Hello everyone,

I'm just getting started with my journey. We've been talking about adding a dog to our family for years, but I was adamant that we couldn't do that until we were homeowners. That will become a reality in July, and I am just starting the process to make this happen sometime this year. We have decided on a Siberian Husky. I'm a little nervous for a couple of reasons. I have two cats, and they are my babies. I will need this to work out with them and that will be a big part of this process. I understand from my research siberians can be a bad fit for households with small animals. And this will also be a first for me as far as buying an animal from a breeder. I'm a rescuer (volunteer for Bengal Rescue Network) and have never purchased an animal from a breeder. This is going to be interesting finding a breeder I trust. I live in PA. And one of the biggest things that is important for me, is that my pup be raised inside the home with a family. And just as important is not taking the pup away from it's mother too soon. I am really looking for my pup to be raised in a home with kids (and cats would be a big plus!) as well as be allowed to nurse and learn from it's mother for a minimum of 12 weeks. Do you think that is going to be a problem to find a breeder that agrees with me on that?

I really look forward to learning from everyone here, personal experience is what I am looking for.

Thanks for having me.

Sarah

What are the tricks to finding a breeder? You know...gooogle searches are overwhelming. Should I try for more local or not worry to much about local and go for a great breeder instead?

I just sent you a message! Check your inbox!

I wouldn't put demands like kids and cats, because raising a puppy with a good temperament means you can teach them to be civil with cats and often means they are easy to acclimate to kids. WOrry more about health testing, honesty, if they are in good standing with the AKC and the SIberian Husky Club of America and if they actually participate in dog sports or working their dogs.

12 weeks may be a little much, but a breeder may be willing to work with you. I feel pretty comfortable with 10 weeks. If you insist on the extra two weeks you may have to pay food and vaccination expenses as typically the 700 (average puppy price) will provide care, vaccines, micro chip etc. up to 8 weeks.

Thank you Megan! I would feel much better with 10 weeks, but 8 weeks or less is what I am trying to stay away from. Thank you for your input! I'm glad to hear even though this breed may have a tendency to have issues with small animals, what matters most is what they are brought up with and learn form the beginning. That is kinda what I was looking for as far as reassurance this breed is for my family. and those types of issues can be worked out from the beginning.

I am almost in the same exact boat as you we are getting moved into A house probably around august, and hope to get our first sibe after that , and we have cats too but i have had cats with dogs all my life , and its just a matter of training, or at least in my experience. the dog always learned fast enough not to mess with the kitty and they got used to each others presence. but one or the other stated from a baby. I found Talini siberians in virginia , they are closer to you than me. look them up i really liked them .

Thank you!!

They have my Elara's aunt, Winnie!

I should probably put my flame retardant suit on before saying this... but I picked up my puppy at 7.5 weeks and she is doing great with bite inhibition and potty training. I think if you get puppy around 8 weeks it should be fine as long as you are consistent with training and socialize, socialize, socialize! You may have other reasons for wanting a puppy that is 12 weeks, but like Megan said it will cost you more money.
It seems like you have your head on straight though, so do whats best for you. I just wanted to share that getting a puppy around ~8 weeks isn't so bad. You will be dealing with a sassy brat no matter what, unless you get an adult.

I wish you luck on your search! I started planning months in advance like you and I'm really glad I did!

welcome and they do ! I might get one of her puppies cause they plan to breed her this year I love their boy cutter. I am hopefully going up there in octoberish. But I'm not set on anything yet.

eddycaaa wrote:

I should probably put my flame retardant suit on before saying this... but I picked up my puppy at 7.5 weeks and she is doing great with bite inhibition and potty training. I think if you get puppy around 8 weeks it should be fine as long as you are consistent with training and socialize, socialize, socialize! You may have other reasons for wanting a puppy that is 12 weeks, but like Megan said it will cost you more money.
It seems like you have your head on straight though, so do whats best for you. I just wanted to share that getting a puppy around ~8 weeks isn't so bad. You will be dealing with a sassy brat no matter what, unless you get an adult.

I wish you luck on your search! I started planning months in advance like you and I'm really glad I did!

My adults are sassy brats.....Cato will never actually grow up though, he's a puppy for life.

I checked around and holding a dog for an extra four weeks would be the cost of the next round of vaccines, worming and some boarding, negotiable with the breeder.

While I don't condone 7.5 weeks, I get it. I personally wouldn't take a dog before 8 weeks and I'd even prefer 10, but I would be willing to pay the extras is need be.