Normal behaviors; the fix...

After reading through a page on facebook, I read a few questions. Dawned on me, this would be great information to post to answer a few questions. Walks: "The Puller" Your best bet with a puller is to remain calm and in control. Your walking him, not the other way around. It will take time and patience. For everytime he pulls, you need to give a tug on the leash (hard enough to get their attention BUT not to hurt them) and sternly say "heel". Keep ontop of that and it will dawn on them to chill out on pulling. Walks: Scouting other pets As far as wanting to check out another dog is concerned... you put them in a sit and stay position, (usually assuming the dog has basic sit and stay command already learned). If they haven't, its as simple as lightly pushing on the hunch of their rear legs (naturally that feeling on them singals them to sit). Its no shock that they will get right back up. Hey, its all about reputation. That's apart of the training process. Now, training is fundamental of them to learning boundries. Happy to see you: "The Jumper" Its always natrual for excitement and happiness to see you or someone. So begins the jumping. Simply, their saying "Hi! I wanna get in your arms and lick you to death!" Fixing this behavior is quite simple as well. Everytime they jump on you, use your knee to push into their chest. No need to do it hard! I have to stress that importance. There is no reason to harm him/her. Its just enough force to let them know its not approved. Along with that gesture, you give a stern "OFF". Repeatedly doing those two things will help them recognize they are not allowed to jump on anyone. Please make sure house guest or people approaching know what they need to do. (Below, I will talk about using the lead while someone enters the home or approaches. On the flipside to that, the same idea applies to anyone entering your home or approaching. Difference is; the leash should be attached until they learn not to jump up on anyone. Now, all you have to do is give a tug on the lead while the person entering pushes them with their knee. Again, stressing the need to not harm them but to gain attention and control. Remember to use the command in the process (OFF). Okay, little dogs are different. They require the sit and stay position instead. A Reminder- use a reward system for them. Eventually it will be second nature to them and wont be needing the reward system.

To Feed or What Not to Feed; That is the Question!

Many times, conversations come up while in dog talk; Can we feed them "people food"? Or someone said "I feed my dog raw meat". With that in mind, I wanted to blog about what we should be feeding our fur babies and what not too. Let us begin, First up, what NOT TO FEED:

• Avocado
• Macadamia Nuts
• Grapes & Rasins
• Yeast Dough
• Raw meats, Eggs & Bones (Includes undercooked)
• Xylitol
• Onions, Garlic & Chives
• Milk
• Salt

What is optimal feeding for them? Well, there's no exact answer, it's opinion based even with veterinarians. HOWEVER, Their is agrees upon balanced meals, kind of like human diets. Not too much of this or that. Now, the biggest issue of it all, where is that fine balance? It starts with not having anything to do with any kind of corn based as the first ingredient in your dog food. Like I've said to others, corn is just a filler with no huge potential for good health. How can you tell what ingredients are in your pets food? Simple, flip your bag over and read the small print of ingredients.

Now that's covered, we can zero in on the "optimal nutrition/diet". That fine line where you end corn in their diet, is where you begin with a well rounded bag of food. On the flip side to this, dogs need exercise, so make sure their going for walks daily and playing with them to expend that energy and have a good time. Happy and healthy fur babies are more likely to live out a much more enjoyable life with you then trips to the vet because of poor diet and exercise.

Best Regards,

SocialBeatz

ASPCA- More detailed information on the above list of what not to feed.

New logo update:

Yes, its done and updated. Let me know your thoughts on it.

Andriod© App coming out this month! So stay tuned for that update.

Best Regards,
SocialBeatz

P.S. Reggie is blowing his coat for winter. So its mega brushing time :)
Make sure everyone post their pictures. Id love to see the cutest pup and pile of hair!

QR Code

Picture below is a QR code. Another way to keep up-to-date!

Best Regards,
SocialBeatz

Updates: Posts/Logo/Mobile App

I am now avaliable on twitter! Follow me @Husky_Faq to always know about my informative posts. Posts will also be avaliable on my fb page if your on my friends list as well.

For those interested, I will be working on a logo soon. Also working on an app, would start on andriod market and see how it goes. Most likely migrate to the apple market later. I will make sure your aware of everything as I progress!

Best Regards,
SocialBeatz

The Standards of Siberian Huskies

When someone refers to a "Breed Standard", their talking about what the acceptable characteristics of that dog (IE: color, size, attributes, temperaments). There are always what the AKC & SHCA consider faults (disqualifications). If your worried about what the exact standards are for this breed, please read the Standards at both AKC & SHCA sites so you know what your exactly looking for.

Here is the summary of overall direct from SHCA site, simple and to the point.

