I have an almost 8 month old Siberian Husky (altered male)pup. I have been socializing him since the day I brought him home at 12 weeks. He has been in training also since the day I brought him home and it continues. In regards to breeds of dogs and kids here is one that I would like opinions on. Ed already gave me his so let's see what everyone else has to say. I was told by an so called animal behaviorist that my pup because of his breed is in the top 10 of fatal dog bites, ok well they are popular so I understand that. They went on to say that husky's are known for killing babies, and they do not make good household pets for homes with small children.At this point I have seen no aggresion ( of course not he is just a pup) towards my son who will be 3 in Jan. I never leave my pup alone with my son they only ineract for short periods of time and it is supervised. This behaviorist went on to tell me that because their prey drive is so strong the only way it can be controlled is by e-collar, and that their tempermant is uncertain. I am working very hard and in the right direction to keep my pup in good manners and good behavior not just around children ( he loves kids) but around everyone. I understand that his prey drive is dog treats not small children. My intentions for him is to use him for therapy work and carting/sledding. So any opinions pro or con are greatly appreiciated

Does this behaviorist have any credentials or certification?

Sounds like a quack to me!

We get a lot of huskies in the shelter. No kid killers, have had a couple of chicken killers, but nothing major. I will say that as a breed they are very good escape artists (which is why we get them as strays) and not one of the more low activity breeds.

I would find a new trainer. The dog is still very much a puppy. Call around to the local vets and see who they recommend.

She has a long list as a Siberian Breeder,Trainer, SHCA past president,SHCI past president blah blah blah, but she stopped breeding them about 20 years ago and now breeds poodles. She is in NC and I am in WI. Right now we are going through the rough puppy play and sometimes it gets intense but I am on him and he gets corrected. For me to think he would become a child killer is far fetched. Yes anything could happen but if we keep going the way we are I doubt it. Thanks for the input, keep it comming.

Hmmm, from Siberians to Poodles!! That's quite a leap!!! <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/confused.gif" alt="" />

I would have to wonder about any advice she gave you, credentials in the past or not.

I agree w/Deanna 100%!!!

Since she was a breeder of these dogs, I would really question the line of dogs that she bred. As in all breeds of dogs, you can have some crazy lines that should not be bred. A responcible breeder does not breed "child killers". If she truely has experience with these type of dogs, and believes that all of these dogs are natural born child killers, then run away from her as fast as you can, she may be as loony as her dogs.

I do not converse with this woman anymore. I have since talked to severl owners who not only have them for companions but also work them. One I met in this forum and others at other sites. Once this behaviorist started typing the breed that is when I knew she either had been badly scared or had some underlying negetive motive in saying what she did. As I said we have issues that need to be dealt with but I would like to see a handler that doesnt with a pup this age and with his being a rather dominant breed. I also value my family more than any dog so if as my dear pup matures and if things start to surface and he does not comply or shows ANY type of aggresion or as she said BABY KILLING behavior well I also know what to do. Thaks again for the input keep it comming I like being reassured that I'm not the one who is nuts!

Did you check out where the breeder is from? NC??? Poor dogs must've gone nuts from the heat! Ann, you are in WI? So am I. I just heard on the news that we are expecting snow next Tuesday . So not to worry <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/laugh.gif" alt="" /> .

SNOW NOT YET! We have more training to do before he pulls a sled <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/blush.gif" alt="" /> Well he is bred to pull so we will see! <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/laugh.gif" alt="" />

Gee - I guess when my dogs are licking kids up one side and down the other they are just tasting them! Who knew? <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />