Page 28 - FWG Issue 1 February 2024

Lifestyle

road transport with a bag of unbranded food. Unbeknownst to them, Had this family researched the dog breed they wanted to buy, they
this was the beginning of a nightmare for the owners, existing pets, the would not have found themselves in this position. Before I could
wildlife on their property, and not to mention the Husky herself. (I will work again with Luna, they had contacted Husky Rescue to rehome
call her Luna, which is not her real name) her after she killed a peacock in front of their little daughter, who was
traumatised. It is essential to conduct proper research and not take the
They were at their wit’s end when I met them all. The grandparents kept opinion of a couple of people. Delve into the shelter or breeder. At what
their two little dogs permanently upstairs as Luna bullied them and age was the puppy weaned? Were they socialised? Are they registered
refused to let them downstairs, the little girl was traumatised by being with a Kennel Club? Were the puppy’s parents aggressive? Anxious?
knocked over, the peacocks never came down from the trees, chickens, Scared? Confident? One cannot underestimate the power of genes.
and bunnies had been killed and the very good-natured remaining Hereditary behaviours are real and may require pharmacological
Great Dane’s legs were used as chew toys. The pup was now six months intervention.
old and was clearly doing whatever she wanted, including climbing all
over the dining room table and placing mud over their lounge suite. Ask yourself the following before adopting:
All the furniture was covered up and the tension in the house was 1. Is my environment suitable for the incoming animal?
palpable. The owner was frustrated and angry with her husband and 2. How likely is it to get on with your other animals?
everyone had become resentful of the dog. It’s not a good place for 3. How will I introduce them to the family?
anyone to be in. This was a classic example of a Breed Mismatch. 4. What do I need to provide the animal to live out what he was bred
to do?
Physically, the Husky is shaped to go fast, over long distances and pull 5. Will I be able to meet the breed requirements to provide a good
sleds. They have an ideal size-to-weight ratio, which maximizes their quality of life? 6. Am I adopting a breed based on looks?
economy of movement. Their ability to keep up a high-intensity burst 7. Have I researched the type of dog joining my family?
is owing to their oxygen usage, where their bodies’ blood vessels can 8. Will this breed fit into my lifestyle?
distribute continuous nutrients to wherever they are needed. They 9. Can I manage and cope with the breed requirements?
have more haemoglobin than other breeds, enabling them to store
and release it when necessary. The Husky breed, therefore, needs lots These essential questions must be considered before placing the
of exercise; it’s their job to run and run – just being left on the plot animals in an environment that may set them up for failure. I am happy
didn’t provide what the dog required. to report that Luna is doing well and is a companion to another Husky
with a very active family who does not have other animals.
Notably, these dogs have a strong prey drive, displaying the full typical
motor patterns required for survival of the breed in harsh conditions. To summarise, please do not solely adopt an animal on his looks or
These are innate, internally motivated, and hard-wired into the animal. your own emotions as to what would be a “cool to have” or an “I’ve
Once activated, they will follow through their chase of another, ending always wanted one” as these are life-affecting decisions for you and
in a kill-bite. They are not mean or nasty; they just can’t help it! Placing your existing animals. Be rational, research the breed, their specific
a Husky on a 3-acre plot with loads of wildlife was like putting a requirements and ensure your environment is right to give them the
sugar-crazed kid in a candy store. The wildlife diet also affected Luna’s quality of life they deserve and become a loving addition to your family.
stomach badly, and she had permanent diarrhea, for which she was on
medication.

Huskies also have a double coat and, as such, need to cool themselves
down in the heat. The owner hadn’t wanted Luna playing in the
fountain (which the dog loved and needed) as she would bring in
dirt and roll and lie on the furniture. When I left the premises after
the first consultation, Luna ran under my parked car and refused to
come out. The dog came out after the owner shouted, cajoled, and
eventually came out with a treat. I observed that Luna was clever and
had managed to train her owner at six months of age. It had become
a game, and the negative attention was better than no attention. The
owner commented that Luna didn’t listen to any of them.

At this stage, take a moment and ask yourself…Is my dog confused as to
what I have instructed him to do? Does he respect me enough to listen
to me? Am I showing good leadership? It can never be the animal’s
fault; the blame lies with us and how effectively we communicate with
them. I noted that everyone in the house (barring the husband) had
emotionally switched off to the Husky. She was ignored and left to her
own devices.

All animals, like children, need boundaries and guidance and must
learn manners. It helps them relax, become less anxious and be socially
acceptable. We need to set them up for success in life. A kid left to do
their own thing from a young age feels insecure. So do our animals.

Fourways Gardens • 26 • February 2024