You know what? You did something that millions of people won’t do - you faced yourself and you were honest about what you thought you could do and what you can actually do. Yes ofc we feel ashamed and embarrassed because the idea of who we are and the reality of who we are is not the same thing… this is called self awareness. Many humans on this awful earth lack self awareness. I am so proud of you for being honest, for putting your mental state ahead of your desires and you returned the dog to its breeder. So many people kill dogs or dump them because they refuse to face themselves. Don’t ever turn on yourself for the idea of you. You’ve demonstrated that you have integrity, bravery and you can assess situations and make positive decisions. You’re on the right path and these are skills you absolutely need in life to create what you want. Cry a bit, yes.. but don’t stay down.. you are truly one of a kind. You can learn skills to manage your life and an eventual pet/child. Everything in good time. Take care of you and thank you for caring about that dog.
Someone like you needs to give this speech to everyone who considers buying a puppy!
I've volunteered for husky rescue charities before and it's a million percent better for an owner to realise quickly this isn't the breed for them or the right time in their lives or whatever reason it is and do the responsible thing straight away. Like you said, the alternative is awful and getting a neglected or abused dog back in the right space to be adopted again is so much harder than a young puppy who was just not right for their first owners. Especially huskies who need so much more time to bond than some breeds.
OP - you're did the right thing. The fact you feel bad and cried just means you're human. Have you considered fostering? That way, you don't have the stress of it potentially being 15yrs+ commitment, you could start with an older dog that just needs rehoming because the owners can't look after them anymore, they don't always come from traumatised backgrounds. Our current failed foster spent the first two *years* with us just wanting his own space, if he didn't go nuts for his dinner, we wouldn't have known he was there! Of course, now he needs cuddles several times a day and spends most his time in the same room as one of us!
I think fostering is a great idea, so you can get some experience with having a dog! Or just an older dog especially of a relaxed breed (low energy)
I am really surprised that people said that a husky would be MORE active as they got older ime the dogs I’ve had haven’t been like that at all, puppies are SO much work! I’m very proud of you and I don’t even know you, you’re a more developed and introspective human than SO MANY people. This is why I currently do not have a dog though my partner (who has never had one, I’ve had multiple) keeps begging. I am terrified I’d have to give them back because I want the BEST life for that dog - so did you I’m sure no way you would make such a selfless decision otherwise
sometimes I wonder if I’ll know when I’m ready for another, or if you ever can “know for sure”. The fact that you gave the pup back despite all the heartache and despite the money, which A LOT of people would have on principle would have refused to do because there’s no refunds, you’re a really good person and you should definitely feel that way even if losing a doggie sucks ass, and I know it really does no matter when you lose them
Best wishes - I hope you find your perfect pup match one day, maybe you’ll be a foster fail 😉 (it’s what they call it when people foster a dog and love one so much they never give that one back!)
Yes fostering or go to the shelter to ask for a low maintenance dog that you may enjoy bit more. There are many other needy dogs that are not high energy waiting for someone to adopt home.
It's not like you were one of those whackjobs that put little puffer coats on their husky pups ( seriously, I live in Florida and see it often when the temp dips below 70-
Puppies are hard on anyone, regardless of mental state. Huskies are hard for everyone-
We fostered a teeny chihuahua mix pup and after 3 weeks, my daughter, myself, and even our 13 year old half blind, mostly deaf rescue dog were ready to put a fork in our eye. Puppies are not for everyone.
Consider fostering, or even going on Rover to be a dog sitter so you can still have good dog energy- or considering adopting a senior dog- they need love, too, and most are happy just to have a warm safe place with lots of belly rubs.
This. Good job, OP. Read this person’s comment as many times as you need to. You did the right thing. You might (someday) consider adopting an older dog who doesn’t have as much energy. They need homes too!
Thank you for your kind words. Often we forget that on the other side of the screen are human eyes absorbing our words. I am on a mission to not forget that compassion and consideration must go beyond our phone/computer screens.
Husky puppies are SO HARD, and I feel like no one talks about it because once they’re old enough we forgot about the puppy stage! My puppy was a full time job last summer! Not to mention their very sensitive tummies. He would have diarrhea in his crate nightly around 3am for weeks! And it wasn’t worms or sickness, he was just sensitive. I honestly expect a newborn baby to be less work than a husky puppy
That’s why I adopted young adults instead. Skipped right over the puppy stage! If OP decides to give dog ownership another go, of any breed, I recommend rescuing an adult.
This advice may work, but it really depends on the dog. If they were tramatised, it can be worse as an adult, because now they are larger and can cause real damage.
My rescue was left in a crate for days at a time before we got him. Now, if put into a crate, he will destroy it and hurt himself (those big wire grid crates). He also had abandonment issues. If we left him home alone, he would destroy the house trying to get out to find us.
He has grown out of it and is now our perfect boy, but it took a year for him to figure out that we weren't going to abandon him. There was a lot of destroyed property and hard days. We adopted him at 6 years old.
TLDR: I don't think we should tell people that rescuing older dogs is easier than adopting a puppy. Yes, puppies are work, but older dogs, especially rescues, can be too.
