Siberian Huskies For Dummies [Paperback]

Diane Morgan (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: December 5, 2000

Bred for loyalty, strength and endurance, the easy-going and sociable Siberian Husky is a very pure and ancient breed, dating back 4,000 years or more. First bred by the Chukchis, a semi-nomadic people of northeastern Siberia, to hunt reindeer and pull sleds, the Siberian is an active breed that loves the outdoors. Prized for their great beauty, intelligence, wonderful way with children and lack of “dog smell,” they are also more free-spirited (and free-ranging) than many other popular breeds, and have a reputation for stubbornness and relentlessness in pursuit of a goal.

Is this breed right for you and your family? Siberian Huskies For Dummies answers this and all your questions about getting, caring for and living with a Husky. Siberian devotee—she has eight of her own—Diane Morgan gets you up and running with what you need to know to:

• Find and deal with reputable breeders
• Choose the right Husky for you
• Hou sebreak and socialize your new puppy
• Educate yourself and your dog
• Handle behavioral problems
• Participate in competitions

In friendly, down-to-earth language, Diane provides insights into the Siberian Husky temperament and loads of sensible, easy-to-follow advice on everything a Husky owner should know—along with fun facts and Husky trivia, amusing and informative anecdotes, and tips on how to have a great time with your Husky. Topics covered include:

• Understanding what makes the Siberian different from every other breed
• Deciding whether a male or female is right for you
• Understanding how to communicate with your Siberian Husky
• Training your Siberian Husky
• Grooming your Siberian
• Finding and establishing a good relationship with a veterinarian
• Breaking bad habits in your Husky
• Feeding and exercising your Siberian Husky
• Recognizing, preventing and treating common health problems
• Getting your Husky into sledding

The indispensable guide for you and your Siberian Husky, Siberian Huskies For Dummies is the only book you’ll need to help you have the best possible experience with this very ancient and venerable breed of dog.

Editorial Reviews

From the Back Cover

Praise for Siberian Huskies For Dummies

"Gives you an excellent understanding of the characteristics of this magnificent breed."
—David Noyes, Vice President, Chesapeake Siberian Husky Club, Inc.

"As an owner, trainer, and rescuer of Siberian Huskies for over 25 years, I highly recommend this book for all owners, especially new ones."
—Peg Wheeler

"An accessible text worth your time and money. You will emerge knowledgeable about and more appreciative of the qualities of your dog."
—Jean Holland Lindblad, longtime Siberian Husky owner

Find out about your Siberian Husky's special needs

Get the lowdown on keeping your Husky healthy and content Lively, curious, and headstrong, the Siberian is an active breed that loves the outdoors. This fun and friendly book provides insights into the Siberian Husky's temperament, sensible advice on taking care of and training your dog, tips on participating in a variety of dog competitions, and much more.

Discover how to:

• Choose the right Husky for you
• Manage your new puppy
• Maintain good health and diet
• Exercise your dog
• Handle behavioral problems

Get smart! www.dummies.com Attention pet owners! Get free Dummies Daily e-mail newsletters Sign up for tips on dogs, cats, or birds Keep your pet healthy and content — the Dummies Way

About the Author

Diane Morgan is a writer, college professor, and longtime owner of many breeds of dogs. The Siberian Husky, with its spectacular beauty, engaging personality, and fascinating history, is one of her favorites.

Product Details

• Paperback: 296 pages
• Publisher: For Dummies; 1 edition (December 5, 2000)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0764552791
• ISBN-13: 978-0764552793
• Product Dimensions: 9.3 x 7.4 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.3 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (30 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #31,444 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

39 of 39 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Should be required reading for anyone considering a Sibe!, February 6, 2001

By 

conbrio (Coolville, OH USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Siberian Huskies For Dummies (Paperback)

