Mandy 
Children
Siberian Huskies love to be part of the family. I had 9 dogs when my daughter Mandy was born, and even more by the time Tracey was born. Mandy fitted into our very busy life style of showing and racing sled dogs up and down the country, she is pictured below with some of the pack when only a couple of months old and out training with them 3 years later. She was very involved with the dogs in her younger years and competed at open and championship shows with her bitch Zoox Izizhumzhat (Izzie) from 7 years of age. She also competed at the rallies in the one dog and later two dog class, as did her sister Tracey. I have personaly never had any problems with children and huskies getting along, my daughters brought many friends to visit over the years and never once did I have to worry that they wouldnt be accepted by our large pack of Siberians.
Mandy
Children should be taught how to behave around dogs and puppies. They must not be allowed to tease or bully puppies or indeed adult dogs, who are very tolerent and will put up with a lot more than they should have to. Young children should not be left with puppies unless supervised .Children should be asked to sit down befor they are allowed to hold a young puppy. Siberian pupppies are very lively and can easily jump out of their arms, should they do this, there is the chance they could do some major harm to themselves like breaking a leg, at least if a child is sat on the floor, should the puppy wriggle free, he does not have far to fall!. Do not allow children to share their chocolate bars with dogs, chocolate contains theobromine, which is fatal for dogs.There should be a mutual respect between child and dog. Puppies are like babies, in that they will pick up anything and put it in their mouths and swallow it, this can be rubber bands, plastic toys or a smelly pair of socks. Problems arise when the object causes a blockage, and you could end up with a very poorly puppy at best, and at worst, a dead puppy, so teach children not to leave anything lying around that the puppy can pick up. Children and puppies should grow up to be the best of freinds, I am a great believer that the first few weeks of living with your new puppy, will set the pattern for your dogs behaviour for the rest of his life, in other words, get it right from the start and it will pay dividens in the long run. Get it wrong, and it could lead to long term behavioural problems.
Dogs are not machines, but living creatures with a range of behavioural needs and their own communication methods, which differ from ours. An understanding of their behaviour will enable you to appreciare your new companion and help avoid some common mistakes, which could get you off on the wrong footing. Before you collect your puppy, read some good books on training and understanding dogs and how they think. The following 3 authors are excellent and it is well worth while stocking up on as many of their books as you can and reading from start to finnish. Jan Fennel's books and DVD's are excellent and also very popular, as are any books DVDs by Ian Dunbar and Caesar Millan, who both teach you how get an insight into dog psychology, these I 100% recommend. Do not make the mistake of thinking training starts when the puppy is 6 months old, its starts from the second you pick it up, so please read some of these authors book, they will really help you settle your puppy into his new life and help you make him a joy to live with.
 Mandy with Zoox Aducha in 1982 |
Zoox Gamishka was the dam of CH Zoox Miduchenka JW the winner of 17 CC's and CH Zoox Miztrozhat JW CH Zoox Gadzheek sired five Champions. |
Mandy wearing her jacket made from Samoyed and Siberian Husky hair. Both of my daughters were christened in a gown made from a mix of Sammy/ Sibe hair spun with silk, with little pearl buttons down the front. |
1984 - We always found that |
Mandy and Izzie were the best of friends. They had a very special relationship. |
No need to leave the children at home they can go with you. Mandy 12 months old having a ride, sitting in her purpose made seat, behind Dudu and Kippa and my two male Champion Samoyeds Todd and Monty, getting fit for the 1982/83 rally season. |
 Wayne with baby daughter Erin vistiting Tyke, Koona and her puppies in 2006. |
Mandy, aged 8. Playing with the dogs |
This is the husky christening gown I had made for my girls, and me wearing one of my husky jumpers.
Above is Erin just short of her 3rd birthday with her little brother Nathan and Dad Wayne, helping to water the dogs after they have had a run. Children love to be involved with the care of the dogs, even from this young age. Our girls also used to help out from a very young age, and giving them little jobs like this, gives them a sense of responsibility.