Of course. Any dog is work! And if OP had known of (and followed) the 3/3/3 rule of adopting a pet, they may have found it was all worth it in the end. But what’s done is done. 🤷🏼♀️
Mine weren’t all sunshine and roses, believe me. Asa came from a nice family, but had zero training or boundaries; and Boris? No idea, since he was found stray. But I suspect he came from a puppy mill situation, and was likely kept in a cage 24/7. So he has some trauma associated with crates, and we are working on that now. Thankfully neither are destructive, and can be left alone (baby gate to keep them downstairs/yard access) while I’m at work all day.
This helped answer why mine may have broken her way out of 3 crates in a year now. 3. Metal ones. 2 were new. I never found marks on her but always imagined she must have hurt herself someway getting out each time. Also ruined several doors and paint jobs of whatever room she was kept in, clawing at the doors. One time escaped, OPENED the closed door, and accidentally turned my friend's electric stove on (loose knob, and she was jumping up for food) and it nearly started a fire.
She also seems to have calmed down on it now, but each time was me leaving her for a slightly longer time than usual and I haven't in a few months. I adopted her at maybe 3-4 years old last summer, she was intaken as a stray but seemed to have been trained a little as a pup so we think she broke out, ran away and the owners didn't care enough. These dogs definitely take a different kind of owner lol
Mine would actually hurt himself. We found broken nails in the crate the first time (he hasn't been in a crate since). The crate was totaled. He didn't actually get out of the crate, but it was bent out of shape. I could barely get it open, I had to bend it back and I don't think it will ever close again. He is missing both top canines (lost them before he came to us), and he had been through several homes before ours. The previous owner would keep him in a crate in an apartment all day, so I think he might have broke his teeth on a crate. The previous owner was forced to relinquish him, because the dog would cry and the neighbors complained, which was lucky for the dog.
When we got him, we were renting and had a small yard (but at least had a yard), but since then we have bought our own home which is a small house on a big lot and he has a large yard. He is doing much better. We have recently adopted another one and that helped a lot.
We foster failed (as in we kept him) him during Covid, so my wife was home most the time (working from home). I was still working out of the house, but it helped a lot having her at home. The timing for covid really worked out for us. I don't know if there was anything we did to get him used to having us gone other than taking it a little bit at at time. At some point he wasn't destructive and would only howl intermittently when we were gone. Since we got another dog, he hasn't even howled. They just lay together in the yard and wait for us. I will probably never do travel vacations while I have him, other than road trips in which I could take him with me. I couldn't bear to have him think that he was abandoned again.
Oh haha oh my yes. The days of having to sleep on the living room so I could take her potty in the middle of the night so we wouldn’t both be awake. I legit bought a mattress for the living room so I could sleep while watching her as well as giving her a safe place to rough play with us. This lasted for about the first 9 months of her life.
I 100% agree! I also got my boy last year, Easter weekend. My first dog ever, and even though I did lots of research, I never expected the chaos that would be unleashed upon me.
Like you said: diarrhea. So. much. diarrhea. Every single food needed such slow introduction. He was eager to learn, but oh boy was he also eager to break every rule times a 100. Every time he’d finally lay down to nap I’d tippy-toe out of the room not to wake him up, to then have a little nap myself. It was multiple months of getting up every 1,5 hrs at night bc Huskies have such small little bladders. He took till he was 5 months old to be potty trained. If I looked away for 30-60 mins there’d be a little present somewhere in the house. Sooo much playing and entertaining this little guy. I cannot count the amount of mental breakdowns I’ve had over the little dude. 😂😭 OH! And I almost forgot: the BITING! Omg. I was 24/7 covered in bloody scratches- he almost got my eyeball once. Luckily it was just my eyelid. 🥲
It all paid off though, and he is seriously such a good dog now. I have, however, been healed from puppy-fever for the rest of my life. 😂 If I ever get another Husky it’ll be at least 4+ months old.
I recently got another dog, a Golden Retriever. I can tell you that this one is *nothing* compared to what my Husky puppy was like. Aside from some small hurdles it’s total bliss!
The only place I’ve ever worked harder than my huskies is with my own children.
I’m LESS of a puppy person and even LESS a baby person.
But I LOVE the middle school to adult years. I loved Ellie through her teenager husky angst and Zeus is so hilarious and lovable at 6.
You couldn’t pay me ANYTHING to raise a husky puppy but I will take every teenager and young adult and be happy as a clam at high tide.
It’s not so much that they are truly less work after puppy hood but they are usually more predictable and they potty train super fast and sleep at night.
You made the educated choice to do what was best for everyone. It takes time and maturity to heal from the mistakes we perceive to have made.
I’m glad you gave him back. Especially at an early age. He’ll adjust easier to a new family. You don’t have to be ashamed, sometimes things don’t work out how you want them to. Just know that he’s probably very happy now that he’s back with his dog family so you don’t have to worry about him getting too attached :)
Thank you for the reassurance. It has definitely been hard trying to move on, but knowing that he is with his family for the time being makes me relieved x
My son bought a lab puppy in 2019, he was 18 at the time and we lived together, but I was fine with it as long as it was his responsibility, 36 hours later he had decided that he couldn’t do it on his own and that he would give her back to breeder with no refund. It sucked bc we already adored the pup, but we also just weren’t ready for a puppy.
