Hey everyone,

I have been reading these forums for about a month now, trying to get as much good advice as I can. Ever since I was nine years old, I have wanted a husky. Seventeen years later, I am finally able to get one. I am so excited, but I still have to wait till June to get my pup, due to work. I have done weeks and weeks of research to make sure that I understand what it is that I am getting into, and I am definitely ready.

I am a teacher, and I will be gone for 8 hours a day., that is why I am getting the pup during our summer break. It worries me because I have read on many different sites, that if you will be gone 8 hours a day, a husky is not for you. But I cannot see myself getting any other breed. I have wanted this breed every year and haven't been able to have it. My roommate will be here off and on throughout the day, in the fall, but every other day, so I believe that will help.

I have started getting my room all arranged for the arrival, that is five months away haha. I am having a very hard time picking out a crate. I have read multiple stories where a husky has broken out of wire crates in a mere hour. Therefore, I was wondering if I should get the indestructible dog crate -
http://www.amazon.com/ProSelect-ZW179-37-Empire-Cages/dp/B000Y905XE/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1360422656&sr=8-1&keywords=indestructible+dog+crate

Which is all steel. I know it looks like a prison, and I dislike it, but I want to ensure the safety of the pup, and household, when I am gone.

Also, I was wondering if the large kennel would be the appropriate size for it when she or he gets bigger? I understand that I need to block off half of it, when it is a puppy.

Besides a crate, kennel, food/water dish, brush, leash, harness, toys, and medicines, what else do I need in preparation?

Is there any specific brand harness you recommend? Or coat vitamin?

How about vacuum cleaner? Which brand/model is the best for all of this hair?

Sorry for all of the questions. I just want to make sure that I will have everything the pup will need.

Thanks for taking the time to read my post. I look forward to all the help I can get

Hi and welcome! Huskies can be escape artists, yes, but I don't think you'll need to get that crate you listed. If you're worried that a wire crate won't work for you, try a vari kennel. Those are a little harder to break out of, though it's still been done. I think as long as you introduce the crate as a safe environment, you won't have to worry about your husky breaking loose. Most dogs love their crates. The only time I can see crate escaping being a real issue is if your husky should develop separation anxiety.

Size-wise, a lot of us on here have gone with the 42"x28"x28" crates.

I think you've got preparation down, I would just include a doggie first aid kit. Be sure to include quick stop (or flour) if your pup should ever break a nail past the quick. As I just recently had to deal with a sliced paw pad, I'd also suggest gauze, anti-bacterial cream and sports tape/ace bandages. Don't forget a bed or blanket! If you're going through a breeder, I'd ask if you can give them the blanket ahead of time, so that it can gain the scent of the mom and littermates and make the transition to a new home easier.

As a puppy, it's more about getting the pup used to the harness so I don't think brand matters much at first. The pulling's going to start around 5 months or so and by then, you'll already need a bigger harness than the first one you bought. My mom's lab is a big puller and we use an EasyWalk harness on him. The regular harnesses with the D ring on the back are going to encourage pulling, especially in breeds like huskies. Pulling's what they love.

The best coat vitamin I can think of is just feeding a raw diet. However, I know some people aren't comfortable with that. You can also give the pup Salmon Oil as a supplement. I think the one you want is Wild Alaskan but someone else will have to pitch in on that as I don't supplement with Salmon OIl.

I can't tell you what brand is best but I can tell you not to get the Bissel Powerforce Helix Turbo. In the Product Recommendation thread on this forum, we've all tackled the vacuum question a few times, so you can head there to see what people are saying works or doesn't work.

Last but not least, enjoy!

Welcome! I actually like that crate and think it would work fine. It's great you're doing you're research ahead of time! Leaving you're husky for 8 hours isn't going to be an issue. I've left mine for about that long, but I did have friends let them out every few hours. You may consider hiring a dog walker or taking you're pup to doggie daycare. There are tons of options out there, so don't let you're work schedule deter you from the breed.

Also, there are ton's of threads on some of the subjects you listed with lot's of good advise. Check out the forum and search around on here and I'm sure you will have answers to all you're questions. If not, everyone is very friendly and will help you out with you're questions.

Have you picked out a breeder yet?

calliegirl08 - Thank you so much for your help. I have been looking for specifics for the first aide kit, and you reply was amazing! Thank you!


Hayden_69 - Hayden, I went and met with a breeder in January and was able to meet the huskies/parents on site. She fits pretty much every criteria on the list, and so I put down a deposit for a June pup that will be 8 weeks when I pick it up. Thanks for your response!


I have my heart set on getting a female, but when I met one of her male's I fell in love. So I am still struggling with which sex I want.

Congrats and welcome! Like others have said, a quick search on the site will bring up a lot of threads on most of the topics you asked about.

We have a Midwest wire crate and haven't had any problems with it, but Bode hasn't tested it too hard! Our pup is home for around 8 hrs a day on the weekdays, has been since around three and a half months old and he's fine. You just have to get the energy out when you are home.

Good luck and can't wait to see/hear more about the pup. Is the dam pregnant yet? Or still in the planned stage?

Kale and I welcome you from California! lots of members here have full time jobs anyone that says you can't have a specific breed because you work is hogwash as long as there's love, consistency, and training involved, your future pup will flourish. He/she will get used to your schedule in no time! Congrats in advance!!

MGoBlue - Thank you so much! I believe this week is the week she will hopefully be impregnated. Days cannot go by fast enough. This five month wait is killing me!

hypers987 - Thanks for the reassurance, it is greatly appreciated!!