Siberians thrive on living as part of a family. Dogs and children can be the very best of friends if brought up correctly.
Spring 2008, Natalie's 16 month old daughter taking charge of the pups. It was sheer joy to watch her and the puppies play together, she already lives with a family of well adjusted dogs and consequently was at total ease with this lot. She reminded me such a lot of my two girls when they were this age. Well brought up children and well brought up puppies/dogs just go hand in hand!
Siberians love being with children just as much as these children love being with them. The love and respect these dogs have for Erin is a joy to see, the children have also been brought up to respect the dogs.
These five Siberains are under total control and are being watched by their owners. Their love and respect of baby Spencer who has recently joined their family is there for all to see. Spencer was soon at his first rally, seen with proud mum Dawn. I should think in a few years time he will be one of a number of budding mushers that will be seen competing in the junior classes. For those that might be worried about babies and dogs being together, rest assured, these owners know their dogs very well and knew how to introduce Spencer to their happy family of dogs, they are very sensible and baby Spencer is never left unsupervised with the Sibes. My children were brought up in just the same way, and grew up with a great respect and understanding of all dogs.
These babies have sensible and loving parents, who had huskies living in their lives before they decided to have children. As can be seen, if given the chance huskies just love babies and children. Returning your dog to the breeder or dumping it in welfare just because, " We're having a baby" has got to be a very lame excuse to get rid of your dog!
The above 4 pictures are of Ruth and Alex's baby son Tyler. Tyler was born into a family of 5 Siberian dogs (I think it's a myth that bitches make better family dogs than males). Ruth and Alex's sensible approach of correctly introducing Tyler to their 5 Huskies, immediately made for a happy life for all concerned. All these dogs are excellent workers in harness and they have also done very well at shows, but what really makes me so happy, is that owners like Ruth and Alex respect their dogs and they are part of their family.So not for one second did they think about getting rid of their dogs because they were having a baby. Never once did they think, " now Tyler has arrived the dogs will all have to stay outside locked away from him". Tyler has fitted into their husky orientated life style with no problems, he is loved and adored by all the Siberians, his parents and Tyler himself are the highest ranking members of this "pack" and peace reigns within the household. This is how family life should be. My greatest sorrow is when couples return their dog, because they are expecting a baby. That poor dog can never have been part of their family, because if it was there is no way it would be chucked out surplus to requirements. So please think very carefully before you get a puppy, and be sure he will always be a welcome and much loved member of your family. Tyler is now a very active toddler who keeps "his" husky pack of 6 (yes a new puppy has joined the family) in order, under the supervision of mum and dad.
Chris and Gill's 2 Sibes Jet and puppy Gem are also well adjusted family dogs and get along well with her children and the latest member of the family, her grandson Bailey.Chris went to his very first show in the summer of 2010 and won a 1st and 2nd at Blackpool, qualifying Gem for Crufts, it was also Gem's first show.
Spencer is a very happy and confident toddler and is surrounded by "his" 3 grey Zoox girls - Kodi, Willow and Spirit. He is equally happy at a rally or out training with the dogs. I love the picture above where he looks to be on the stake out with all the girls, but rest assured dad Dean is stood just out of the picture.Below he is telling Spirit a story and the 3 girls are keeping him under supervision!!"
Spencer 21 months old helping out after a training run."Anyone want a drink?"
------- Zeya and Harold -----
Lesley's baby Haroldwas also born into a family of Siberians, and the 4 girls were very eager to start their Nanny duties. Zeya was very keen to get to know her new charge, and Lesley didn't let being a new mum interfere with walking the girls.
Harold was soon taking in the scenery on his many walks with the 4 Nannies.
Just as well Lesley took the buggy with her to Crufts, but not to put Harold in-- for all the shopping!!
Zeya takes her Nanny duties seriously, by making sure Harold's face is clean for the photo shoot with the girls.
Zeya makes sure Harold eats his dinner, then time for them both to take a well earned snooze.
I just love these pictures of Zeya keeping an eye on 9 month old Harold