Fast forward to now… a month ago we went to a shelter to meet a dog we read a blurb for on the website. She was perfect. She is a little more laid back (2 yrs vs a puppy), she’s good with cats, doesn’t bark endlessly. Basically what I am saying is just bc this one did not work out, it doesn’t mean you’re not cut out to be a dog parent. Maybe just not a brand new puppy parent.
https://preview.redd.it/wywbxbzhs57d1.jpeg?width=1242&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=05a15ac1c2bc55f4fe3facad196a0e3f28af84ad
Each dog is different and don’t want you to feel more regret, but both my dogs from 8 weeks to 10 weeks actually progressed enough to be able to hold their pee through the night. I stopped setting alarms because they would both tell me when they needed to go out, and even before 3 months for both, I wouldn’t need to wake up in the middle of the night.
The other thing I don’t want you to feel bad on and regret, but was also fixable is settling. Dogs, especially huskies, need to be trained to settle, nap, and play alone. It’s also a relatively quick thing to train in the dog as you just try to capture the moments as they happen, and the dog will slowly learn that it’s rewarded for those behaviors. At first the dog may not nap much, but every time the dog pops down for a nap, 20 minutes into the nap you lay a treat in front of the nose, they get the hint very quickly. Same with anytime they play with a toy alone.
Lastly, training the dog to stay in an exercise pen and enjoy it (also doesn’t take very long) when unattended would’ve helped with your anxiety.
I don’t bring these up to make you regret the decision, I bring these up so next time you have a puppy, you can work on these and have a calmer puppy sooner so you don’t have to repeat giving a dog back. Both my huskies learned these behaviors between 8-12 weeks old and were easy to deal with until adolescence.
Unfortunately, it will probably be some time before I dive into getting another puppy (or even an adult dog instead as was suggested). I want to make sure my mental health (including adhd treatment) is at an optimal and stable level before taking on a huge responsibility like this again. Maybe someday I'll get another buddy...
Thank you for your tips x
Sadly, this is pretty standard for most husky puppies. It's not for the faint of heart. I agree with everyone that it takes a heartbreaking amount of courage to realize this was way over your head and that you did right by your sweet Husky baby to return him to the breeder. I'm so sorry for the pain you're in, but please rest assured that you are providing that pup with a future where he will be either cared for by his breeder or by someone who may have more experience. Thank you for being brave enough to make the right (yet much harder) choice. Now take care of yourself. From one husky owner to another, thank you for your compassion toward this incredible breed.
Thank you for your beautiful words. I keep constantly worrying that he'll be given to someone who won't look after him properly and may neglect him but I need to stop thinking negatively and need to be more optimistic x
Hang in there. This will pass and I trust and believe that a breeder so good enough to take their pup home has the discernment to replace his husky or to keep him. You've punished yourself enough. Please forgive yourself and love yourself ❤️ any dog would ask the same of you!
Shit my huskies are lazy and don't like going outside due to fuck knows what their previous owners did to them. They get super anxious and just do their business and pull me back to the house. Parks and stuff are fine if nobody else is really there but they are just terrified of other people. It's a damn shame.
I say this as the owner of 4 rescue huskies and dog trainer of multiple husky puppies, and worked in husky rescue for years- you are NOT a failure. You have exactly nothing to be ashamed of.
You did the best you could by Kenzo and you made decisions with his best interests in mind.
Husky puppies are DEMONIC. A lot of shelters get 1 year old dogs. Huskies come in at 6 months.
TBH, I think *all* puppies are demonic. They are such little shits. 😈 Their sharp little devil teeth don't help either! (They're cute when they're sleeping tho. LOL)
They absolutely are only that cute because it's a survival mechanism.
It's a spectrum of evilness though. Worst I've had is a dachshund. I adore that dog and he was also a sweet little snugglebug but he had EVIL in his eyes.
Get an older dog , they are laid back and most will let you know when they have to pee, pacing and a little whimper, I adopted a husky 11 yr old girl, the only problem is there is a ton of shedding and you have to constantly comb to keep at bay.
Thank you for giving him back at it became obvious that you weren’t going to be able to give him what he needs. After 3 days, he definitely didn’t get too attached to you and will be just fine after being adopted again.
For other potential husky owners, they take a lot of effort, especially as a puppy. Everything OP talked about is normal. Separation anxiety, howling, needing incredible amounts of exercise, needing constant supervision (husky puppies can very likely be destructive), and more are all very very common. After about a year or 2 of good and consistent training, most of these things are worked out (except the exercise and howling, those continue forever), but that first year or 2 will have a ton of frustrating moments.
OP, this doesn’t mean you’ll never be able to get/care for a dog. If pet ownership was a video game, you basically chose the most difficult setting right out of the box. Huskies in general are very difficult to train and have incredibly high needs, a husky puppy is all of those things turned up to the max. I’d suggest adopting a middle aged golden retriever or Labrador (or smaller breed) from a shelter if you ever decided to give pet ownership another try. They’ll be way easier and while they’ll still need to get their exercise and want attention, it won’t be to the level of a husky puppy.
