!

I adopted a 2 year old purebred husky from a local shelter fully expecting accommodate a high energy dog. I've loved this breed since I was a child, and am overjoyed to finally own my very own. She tested positive for heartworms when they found her in Dec-Jan, underwent treatment, recovered in a foster home, and tested neg for heartworms before being put up for adoption. They found her on a bike trail, no clue as to what her backstory might be. She is a very shy and/or scared dog when it comes to meeting strangers, especially men. She warms up to others when she realizes they're not going to mess with her. She is still getting used to my boyfriend, though starting to think of him as "treat-man" thanks to some tasty training treats.

What I'm here posting about is the fact that she is rather...lazy? I don't think its a 100% accurate way to describe her, because she does like to go on walks, short swims, and lightly play with my parents' dogs. What is strange to me is that if she were to go a day without any of this, I think she would be perfectly content lying around inside all day. She's just not as hyperactive as most huskies I have met and read about. In fact, I think the only time she ever wants to run is if she had the chance to chase a squirrel off-leash. When we go for walks, there's absolutely no desire to pull or pick up pace (unless I initiate it). Even when I try to get us moving quickly, she likes to stop and smell the roses (or poop) more than anything else. She doesn't like to fetch or interact with dog toys, she enjoys chewing on sticks and bones with the occasional spurt of energy to chase my parent's husky mix. Doesn't dig, and can barely figure out how to scale a ~3ft doorway fence. She will bounce around in excitement when she sees me getting her leash, but once she's outside she's calm as can be! I sometimes get her to play by bouncing around and "tagging" each other, but that usually just ends with her wanting a belly rub.

I don't know if it has anything to do with her past life and possible abusive "training," heartworm treatment/aftermath, or just her personality. She weighed in from 38-39 lbs when I adopted her last Friday, so she's in good shape- just not really on the muscly side.

Should I be concerned? I don't want her to be unhappy or bored, but she sure doesn't seem to be. Has anyone else had a husky that just wasn't like the rest? Are your huskies less active in the summertime? Also, I live in TN- summers get pretty darn hot even in the morning, and I don't want to push her if she's uncomfortable. I think visits to the pool might be a good summertime activity, as it seems to entertain her and keep her cool at the same time.


Thanks!

Welcome! Kudos for adopting. She is beautiful.

If you had only had her a week, I would give her some time to adjust to her new environment. When I first brought Frankie home, he just slept most of the time for the first week or so. He was a rescue too. I thought I had the laziest dog ever. Then he started to get comfy and his true colors really came out........the total opposite of lazy

Now he is just a little over 2 and his energy significantly decreased after he hit the 2 year mark. Not that he's lazy, he's just less crazy

And believe it or not, there are just some huskies who are just laid back.

Congrats on your new pup.

The heat also can make them seem lethargic. My boy is overweight and he heats up really fast. We live in Denver, and on sunny days with a temperature over 85 degrees, he is a slow poke. In the house where it's cool, both my 2 are very 'lazy' even it I keep the temp inside is set to 73 degrees. Once the outside temp drops and evening rolls around, they are up and playing.

Congrats on adpoting! Give her time she needs to warm up to you all. Our girl sierra has male issues and in the last 2 yrs she has come a very long way in trusting men and people and it just takes time. We are here for all your questions

Major factor can be the heat. My dogs spend most of the summer lounging in the house spread out on the tile. Kiddie pool is a fantastic idea, my dogs love the water

She's beautiful! I love her nose and her eyes! Congrats on adopting. She got very lucky to find her forever home with you

I agree with Kristina on the kiddie pool. My girl loves it!!! My boy hates it, but she loves it..LOL!!

Thanks everyone, your insight is very much so appreciated! I can't wait until the summer months pass so we can both go out and enjoy the cold together! Until then, I will probably take up the suggestion on the kiddie pool.. I think she will LOVE it.

Aevyn acts a lot like that too, and he wasn't a rescue. I'm not sure its the summer that's making him laid back, because he was like that in the winter too. But time will tell.

Aevyn checked out as being 'extremely healthy' at the vet, and continues to have those reviews when he visits. So even if your girl doesn't change her mood in the winter I wouldn't be too concerned. Like Dee said, some are just laid back.