Im receiving a 13 weeks old puppy. I was wondering if somebody could tell me some important things about them, what to do or what not to do. I've done lots of researching about them so i have a rough idea. Some things on my mind are, what do i feed them, how much should i feed them, do i get a water bowl and fill it 24/7. I've researched mainly on how to train them. One other thing, is it safe to train your dog from young to walk leash free? Also i wish to train my dog to be crate free because i want to sleep together with him. Is that advisable because im afraid that he might pee during the middle of the night hahahaha.

oh nevermind about the crate and leash. i just read the post a bout them haha

Yeah, I was going to say that huskies cannot be trusted off leash, ever! I know some people may disagree but I would never let my dogs off their leashes unless they are in a dog park with at least a 6 foot fence.

I would also suggest crate training at least until they are several months old. Nikko is 10 months and is in the crate when I am not home, but at night he is in bed with me or he will sleep on the floor. I trust him enough to let him out of his crate at night, but not when I am gone. I have also recently allowed the 3 month old puppy to sleep in my bed as well and he has been doing good with that.

For food, I would suggest looking at dogfoodadvisor.com to check out ratings. Ask 100 people and you will get 100 different answers. You have to figure out what works for you, your dog and your budget. I feed my 3 month old Taste of the Wild High Prairie formula, and I give him ½ cup 3 times a day. Nikko is still on Wellness puppy food and I give him 1 cup twice a day. They both do well on those, but every dog is different.

As far as water, they get full access to water when I am home. They do NOT have any water in their crates though. I would rather not clean up pee every day. I do take the water away about 2 hours before bedtime, except I let my older one have some water if we go on a late walk because he can hold his bladder better.

Consistency is key, they are creatures of habit, so you have to have them on a regular schedule, especially during potty and obedience training.

Welcome to the forum! Don’t forget the pics when you get him!

ive read that website already. which do i feed raw, dried or wet food to a puppy. which is more preferable?

I agree with everything Jason's said.

Once you know your pup can hold it through the night, you shouldn't have any problem with letting him sleep in bed with you. Callie has had that privilege for a month now with no issues. I would still advise a crate for when you're not around. Bored dogs can get into a lot and that's dangerous to his health. So for his safety, put him in the crate. If you're feeling bad, try stuffing a Kong with goodies and giving it to him in the crate. Avoid the salty treats since you're not going to want water in the crate. Stuffing it with plain yogurt or applesauce and freezing it should work nicely.

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ive read that website already. which do i feed raw, dried or wet food to a puppy. which is more preferable?

This is something you have to decide for yourself. If you're going to feed raw, there's a lot of research you have to commit to so you can make sure you're giving your dog what he needs. Personally, I've never fed a dog a full diet of wet food. I've done kibble my whole life and name brand is your choice. If you're considering raw, there's a lot of info on this site to help you learn about it.

I don’t think any of those options are any more or less preferred. There are pros and cons with each of them, but they all will provide your puppy with the nutrients they need. It’s whatever works for your schedule, and as long as it agrees with your puppy’s stomach then it doesn’t matter which route you go.

I feed dry food because it’s convenient, cheaper and does not stink. I have heard wet dog food can give dogs soft stools, but I don’t know from experience. I also do not have the time to be able to go with the raw diet.

oh okay. ill start with dry food products first. Thanks for the advice !

Crate training is extremely important at a young age; they need to learn the appropriate place to go potty. Sleeping together in bed at night will come later. I didn't let Kale sleep in my room till he was 5 months and I trusted him not to go potty or destroy something while I slept.

Huskies are NOT off leash dogs. They are far too independent to be trusted off leash.

Another to think about if canned food is a way you want to go, its mainly water. A dog food rep said over 70% but i think thats a little high. I like dry kibble. I am considering raw at dinner time when I can watch them enjoy it, but in the mornings i will still do kibble for the time issue and simplicty of it.

I cannot say much about letting your puppy sleep with you since Kota has been sleeping with me since the first day I brought her home, at 8 weeks. Our breeder had not really pushed the potty training or crate training when I got her, so I started with a fresh slate.

Though I had ever intention of her sleeping in her crate at night, her crying and screaming broke my heart so bad that I just couldn't so I broke down and let her in my bed. She was to small and scared to jump off and it was like she knew not to potty in the bed so she woke me up every couple of hours to go outside. I think I was extremely lucky though, since I don't know many that have had that same luck. She, of course, is crate when we are gone even now that she is about 9 months old because she gets into everything. You've probably read/hears "A bored Husky is a destructive Husky" and for me that is the absolute truth.

As for feeding, I have been feeding Kota Nature Valleys Instinct, which is considered a "5 start" dog food on dogfoodadvisor.com but it is a bit pricey. I actually just this past week started trying to feed her raw but it just hasn't worked out well even though I haven't given it much time, I think her grain-free kibble is just as good for her. Do A LOT of research about raw feedings if your going to go that route because it is hard at first, or at least was for me.

CONGRATS on getting your new baby though, and welcome to life of a Husky owner.