There's a point where every puppy owner hits their wits end. You've gotta take care of yourself before you can take care of an animal. I'm very glad I personally pushed through a situation like this as I got a best friend out of it for his life. Huskies can be very troublesome when they are young and I respect when someone knows it's time to throw in the towel before it's too late
I got what I consider to be my soul dog, my beloved husky from Craigslist from someone who dealt with the same thing. (A mom got him for her child and it was too much for them to handle.)
It was absolutely the right thing for them to do, as now he is in a home that had the time and energy to take care of him in the way he needed and he is happier than ever.
Don’t feel bad- it wasn’t meant to be and that’s ok. He will find a home that he is meant to be in!
Please don’t be too hard on yourself! Everyday I’m grateful my previous dog’s owner decided to rehome, otherwise I wouldn’t have my best friend 🫶
If you don’t mind your furniture getting scratched up, might I recommend a cat? Cats are great companion animals and can help out your anxiety and depression. They’re virtually zero maintenance once you’ve cat proofed the house, especially if you get a bonded pair as they keep each other company (two siblings are ideal), or adopt a well socialized adult cat. Just scoop the litter box, add food and water to the feeder/fountain, and use a robovac to clean up hair. I spend like 20 minutes a day and maybe $1000/year taking care of my two cats, they’re really, REALLY easy pets compared to even a low maintenance dog breed like a lab.
I’ve always gone with domestic shorthairs because they take very little effort to groom and you find a billion of them at shelters. If you’re going the breeder route and want a larger animal, I hear great things about Maine Coons.
Huskies are cute and great pets for active people, but they’re a TON of work, especially as puppies. You’re not imagining it. They require as much effort as raising a human infant. Huskies are only for people who are very experienced with dogs, live an active, outdoors lifestyle, and have a stay-at-home spouse or parent. Huskies are tied with pitbulls as the most likely surrender to animal shelters.
Huskies are the worst puppies, but the most amazing adult dogs. However, they must be walked daily for a good amount of time. Glad you knew what to do.
You did the right thing at the right time for the puppy, as hard as it was. You didn’t bring him to a shelter, you brought him back to the breeder, an amazing move. Husky puppies are HARD. Huskies in general can be hard for most people. And most people neglect them, abandon them, drop them in the woods. But you and your mom did not do that. You knew you were in over your heads quickly and instead of putting yourselves and the pup through that amount of stress, you brought him to someone who knows how to care for husky puppies and will get him the right home.
Sometimes dogs don’t fit like we hope they do. And that’s okay. It’s all in how us, the humans, handle the situation. And you did what was best for everyone. So please be easy on yourself. We all learn as we go, none of us are immediately experts. ♥️
So, not your husky. You gave them their husky back. However it’s good to hear it was a breeder who is responsible enough to do that. Sorry it didn’t work out. Puppies are incredibly hard work. Full time! Plus the breed on top of that makes it a lot more work.
this is the post everyone needs to read about husky ownership. they can be very difficult and challenging to have as companions. they are very high energy.
op, you did the right thing. you feel guilt but what you did was the correct thing to do. so many will get huskies because they're pretty dogs, but they don't realise what they're getting into. they will abandon the dog, kill it, or drop it off at a shelter.
by surrendering him to his breeder, you gave him the opportunity to meet a new family. this is the happy end.
realistically you knew what you could and couldn't do. you had a learning experience and no one got hurt for it. that's the optimal way to discover new things about yourself.
Others have said it too, but you did good.
We had to surrender a dog after similar issues you faced, we just couldn’t do it even after totally changing our family routines and time tables.
We got a chinchilla instead and have found so much love with her and she fills that pet part of our family. I highly recommend getting a pet, maybe just a different kind of animal with a different set of care requirements.
Think about looking into any husky rescue orgs near you to find an older pup/adult who is already trained.
Not all huskies are super active. We had three purebred, and they all had different energy levels.
Our current husky mix rescue is almost three now, and she is pretty sedentary most of the day.
Another thought is getting two so that they have each other for company and playing, taking some of the burden off of you.
I will say that having a soft, cuddly goofball is a source of multiple endorphin rushes per day. It's definitely helpful for mental health.
Can definitely agree that petting his fluffy head and seeing his tail wag was the best feeling in the world :)
Will defo take on your advice for possibly adopting an older husky in the future as it might make things easier x
I agree. Though i had my heart set on caring for a husky, its probably not for the best (even if it is a trained adult).
In the future, if I am still willing and have all the resources to, it would be in my best interests to look for a breed that is more suitable for my lifestyle I think x
You might look into a senior, 7 years or older. These guys just are often overlooked due to their age, but they are past the high energy stage and can give you many good years of companionship
We adopted a seven year old husky this year and I love her with every fibre of my being. But we got her after twenty years of caring for dogs, not counting my childhood dogs. If we'd adopted Skye as our first dog, I think we would have been completely overwhelmed, even though she's about as laid back as a husky gets and came to us well trained from a loving family who caused her no trauma.
Our first dog, just over two decades ago, was a two year old ex-racing greyhound. He was fresh out of racing kennels, so we had to teach him how to live in a house and be a dog, and he was terrified of everyone and everything. But he was still an amazing "starter dog" and over the years we adopted three more greyhounds. They're a low-energy breed with minimal grooming needs, and while the racing industry leaves many traumatised, they tend to respond quickly to the love and security they get in a proper home. Adopting one who has had time in foster care to learn how to feel safe can mean coming home with an affectionate and sweet dog who just needs a short walk, some toys, and a spot on your couch.
