Siberian huskies and Alaskan Huskies are pack animals, and generally love people, children included. A lot of the relationship between your children and your Husky depends on the nature of the children. Huskies are mostly good with children but, careless and cruel children don’t deserve a pet of any kind. Never buy a pet to teach a child responsibility. You’re the adult; you have the responsibility of caring for the pet.
Make sure your child learns how to treat a Husky (and any other animal!) with respect and kindness. The Husky has a friendly, gentle nature; but can be snappish if provoked. Also impress upon your children that Huskies are active and excitable – if they get worked up, they can jump up and might knock a child to the ground.
Many dogs who are fine for older children aren’t suitable for children under the age of 3, and a young child should never be left alone with a pet, for both their sakes. Huskies are outgoing and curious, and may overwhelm a small child who is unsteady on his feet. Also, many children are allergic to dog hair and dander, so prospective Husky owners should get their kids tested for allergies before bringing home this shedding breed. Huskies are considered a low-allergenic breed – this doesn’t mean they are hypoallergenic.
Important note to parents with newborn babies: any change in attitude towards the dog may cause jealousy. This can be said of any breed of dog, cats and even some parrots, not only the Siberian or Alaskan Husky. If your dog is mainly an inside dog and will be moved outside once the new baby comes, make sure you have moved the dog outside well before the happy event, so the Husky does not associate the two events as being related. If your Husky is used to a lot of attention and exercise, and is suddenly neglected by busy new parents, he may become frustrated and bored, and indulge more often in his favourite Husky habits – digging and trying to escape. A lot of serious problems can be avoided if you try to look at the situation from the Husky’s point of view. Huskies are part of the family and don’t want to be left out.
