"Look Mommy, a SNOW DOG!"

As the owner of a Siberian Husky, I cannot tell you how many times I have heard some little kid yell that statement. And then, they rush over to pet my "Snow Dog" because he "looks just like the one on the movie!" But guess what? He is NOT the one on the movie...or ones, rather as they use more than one look-a-like for the animals in the movies these days. Nope, he is just a regular Husky. And, albeit he has a trainer for an owner, he is STILL CAPABLE OF BITING!

I am sure I'm not the only person who has problems with this. Anyone who owns a Husky, Malamute, Dalmatian, Golden Retriever, German Shepherd, Border Collie, Saint Bernard, Rough Collie, or any other breed that has been on the Big Screen in the last decade or two has this problem. So I'd like to break this blog down into to parts.




Part 1 - To the people who see these breeds of dogs in the movies:
Do NOT run up to ANY dog assuming that you can pet it. Teach your children to NOT run up to ANY dog assuming they can pet it. As I have said before, and will say only thousands of times over, ALL DOGS ARE CAPABLE OF BITING! You wouldn't like it if a complete stranger ran up to you and wanted to touch you! Dogs don't like it either. Regardless of what famous dog they look like, stay a safe distance away until you have gotten the owner's permission to approach!



Part 2 - To the owners of the "famous" dogs (rather, their look-a-likes):
Just because people every where recognize your dog does not mean that you have to let them approach your dog. One problem I have come across with my clients who own Huskies is that too many people are becoming familiar with the dog and then the dog runs off to "visit" other families that it has become familiar with. I have NEVER had a problem with Xander running off, even when I accidentally left the gate to my backyard open one day. Contrary to popular belief, Siberian Huskies are loyal to their owners, or their PACK, when they recognize the pack boundaries. I am asked on a daily basis by children and adults alike if they can pet my dogs. I allow them on RARE occasions to pet Banon, my Corgi, as she is the better "balanced" dog as far as training goes. People protest that they want to pet the Husky, because "he looks just like a Snow Dog". TOO BAD. He is MY DOG, and he is in CONSTANT training. I'm not running a petting zoo! As Pack Leaders we are the ones who PROTECT our pack...and in return they are loyal only to OUR PACK, the way it should be! Now some of you might have a hard time being rude to strangers. So when someone asks if they may pet your dog, if you are not working on the dog's socialization that day, it's okay to say "No, I'm sorry, he/she is in training" and continue walking. (I do try to make it a point of politely thanking the people who ask nicely though, as opposed to the people who just rush up to us)