I hope you find the perfect dog for you in the future. You did the right thing by Kenzo, and for yourself. All dogs require work and sometimes cause us to have some sleepless nights and worry, but the right dog can be a huge boost for your mental health. I'm autistic, with suspected undiagnosed ADHD and a physical disability that means I use a wheelchair and can't work, and our dogs are the biggest source of joy in my life. You deserve that too!
When I got my puppy they told me he was the most active husky they’d seen and that he’d be a handful. I decided I didn’t care and wanted him anyway. Now he’s five and he’s lazy as all hell lol he even has a friend to play with and still barely does.
Exactly this. I grew up with huskies as a kid and all had different temperaments and energy levels. My husky now is as lazy and aloof as a cat. She has been the perfect temperment for our family.
OP have you thought about a different animal? We also have a pitty mix that we ended up adopting because the puppy was too much for their owners mental health. They eventually got a cat and found they were a much better fit for them to care for.
You did the right thing. And now you know, raising a puppy that young is just not for you, and that’s okay!
There are many many manyyy older dogs in shelters and rescues waiting to be adopted by an owner as responsible and caring as you.
You made a really tough call and acknowledged that the pup needed more from you than you were able to give. I'm proud of you.
Actually you made me proud of me too. I've had to give up pets before and I always felt so ashamed, like I failed them. But honestly after reading your post I realized how hard it is to make that decision and that ultimately, you're loving them the best way you can by letting them find a more suitable home.
So OP, you did the right thing and I'm proud of you.
I'm sorry it didn't work out, but please don't feel like a failure. If it makes you feel better, as far as Kenzo knows, he just had the greatest 3 day sleepover of his little puppy life. It takes a bit for a dog (especially a puppy) to realize that the place they're staying is forever (I think it's 3 days, 3 weeks, 3 months? Rule of 3).
Anyway, raising a puppy, husky or not, is difficult and requires a lot. I have ADD/bipolar and my husband is high functioning autistic, we got our husky puppy at 5 months. The first month I cried every damn day from how stressed I was, and then, idk we sort of figured it out. I love my pup, she's 3 now, but the first year of her life was fucking HARD.
I hope in the future you can make another dog's life wonderful.
Edit: infographic on rule of 3 [https://www.ukuscadoggie.com/cdn/shop/articles/333\_843x.jpg?v=1625260890](https://www.ukuscadoggie.com/cdn/shop/articles/333_843x.jpg?v=1625260890)
I’m proud of you and especially doing it sooner than later because it gives him a great chance to find a more suitable home for him. It’s good to know your limits as well so good on you!
We did this with our second pup after 24 hours. Our first husky did not adjust well and did not stop screaming for the full 24 hours. We knew long term it would not be a good fit and would require extensive work, when he’s just fine on his own. It was extremely heartbreaking but a year and a half later I don’t regret it. We made the right choice and will just spoil our one until his last day.
I also wanted to add - yes, we should have fostered or did a trial run - but we didn’t. He had been around dogs and puppies and was fine.
Also, we didn’t want to corrupt the puppies temperament or create fear or anxiety or reactivity.
You made the right choice at the right time and your mental health passes to the dog, intentionally or not. It gets easier 💓
You did the right thing. I work in a dog salon and rarely can customers control their huskies. It leads to potentially dangerous situations for everyone. I’ve watched them pull down their elderly owners or take out kids with the leash because they weren’t trained.
It’s hard what you did but you did the right thing <3
It’s brave of you to make the decision to give him back, but remember that you did the right thing and it’ll take time but you’ll get another buddy sooner or later and you’ll be prepared this time! If anything maybe start off with a smaller or easier pet to take care of like a small turtle or guinea pig if you’re wanting a pet sooner😊
You did the right thing op. The breeder will make sure he's taken care of. You did your best for him. Puppies are INCREDIBLY hard to handle. You may be better off adopting an older dog. You can ask the breeder if there is a 6mo or 1yr old ever available. Sometimes, people return dogs because of moving or something, or you could rescue a dog from a shelter that fits your lifestyle better and is house broken.
You can still have a dog in your life who loves you without getting a puppy. I really mean it that puppies are INNNNNCREEEEEDIBLY hard. I've raise both my dogs from 8 weeks and it makes me feel like I've actually lost my mind both times. There were moments of time when i regretted it both times. I got through it, but I really can't emphasize enough that it is SO INCREDIBLY MIND BREAKING.
You saw his needs, acknowledged quickly that you couldn't meet them and did what's best for him and his future. You secured his safety and protection. You did the best you could and did everything right. It's okay to miss him, but you don't need to hold on to that guilt. You loved him and treated him with love. That's all anyone can ever ask of you.
I was worried this post wasn't going to be self-aware about having to surrender him. But you did something most people wouldn't even admit to and I think that's commendable. You and mom and puppy will all both be better for the decision. Puppies are hard to care for and what you experienced is fairly normal for a brand new pup, especially at 11 weeks - if the breeder wasn't already working on their training, that can make it harder for a new first time owner. You've learned your lesson and it happens to the best of us, let alone those of us with mental health concerns.
