You mentioned 8-year old twins. Children that age tend to do everything (except homework) at 100mph.

Teach the kids to move in 'slow motion' around the pup. I know it is difficult at first, but every movement you all make is new to the dog. Allowing it to learn your routines and movements will help acclimation. Pretty soon the pup will speed up to the speed of your family!

I’ve trained k9’s for 30 years. Working dogs the past 17 years. It just takes time. They need to crate train it and obedience train it. Then just be patient. My Mal was abused (physical, mental, emotional), had been shot in the leg. It just takes a lot of training, a lot of patience, and time. They are like Elephants and they will never forget, ever. But you can get rid of 90% of it. A lot of positive reinforcement. Figure out if it’s prey driven, toy driven, food driven, or some combo of the 3 and do that. I would suggest Leerburg for their DVD’s to train the trainer.

Time, Patience, lots of love, reenforced with treats.

Put the pup on a leash at all times unless in a crate. This way you can let the dog stay at a controlled distance.

Talk softly to the pup, offer treats, get the dog used to human touch.

Teach the kids to talk softly, move slowly around the pup. Have kids come pet the pup when you have control of the pup.

I have taken in two Bouviere des Flandres, and one was terrified of me, but loved my sons and wife. That one is now my velcro dog, and she loves me while at the same time being very protective of my youngest son who is now 14.

My male just needed stability, lots of petting (he wanted the interaction), and some firm corrections via a pinch collar when he got too excited. He plays rough with my son, but my son plays rough with him. He follows my wife everywhere (drives her nuts), and comes to me for reassurance. I have to watch him as he is oral in play and will mouth strangers (he is on leash when people come over, or in the fenced backyard).

Huskies are super smart, and all dogs feed off of the energy around them. So soft voices are good for the dogs.

We did an experiment using tone and inflection of voice and it was funny to see our female dog smile and wag her tail when she was being told she was a bad dog in a higher pitched happy voice.

For all rescues, remember the rule is of three.

3 days to just decompress and get used to a home

3 weeks to get used to your routine

3 months to fully adjust

quote:

Originally posted by smschulz:

quote:

Originally posted by horsedoc:
Smschulz and others I respect your opinions. You and another member saved my server probably 10 years ago. But if you want have ever felt the guilt of having a young child bitten badly you might feel different.

Tommy

ETA the kids are what makes my opinion on this matter.

I understand your emotional response but based on the limited information the OP has, I am unaware of an aggressive destructive and dangerous behavior.
It would have been something to consider at the start.
Again, sorry for your situation but I am not aware this is the case.
It can take time to acclimate, our rescues were timid too for a while then warmed up to be wonderful additions to the family.
One should deploy common sense in varying scenarios so the options could be different.

No offense, but this is not an emotional response. This is a professional in the animal medical field offering advice. As a vet, I am certain he has seen a variety of animals, probably a few huskies. I’m also betting that he is familiar with some of the temperaments of particular dog breeds.
I’d put money on horsedoc having seen situations like this that turned out badly. He’s offering sound advice from a professional perspective. And for free.

quote:

Originally posted by irreverent:


No offense, but this is not an emotional response. This is a professional in the animal medical field offering advice. As a vet, I am certain he has seen a variety of animals, probably a few huskies. I’m also betting that he is familiar with some of the temperaments of particular dog breeds.
I’d put money on horsedoc having seen situations like this that turned out badly. He’s offering sound advice from a professional perspective. And for free.

Maybe your response isn't but horsedoc's was by his response.
No offense.
A kid having gone through that has he described, how can it be anything but emotional?
Doesn't mean it's not valid, just there is some bias in there FWIW.

quote:

Originally posted by smschulz:

quote:

Originally posted by horsedoc:
Smschulz and others I respect your opinions. You and another member saved my server probably 10 years ago. But if you want have ever felt the guilt of having a young child bitten badly you might feel different.

Tommy

ETA the kids are what makes my opinion on this matter.

I understand your emotional response but based on the limited information the OP has, I am unaware of an aggressive destructive and dangerous behavior.
It would have been something to consider at the start.
Again, sorry for your situation but I am not aware this is the case.
It can take time to acclimate, our rescues were timid too for a while then warmed up to be wonderful additions to the family.
One should deploy common sense in varying scenarios so the options could be different.

Once again this is respectfully one person's opinion but I have delt with huskys for many years and would not put my 8 year old. Child in this position.

Tommy

How's the pup doing after a couple days? Any update?