Through a Huskies Eyes

What do they like?

I like to Run: I was born to pull something 40 times my own body weight over long distances in temperatures that you wouldn't like. It's what we do - it's in my blood. I've been saving my energy waiting for you to get back from work. Now that you're here - you've got time to change your clothes, but don't take too long as I'll get bored and amuse myself. I might play with that interesting sofa or table leg or those clothes you've just left around. Don't blame me. It's not my fault.

I keep Running: I never understand you humans. You seem quite content to walk the same boring routes every day. Don't you know that there's so much more to see and smell. If I had the chance I'd run everywhere to see and sniff new things. If it wasn't for this leash I'd be doing it now.

I dig: Wow. What a great place full of funny coloured things. The ground is soft - good place to dig. Holes are good. I dig holes to escape the heat - just like my ancestors would dig in the snow to escape the cold. I dig to hide things, but most of all I dig because you forgot to take me for a run and I need to get rid of this energy.

I welcome thieves: When you have a new guest come crawling through the window in the night, I think you are rude to sleep. Don't worry - I'll keep him entertained by getting my favourite toy so we can play. I might also show him where you keep your secret stuff (silly you for not burying it).

I'm an escape artist: You think I can't find a way out huh. I know more about that fence than the people that made it. I already know if you tip your water bowl out it makes the soil softer for digging, and if you drag the garden furniture to the right spot, you don't have to jump so high to get over. I can jump a 6 foot fence if I really want to, but where's the challenge in that?

I got plans: What makes you humans think you can boss dogs around and we will just do as you say? Some breeds might listen to you, but not me. I'm a Husky. I've got plans. 20 laps around the garden, dig a few new holes, ambush the neighbours cat, chew something you don't know about and a short howl. So much to do, so little time.

I'm the Daddy now: When I first came to your home, before finding the water, food or where I sleep, I need to know who the boss is. Then I figured that my place is beneath the boss and directly above the other members of the family. Turns out I was wrong. Why don't you just sit back and relax now you have a born leader in the house.

I don't like to be hit: I learnt my manners from my mum before I was 6 weeks old. They are good at that - teaching us when we are playing too rough or when we are getting too big for our boots. If I have to leave my mum before she teaches me, I won't know what I'm supposed to do. Somehow you humans think that hitting use is discipline. It teaches me nothing except you are a source of pain and that frightens me. It hurts and I don't like it at all. If you do it enough I might show you how strong our jaws are, or take out my frustration on a child or neighbour.

I play rough: Some dogs like to play nicely in a corner - we Huskies have a name for them. We call them "lunch". We can play rough at times - we wrestle, play-fight, chase, tackle, roll and play-bite. If I have others to play with, you'd think there might be a death or two, but we're just having fun. So what's a little blood and bruises anyway?

I hunt: If it runs, I can chase it. If I chase it, I can catch it. If I catch it, I can eat it. If it comes into my garden and it's smaller than me - it's mine. I might share it with my boss if he shows some appreciation this time.

I'm a bit messy: I've got a secret. You know I come from a land where the temperature can be really hot or really really cold. Well I survive that because I've got 2 coats. Yes 2! There's the one you see on me every day, and another one under that. My main coat is there for the long haul and I like to keep it sharp & neat. Sure I'll get muddy but between licking it off & rubbing it off on your carpets or furniture, I clean up pretty good.

Now that undercoat is a whole different story. That thing gets ugly and smelly, and although you can't see it that well I just need to get rid of it a couple of times a year (and it'll look like it's snowing. Wahooo.)

I can be possessive: Every toy you give me is a special present rewarding me for being a good Husky. Now I might be willing to share these with others, but not until I know them better. If I'm new into a house I can only assume that everyone wants my stuff & I'm not letting them have it.