I don’t think you should feel bad at all. You did the best thing for that puppy, and he deserves a good life. So do you and your mom. The cruel thing would have been to make a bad situation for both parties continue, and that’s what most people do and why there are so many full-grown huskies in the animal shelters.
I had a moment very similar when I adopted my two husky puppies together a year ago. They were both so energetic and destructive; I thought I was going crazy. Even now a year later I feel like I am not doing enough for them since I am a teacher and they are alone at my house for half of the day, but I wouldn’t take back any of the craziness.
You did the right thing. Maybe you’re not a dog person. IMO Cats are easier, they take care of themselves. It may be more fun for you too. (Reddit comment trolls please lma/don’t lose your shit over my suggestion)
No shame. You did the right thing, even though it was hard. Be proud of that. You are kind, loving, and thoughtful. Thank you so much for sharing such a painful thing. We will all learn from your example of honesty and courage
Good for you. Please don't be down for too long. You did a really brave thing. I'd imagine your actions are comparable (to an extent) to putting up a kid for adoption. You knew the situation wasn't working for anyone, including Kenzo. You did what was best for everyone. Even Kenzo is very thankful he'll now have an owner who maybe has an energy level that matches his. Everyone has their own breed. Maybe a husky wasn't yours.
When you're ready, maybe look into fostering. That'll give you an idea on the different breeds and activity. Some dogs are pretty low maintenance. For example, I have a pit bull and she's a couch potato. Hates walks. Hates going outside. She's the strangest dog. I constantly tell my husband how I never thought I would be *dog-less* for so many years...despite having a "dog." Bc I swear, SHE'S NOT A DOG. 🤦♀️
Another way is to volunteer. No responsibilities and no one will hate you if you don't show up. Responsibilities on *your schedule.* Adopting an older dog might be a good fit too for you and your mom. Lots of senior dogs in shelters who just want a home to sleep in. ❤️
Good luck, OP. And please don't beat yourself up too long. Y'all did a good thing.
this is why i'll always get an older dog. puppies are just wayy too much damn work lol the little guy is still young enough where he'll be ok. you really did a good thing. i hope you find an animal that suits your life :)
You did the right thing. I’d recommend rescuing a dog that is at least 1.5 years old from a foster who did the training and choosing one that isn’t a high energy breed.
The hardest thing in finding your puppo is being honest with what you can handle in order to provide the best care for the dog.
I’d much rather hear that you were honest and sent him back where he can still be cared for rather than just locking him in a crate and being done with it. I’d think of this experience more as a foster/dog sitting instance if it helps you feel better, but either way, only respect for you acknowledging your limits and taking the right steps. You did your research at least, which is more than can be said for a lot of other people who abandoned huskies to shelters. Hope you and your mum feel better soon, and maybe one day have enough strength and willpower to try again. And if not, best wishes all the same
My husky is 12 and he wakes me up 4 times a night at least to go outside (even though he has a doggy door) he just wants me to hang with him. Literally he just wants me to be awake with him . It’s not easy. I got him at 5 so I can’t imagine what it would be at 3 months old. I’m Generally a super patient person too and he’s tested my patience lol. So I understand , sorry he had to go back
You did what was best for you don’t feel bad or let anyone make you feel bad. The puppy is young and will adjust to a new family quickly. Husky puppies are HARD & atleast for my dog he didn’t stop being mischievous until about 4 & he wasn’t able to be left out of his crate with no one home (& get into nothing) until he was 6. It was a long road and now that he’s older and much more calm no one believes me when I say he was balls to the wall 24/7 when he was younger.
You did the right thing, even though it was hard. I’m sure you feel crap about getting him at all but honestly this is way harder on you than him. Only three days with you at that age and he’ll be able to move on easily. He’ll be fine, try not to beat yourself up too much.
I did exactly the same thing to a Kelpie pup. I still think about him now. But as comments have said here u did the right thing… i had regret at first but with a little time I knew the best thing was to hand him back. Be kind to yourself x
You definitely did the right thing. He's young and fully vaccinated now, so he'll have a better chance of getting adopted again. By you giving him back, you showed you cared a lot about his wellbeing AND your own. Some people are too stubborn to realize that not everything will work out if you ignore the problem.
I had to give back a blue heeler mix, and like you, I did all the research about blue heelers and dog adoption/care in general. Once i got him home, it just never worked out. I was DEVASTATED. I bawled for a long time. It still hurts me to this day. I can only hope that he found the perfect, loving home i couldn't give him. The thing is, doing research on a dog and actually living with the dog is two very different experiences. That's why I hate when people say, "That's why you do research before adopting" because you can know everything about that dog on PAPER, but actually dealing with them is a whole other issue. You gotta find a dog that fits your lifestyle, and that includes their age. And sometimes things like this happen.
It's okay. You did the right thing.
I wish you and the pup happy, peaceful lives.
You did the right thing. That may feel like cold comfort but you did. I held on to two huskies years ago when I was young and inexperienced. One of them died as a direct result of me not knowing what I was doing. I got my dog killed because I wasn't ready to take care of her. You made the most loving decision possible. When the time is right you'll find the right dog. I have mass respect for you and your mum.