I have been deeply involved in the dog world as a trainer, exhibitor (conformation and obedience), owner, fosterer and rescuer for a number of years and I love this book series. As a relatively new Siberian husky owner, fancier and rescuer, I found this book to be accurate, frank and totally fun to read. That last quality is especially important because I am finding increasingly that many people who acquire puppies or dogs have no real idea of what is involved in dog ownership. This seems to be especially true with a beautiful purebred like the Siberian husky. This book pretty much tells it like it is, from the fact that NO husky can be trusted not to run away if not on leash or fenced (they are bred to "run", after all)to the idea that Siberian huskies help remind you what is important in life--as long as it's not keeping a perfect house (they DO shed). It also has more information than any other single book I have found on general dog care, health, first aid, behavior, training (much of it specific for Siberian huskies--a great plus). This book even contains chapters on grooming, "working" huskies for fun and also very interesting information on the history of the Siberian husky as a breed. I would give this book 5 stars (or more) except for two things: 1) I would have liked to have seen more emphasis on finding and acquiring homeless Siberian huskies from rescue programs. This was mentioned, but only briefly. Siberians frequently find themselves homeless (I guess because not everyone has read this book and is prepared for them!) 2) I found the section on whether to have a Siberian husky live inside or outside--a major decision with great ramifications for the dog's life and the family's enjoyment of the dog--somewhat confusing. The book states that a secure fence is almost a necessity with dogs of this breed but also that they are escape artists, should not be permanently chained outside and that they need to be part of the family. It would seem that keeping such a dog inside is the only option, at least for the pet owners for whom this book is evidently crafted. But after saying these things, the book continues to tell readers how to keep their dogs living outside. Even those tips are excellent, though, and could be useful once the issue was resolved. In general, this book is a huge improvement over the textbook style of so many breed specific books and manuals for dog owners. It has an immense amount of useful information in spite of its small size and easy readability. The icons in the margins help immensely in making the book useful, too--noting which sections are "warnings" and "tips", etc. Oh, and the cartoons are wonderful too, as if the book itself weren't valuable enough!

16 of 17 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Well intentioned, October 14, 2003

By A Customer

This review is from: Siberian Huskies For Dummies (Paperback)

Well, this book is a good dog primer, with a lot of material specific to Siberians. I really liked the fact that the author covered both history and the wonderful sport of mushing. The training and medical info is also useful and well done if basic.
The thing that annoyed me is that the author suggested that buying a puppy at a pet shop was OK, and also said something about Alaskan Huskies being awful pets that no one should adopt. As a person who has owned both Alaskans and Siberians, I found this comment untrue and annoying. Many Alaskans make wonderful pets, even retired sled dogs. In fact I recommend adopting a retired sled dog if you are interested in a recreational mushing- I did. It reminds me of what people used to say about Greyhounds 20 years ago, that they make awful pets. That is also untrue! Why put a stamp of approval on puppy mill pet shop Siberians, while keeping well cared for Alaskans from getting a chance at a good retirement home? Maybe she thought pet shops would not carry her book if she criticized pet shop puppies.
However, if you look at the book as a lifeline for a first time owner surviving thier Siberian's puppyhood, the book can literally be a lifesaver. She says yes, the puppy will grow out of many behaviors- hang in there! Your Husky needs company and training, please provide these things! It's a working breed, please let it work if possible! In these areas, the author does a good job. I just didn't like the untrue comments on Alaskan Huskies ( many of which are part Siberian) and the wishy-washy acceptance of the puppy mill industry and buying a Siberian puppy that way. That's a BAD idea and really brought an otherwise good book way down in my eyes. Find a good breeder who cares about the dogs, either racing or show, or try a rescued Husky if you have the time to deal with an unknown background.

11 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars A wonderful resource for a great breed of dog, March 17, 2005

By 

Joseph P. Weber (Chicago, IL United States) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Siberian Huskies For Dummies (Paperback)

I am the happy and proud owner/companion of a beautiful Siberian Husky -- Rocco. This book is a wonderful resource for raising and living with a Siberian Husky. The book gives easy-to-follow instructions on how to train your dog, understand your dog's actions, care for and feed your dog, and how to make sure your dog is healthy and happy.

I was a little afraid at first that the book was a simple cut-and-paste job with generic information and just name of breed inserted where necessary giving only information that applies to all breeds of dogs equally. Fortunately, that is not the case at all. Obviously there are many tips provided that will and do apply to other breeds, but, for the most part, the book is carefully focused on how to raise a husky. Indeed, the book provides useful tips (that have worked!) on how to deal with some behavioral situations that are unique to huskies.

It is very clear that the author has huskies and loves her dogs and maintains a good relationship with her dogs. Following the simple instructions in her book assures that the reader will likewise have a good relationship with his or her husky.

Although I already had Rocco before getting this book, the book also gives very useful information and making sure a husky is the dog for you and how to find a good match once you have decided on getting a husky.

For anyone who is thinking about getting a dog, I HIGHLY recommend huskies. They are extremely loving, good-natured companions. And this book will help you get the right one. And if you already have a husky, I recommed getting this book to make sure your good friend stays happy and healthy.