I have 2 Siberian Husky pups that are litter-mates. I'm finding out (too late of course) that it's a no-no, but it's not an option to get rid of one or the other. They are almost 8 weeks old. I need some advice on how to raise them so that they don't become "doggy". Should I separate them and only allow them to interact with each other occasionally? Also, what would be a good feeding schedule to put them on? I work 3-11pm. Any suggestions appreciated...thanks.

Ok, I know this is going to make me look like the evil-three-headed-monster, but why can't you place one? Why are they just turning 8 weeks old? How long have you had them?

You are aware that huskies are not really big people oriented dogs to begin with right? They have a mind and agenda all their own. You have not one but two.

Good luck!

Hi Shelly - two sibe pups! -you are on your way to a dog team there! Raising two sibe pups together shouldn't be a problem. What you will have to do is make sure each pup gets separate time one on one with you. Siberians are very social dogs by nature but if you want to keep them as house dogs you will have to start basic obedience when they are small(now) and make sure that they get house manners. Having good crates and appropriate kenneling outside with a safe fenced area for play and training will help also.
Siberians can be destructive little beggars and having a safe area to contain them is a must and will help in training. If you have other animals
in the house like cats make sure they learn the "rules of engagement" and proper deportment around other animals. Spend lots of time with them and be firm but fair, the more you put into them the better response you will get. These are very high energy dogs and it takes alot to keep them busy and out of trouble and they can be a challenge to train if you are not used to the northern breeds. This is a good website right here and there are a couple of others you might be interested in that will have good breed and training info that might help.
http://www.sleddogcentral.com
http://www.workingdogweb.com
The more info you can get about the breed,what you can do with them and what makes them tick the more it will help you to raise two nice Siberians.
Good Luck with your puppies - enjoy!

I've had them for 1 week and the whole family is in love with them. I have a large fenced yard as well as a kennel inside of that. I may get an invisible fence if they end up being escape artists. As for other house animals, I have a 7 yr old German Shepherd/Rott Mix female who is still adjusting. So far I have allowed her to correct and discipline the pups when she feels the need to...usually just when they are bugging her. I get the impression from here that it's ok to let her establish the "dog rules" and the pecking order...to let them work it out. Is this true?

Oops - missed the 8 weeks old part. They should be on 3 feeds a day now, by 4 mos you can go to 2 feeds a day. 7:30AM, 2:00PM and 11:30 PM - They shouldn't be in a crate the whole time you are at work - is there any way someone can let them out?
If they are going to be house dogs house training has to start now. Separate crates even if they yell.

Siberians can definetly have their own agenda at times but a lot of that is improper raising, training and containment techniques. Golden Retreivers they ain't but they are VERY social dogs that need consistent contact and social interaction with their human family members to develop any respect for them. Most of the problem huskies you see and hear about
have been let down by their humans by failure to
train in a correct manner and are often the product of people that got them and then stuck them alone in the back yard when the puppy glow wore off, away from human contact. They don't have that lie down and die for you willingness to please that other breeds do and even less if there is no bond of mutual respect. If you respect them for what they are and base your expectations on that you will find them alot easier to train.

oops again your post got up there as I was typing I guess. I would pretty much plan on the huskies being escape artists. If you have an outdoor kennel you might need a roof and I wouldn't leave them in your fenced yard unsupervised. They like a challenge. it's a siberian thing <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" /> . A perimeter of the invisible fence stuff inside your fenced yard might be a good idea. Your kennel should have a solid floor as they like to dig.

Well, back to petsmart for a 2nd crate tomorrow morning...hehe. I put them in the outdoor kennel while both my husband and I are at work during the same time, which happens 2-3 times a week. The rest of the time when we're home, we use the crate. They are doing pretty good with the house breaking, are generally well behaved, and the yelling is getting better <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" /> As for the solid floor, I'm definately considering pouring a concrete floor for the.

Thanks Tiggy, I knew you would help with the sibe part.

Sorry if my first post sounded off, but I just spent half the day dealing with someone who "has to get rid of" his two rottwhilers by tomorrow.... Somehow this becomes my problem? When I told him I couldn't help him he proceeded to get angry with me. With ME! Am I the one that bought 2 dogs and now wants to dump them on someone else?

Anyway, my point is that it is not twice as hard to raise 2 pups it is at least 3 times as hard. While they are cute and fuzzy it is easy to say you couldn't possibly give one up... just make sure you are going to remember that in oh say 18 months or so when the cute fuzziness has worn off.

Don't worry Deanna, I won't. I have a good head on my shoulders and am about as strong willed as they come...hehe. Cuteness only turns into beauty with Sibe's. My neighbor has 3 of them, so I definately know how they are with the digging and their non-chalant attitude towards you. Thanks for all the input Tiggy...this will definately be a learning experience for me!

As for my other dog, she is VERY mild mannered and has surprised me with all the growling she has done with the pups. Should I just let them work it out amongst themselves? And trust that she knows what she's doing when setting the boundaries with the pups?

 Quote:

Originally posted by Shelly:

As for my other dog, she is VERY mild mannered and has surprised me with all the growling she has done with the pups. Should I just let them work it out amongst themselves? And trust that she knows what she's doing when setting the boundaries with the pups?

Never allow them to "work it out themselves". YOU decide what is allowed to take place and what is not. You are the pack leader. That being said, you should be fair to your 7 year old dog and not allow the pups to run crazy all over her.