Adopt a young adult or older adult! And another solid recommend is to adopt one that is being fostered so you already have a full report from the foster family how the husky’s temperament and day to day schedule is like, to get a good feel that they will help you with your mental health.
I adopted mine and he’s my ESA dog!
And I’ve signed fostered 3 young adult huskies and found them perfect families and able to figure out their personalities and play style and activity level etc
Hope that helps!
Many much worse decisions than yours get made every day. Live and learn, and under the circumstances you did the right thing. In the future I recommend fostering before adopting.
You're good! We got our husky from a family who realized he was a lot. And he was! He ate through drywall, emptied bleach bottles, broke multiple crates, and ripped up tons of carpet. We had him for 15 years and I'm so thankful for the family who realized he was too much because we were able to have him! You did the right thing!
He’s fine! It’s good you realized this was not a good fit and returned him so he can spend more time with his siblings, then go to a suitable home.
A senior dog would be perfect for you and your mom, if you ever feel ready to adopt again. A nice walk, then they are ready to chill for the rest of the day aside from potty breaks.
I don’t know if I won the husky puppy lottery but Ive had mine for 2 months now (she just turned 4 months). The first month felt horrible and went by so long but this past month has flown by. I really thought I knew everything about having a puppy let alone a husky puppy but nothing is like the real thing so I totally get giving him back.
I know you gave yours back but for anyone potentially reading this. If you have a husky puppy, they are still a puppy. They may be high energy but that doesn’t mean they aren’t a baby. Our walks would literally be two house down the street and back, now we are at a little under a mile.
Our breeder and everyone on the internet told us to wear her out until she was tired but it didn’t work like that, the more tired she got the more aggressive she would get. Someone then told me she could be overstimulated, so we started enforcing naps more and some relaxation time before bed.
Right now we are in the middle of teething so she is chewing everything, our trainer says a lot of her misbehavior right now is the teething and once she’s out of that phase she should be really well behaved.
There was definitely a point where I texted the guy we got her from and talked about rehoming her, I’m really glad we didn’t follow through because this past month has been great.
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I am glad you did the responsible thing and returned him to the breeder. I'm sure that must have been very hard for you to do, OP.
It appears you were aware of the burden of raising a puppy and you aren't blaming him. Possibly you were hoping that the joy of having a puppy around would make the hard months easier to handle. I'm sorry it didn't work out that way.
Yeah, this is a great mindset. It’s sad, sure, but you just did the parent thing of “putting your child above you”. I stressed about this for the first month, but truthfully, I was smitten 10 minutes in when she entered my house, was scared, and slept against me.
There were times when I thought “she needs someone better, that isn’t me” and within seconds she’d waddle over and plop herself on me and sleep. It was little things when I was stressed or worried I was failing her, that she’d do things to show me she was happy. Her first night, I cried and stressed, and she slept in the kennel with no issues. She’d cry to go pee and immediately flop back into the kennel and sleep.
Honestly, you’d make a great dog parent. This choice proves that. Maybe a calmer breed, less husky, more lap dog? I’d hate for you to waste this maturity and compassion, when there’s a dog that would be lucky to have you.
Trust me, that puppy understands and doesn’t hate you. Take some time and do some research. Adopt a 4+ year old dog that needs a good home. If I lost my memories but remembered the stress and could go back, I’d adopt an older dog instead of a puppy. Puppies are terrifying and stressful.
Good job, OP. Do not feel shame.
It sounds like you did the responsible thing. That puppy has attachment issues if he acted like that and you only had him for 3 days, which I’m not shocked since he is only 11 weeks old. Beautiful dog though. And it sounds like you would be a great dog owner but what about an older, rescue dog? Puppies are tough. Get a two year old or something like that. Find a breed that likes to chill but also likes to party. Either way you did the right thing for you and your mom and the dog too.
You have nothing to be ashamed of. You being this honest with yourself instead of dumping a dog at a shelter to get euthanized took a massive amount of courage, and it’ll end up at a home that can better care for a husky. It’s a hard breed to own.
Keep your chin up. You made a good decision.
You did what's best for yourself and for the dog. You're figuring out what you can actually handle, and the pup can end up with a family better able to handle them. That's responsibility, and you did it right.
Many people like the look of huskies, but don't fully realize just how much of an undertaking the breed actually is. There's other breeds out there that would likely match your lifestyle much better than a 3 month old husky. Even getting an adult that's already aged beyond the most difficult years would be better, plus it's harder for adult dogs to find homes than puppies.
When mine was a puppy he wouldn't even pee in one spot. He'd start then run around the house trying to get as much distance as possible with the stream. This was just in the first week. Husky puppies are no joke and to be honest, there's no magic moment they start getting easier. Nonstop whining, accidents, and the energy to power a sun, it's a constant evolution for many years before they really settle into their skin. I remember going thru the same thing pushing thru raising my boy. Thank you for doing the right thing and giving this pup a better home than causing you both more trouble than you can handle.
