How to prepare for a new husky's first week and prevent barking?

This is a difficult question to answer because it's all based upon her and your temperament. Huskies in general tend to be very active dogs who can become destructive when bored. They need lots of daily exercise to meet their energy requirements. They can also be very vocal dogs. Keep in mind, every dog is an individual so she may not act like this. ANY dog who is bored may develop bad habits. Being an outside dog means that she has been able to run around and has likely not experienced much structure in her life since she was not inside with the family. Living inside means rules, structure and routine. It's also unknown if she is housebroken or not. Taking on any pet is a big responsibility. Many huskies live indoors just fine. If you decide to adopt her, you will need to commit to daily exercise and be prepared for some bumps along the way. You may want to take off work for the first week so you can be home with her as she adjusts. You may also look into doggie daycare or a dog walker to come by and check on her during your work day until you know how she is adjusting. You will want to have all your supplies before she comes home. Here is a helpful link: https://www.petcoach.co/article/do-you-have-everything-you-need-for-your-new-puppy/ I hope this helps provide some guidance. Please feel free to post any additional questions.

It could be that Oakley is suffering from separation anxiety, causing him to bark when he's alone. I recommend crating him when you are gone. The crate will provide him a small space where he can feel safe in it when you are gone. You will have to slowly train him to get used to a crate. Start putting him in it when you are home and sitting nearby so he doesn't think you are abandoning him, and slowly increase the time he is in it. He can have toys in the crate, and puzzle toys with treats in it that he has to figure out how to get the treats out. You can put a tablespoon of peanut butter in a Kong toy and freeze it in the freezer overnight, then give it to him in the crate. That will keep him occupied for a while. Finally, you can get a pheromone diffuser called DAP that helps dogs with anxiety and pair that will a DAP pheromone collar that releases pheromones when in contact with his skin. If these methods do not help him, then I recommend having him seen by a vet to discuss the use of anti-anxiety medications. Best of luck, I hope this helps!

This can take some time and patience - he would much rahter be playing with you then spending time on his own! With some gentle encouragement however, including chew/food toys which keep him busy (there are many puzzle feeders you can buy or DIY models such as plastic bottles with small holes for the food to come out) and a regular routine he will learn. A certified dog trainer can be very helpful also if he is very stubborn! See the attached link for some hints and tips https://www.dogstrust.ie/help-advice/factsheets-downloads/indoorkennel.pdf

That is a long time to leave a dog home alone, and huskies are VERY active dogs. If he needs to be left home alone that long during the day, I would make sure to walk him on a long walk before you leave, and again first thing when you come home to get out excess energy (assuming he is an adult and up to date on all vaccinations). If you are leaving him home, I would get him used to the house by limiting his access first- either through crate training or baby gates to avoid him getting into items or chewing on things he shouldn't. If he seems anxious, providing him with a puzzle toy stuffed with food or treats, playing a soothing TV or radio show, and other distractions can help. If the Husky is a puppy, then this is way too long to leave a young dog alone as they likely cannot hold their bladder that long. Having someone that can come check on him and take him out potty every few hours during the day, or coming home yourself to do so is best until he is older and can hold his potty long enough.

Siberians can be quite "active" if left alone for long periods. Are you by any chance scolding Luna when you find the mess? If so, that can set up a situation where she thinks that she is going to be reprimanded every time you come home, which leads to anxiety while you are away, which leads to more mess-making! It is useless, and even counterproductive, to correct a dog for a behavior that occurred even five minutes ago. She just won't make the connection, even if you "show her," etc. Try leaving her a big Kong toy stuffed with peanut butter (make the night before and freeze) to occupy her. You may need to resort to a crate, because if she deoes something naughty and is not IMMEDIATELY corrected, she will not understand that it's wrong to do it. For additional help, you can click on the prompt to start a consult. (I had Siberians for 40 years, so I know how they can be.) Good luck!

This is a big change for Rocco! He need time to adapt. I would suggest to let him inside till you go to bed so he doesn't see you awake within the house and doesn't get stressed because cannot interact with you or your family members. Sometimes they do not like to sleep in the brand new house, they just don't understand what changed compared to before. Add some toys and treats to make the new recovery even more comfy. He will develop a thick hair coat and, as he is a Siberian Husky, I wouldn't worry for the cold weather. Please post again on the forum or request a consultation if you would like discuss it further. I hope this answer was helpful.

As someone who has had Siberians for over forty years, I can assure you that he is not being bad. But you are correct in saying that you have to be smarter than he is. You must be very consistent with your commands, and enforce them every time. DO not give in to him if he wants to play and you don't. You ned to decidee right now, today, who is going to be the boss in your house . . . Atlas or you. I would advise that you take him to a good obedience school right away, so you can learn how to handle him. If any instructor tells you his is a problem, find a different school. Many trainers own easy dogs like Golden Retrievers, Border Collies, etc. and do not understand the SIberian temperament. Someone familiar with the Northern breed dogs would be your best bet. For more help with this, just click on the prompt to initiate a consult.