• The Siberian Husky is a medium-sized working dog, quick and light on his feet and free and graceful in action. His moderately compact and well-furred body, erect ears and brush tail suggest his Northern heritage. His characteristic gait is smooth and seemingly effortless. He performs his original function in harness most capably, carrying a light load at a moderate speed over great distances. His body proportions and form reflect this basic balance of power, speed and endurance. The males of the Siberian Husky breed are masculine but never coarse; the bitches are feminine but without weakness of structure. In proper condition, with muscle firm and well developed, the Siberian Husky does not carry excess weight.
• The characteristic temperament of the Siberian Husky is friendly and gentle, but also alert and outgoing. He does not display the possessive qualities of the guard dog, nor is he overly suspicious of strangers or aggressive with other dogs. Some measure of reserve and dignity may be expected in the mature dog. His intelligence, tractability, and eager disposition make him an agreeable companion and willing worker.
• The most important breed characteristics of the Siberian Husky are medium size, moderate bone, well balanced proportions, ease and freedom of movement, proper coat, pleasing head and ears, correct tail, and good disposition. Any appearance of excessive bone or weight, constricted or clumsy gait, or long, rough coat should be penalized. The Siberian Husky never appears so heavy or coarse as to suggest a freighting animal; nor is he so light and fragile as to suggest a sprint-racing animal. In both sexes the Siberian Husky gives the appearance of being capable of great endurance. In addition to the faults already noted, the obvious structural faults common to all breeds are as undesirable in the Siberian Husky as in any other breed, even though they are not specifically mentioned herein.

Not too bad right? The eye color of blue and brown or one of each and even parti-colored. Coats are dual layer with medium length. Tails are fox-brushed and carried over the back in a graceful sickle curve while at attention. A trailing tail is normal in repose. Like I mentioned above, their are more details on the site if your interested in purposes of breeding or showing. Just for a pet, its best to judge by personality and anything that would create a red-flag in your mind that may show up later, which could cause problems (IE: temperament, bad breeding, etc...).

The SCHA has composed a listing of books on their website, I found these on the site geared for new owners. I think this would be worth wild to read to have a deeper understanding of the breed outside of reading my blog. These publications are for sale (some are out of print and available from used book stores).

• How to Raise and Train a Siberian Husky, Lorna Demidoff
• A New Owner's Guide to Siberian Huskies, Kathleen Kanzler (THF Publications)
• The Siberian Husky Primer, Siberian Husky Club of Southern California
• Mother Knows Best, the Natural Way to Train your Dog, Carol Lea Benjamin (Howell House)
• Your Siberian Husky: Its Hips and Its Eyes, SHCA -- pamphlet produced by SHCA; also on website

Thank you for reading. Best Regards,
SocialBeatz

Myth: Are Huskies related or bred from wolfs?

There has been a long-standing question: are they (Siberian Huskies) the descendants of wolves? I, myself, have owned and cared for many Siberian Huskies in my life and have spent a lot of time researching FACTS related to this particular breed of dog.

Is the Siberian Husky a descendent of the wolf? A simple taxonomy search may clear some of the confusion. ALL dogs, every breed, are classified through scientifically as follows: KINGDOM: Animalia, PHYLUM: chordata, CLASS: Mammalia, ORDER: Carnivora, FAMILY: Canidae, GENUS: Canis, SPECIES: Canis Familiaris. The wolf shares the same classifications as all dogs up until SPECIES, where as the wolves are classified under SPECIES.. Canis Lupus. With the advancements in technology as well as in DNA testing, scientists have been able to perform more thorough and accurate research and tests. Siberian Huskies have been declared one of the oldest breed of dogs and where their actual difference are compared to wolves.

"The term "husky" is a corruption of the nickname "Esky" once applied to the Eskimos and subsequently to their dogs. They were bred by the Chukchi of Northeastern Asia to pull heavy loads long distances through difficult conditions. (Wikipedia)
As these dogs have been used for many years prior to becoming apart of families, you can see they were the working dogs of the Eskimos.

Do they resemble wolves? Maybe certain looks. But overall, they are so distinct and different. Another post will discuss the traits and behaviors of the husky as well as standards.

Regards,
SocialBeatz

P.S. Thank you to my wonderful girlfriend for helping me with proof reading and making sure I covered all of the topic. I sincerely love you and thank you!

AKC: American Kennel Club of America
SHCA: Siberian Husky Club of America

Siberian Husky Origins

To start off, here is a summary of their background:

The husky was bred in Northeast Asia to be sled dogs, the Siberian Husky is known for endurance and willingness to work. Their outgoing temperament makes it a great all-around dog, from sledding to therapy (personal favorite) work.

Since their start in cold climates, Siberians have a thicker coat then the majority of other dog breeds which is, made up of a dense cashmere-like undercoat and a longer, coarse top coat which people either love or hate. I guess that would depend on an allergic reaction or not.

Their colors range from black to all white with many different markings on their head.
Credit goes due to the AKC (American Kennel Club Association). Exerts from their breed page, as this is the most accurate information you can find.

Thank you,

SocialBeatz

My Siberian Husky Reggie & Shetland Sheep Dog Candice (RIP Nov 09')

Welcome to the blog fold.

As this is the first blog done and thought it would be appropriate to share knowledge with the masses whom are interested in learning and also for those that want to share what they may know as well.

As this maybe the first post it's only appropriate to thank you for visiting and please do return and spread the word. I will be mobile and will be continually updating this blog in order to provide accurate and interesting knowledge.

Feel free to comment and if you have questions, I would be happy to answer them. Even if their general questions. If there isn't an answer right away, I will research for a correct and accurate answer.

Again, thank you for visiting,
SocialBeatz