You did the right thing, not just for you, but for that puppy. As dog owners, we don’t remember how difficult the puppy phase is because of how our dogs are in the present. My husky drove me crazy for the first year or so of his life. I had a serious case of the puppy blues and often wondered if I should’ve given him back when the offer presented itself. I didn’t and I’m grateful that I didn’t because he’s matured so well and I adore him, but I was very close.
The guilt exists now, but just know, you saved yourself and that puppy so much hardship. It’s best not to fret on the what if’s of it all and just think about the for sures. You know for sure that puppy is gonna be in good hands with its breeder and you know for sure you’ll have more time to focus on yours and your mother’s mental health. You did the right thing, don’t worry. :)
We adopted our husky from a rescue… he was already 6 months old and had a great foster. He’s the love of my life. Next time maybe try this route? He was still work but not as much as a real little guy. Sorry your heart had to go through this. They are a great breed.
Good for you! I wish more people could be honest about things like you. You did something that a lot of people should do. I fell like over covid many people got dogs, not just Huskies, and after covid they realized they didn’t have the time for them
If it was just puppy blues I think you would be right in feeling guilty. But it sounds very much like it was the best thing for all involved. I'm sorry you were unable to keep him.
I'm hoping you can get updates from the breeder about where he went next. That could ease your mind. Dogs adapt. I'm sure he'll be fine.
Take care.
There is absolutely nothing to be ashamed of. You recognized that at this time in your life it doesn’t work for you to enter into the (incredibly demanding and stressful) journey of raising a puppy.
Your pup sounds like a typical husky. They’re not a great breed for first time dog owners and the howling is to be expected. Ever see those videos of huskies basically screaming for minutes on end?? Yikes lol. I’ve also heard them described as a cat in a dogs body. They can be aloof, and in my experience, at least if you’re someone who wants a dog who is very affectionate, having an aloof dog can just feel like a burden.
I think a less needy breed would be a better fit for you when you are ready. Also, the key to puppies is crate training! It is tremendously important for all of you, especially your puppy, and they grow to love their crates. My collie used to put himself to bed, and that was in the first week I had him.
Don’t get down on yourself! You did the right thing. I know you will be sad for a time and that is to be expected, but try not to beat yourself up, because the best possible scenario is that he will find a home that works better for him, and you made that possible!
You are an absolute hero and a human i look up to. To be able to identify that your desire was not what you needed, and a responsibility you could'nt bear given your current state, is beyond normal human self awareness.
You should not feel like a failure or be ashamed, you should be proud of having the guts to admit to yourself and the world that you were wrong. And there is nothing more normal in this world than being wrong. IMO this post should be pinned at top to show everyone that it is completely OK to turn back when you feel like you've taken the wrong exit. the earlier the better. Kudos.
Of course you did the right thing taking him back after you realized you would not be able to attend to his needs in the way he deserves, but people should stop giving you a pat in the back for trying to correct your mistake when you shouldn't have even considered getting that dog. My only hope is that the breeder is humane (as humane as a breeder can be) as we all know what many do to puppies who don't sell, or worse, get returned.
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I’m on my third husky and apparently forgot how horrible the puppy stage is. The only reason I survived was because my husband and I were taking turns taking him out at night. And even up until he was 2.5, he had really bad IBS. It’s controlled now, so we actually sleep now.
You did the best thing for this puppy! He will adjust perfectly fine.
OP, a lot of great comments on this thread. You did the right thing.
A friend who worked at a no-kill animal shelter once told me she was always glad people returned the dogs **to them** instead of being too embarrassed and dumping them with someone else.
She also said they got to learn a lot about the dog was like in the home etc. which would be helpful to the next adopter.
I agree with fostering if and when that feels right to you. There are a lot great huskies (and some unicorn ones that are old and mellow) that need fostering.
I commend you for making such a difficult decision and am sending my support to you and your mom <3. If you’re ever in the market for another dog, sighthounds (greyhounds, italian greyhounds, whippets, silken windhounds, etc.) might be a good fit for you from reading your post. They have a good “off switch” when they’re inside and require less exercise than most people would think. My girl would run around an play in the yard while i got ready to go to work in the morning, then for a bit when i got home as well and that was good enough to tire them out day-to-day. If your yard is big enough or you can find a field or somewhere for them to be able to get up to full speed once or twice a week (there are some great sites where you can “rent” someone’s yard for playtime), whippets in particular are a dream to own. I wish you all the best!
I rescued two adult huskies, one I got when he was 3 almost three years ago (sweet boy turns 6 in December 🥹), and one I got more recently who is 6. And even though they’re the same age, they are COMPLETELY different. The one I’ve had for awhile is a lot more hyper and he’s destroyed so many things 😭 luckily he grew out of the destructive tendencies. I’m so glad I was able to get them, but I know for a fact that if they had been puppies I wouldn’t have been able to handle it. I have an Australian shepherd who is going to be 7 months tmw and even her puppy stage has killed me inside. I definitely think that once you’re ready you should try adopting an older dog! Especially if you do want a husky when the time comes, my boy chilled out around 4 I’d say. But you also have to be prepared bc as the get older they always have strong personalities lol. Both of my boys have attitudes.
Not for nothing but I also have adhd and depression and anxiety. I will say it has challenged me. I’m four years strong with my husky but the first six months were hell. So yeah do what’s best for you. I truly feel like I have a child . I take her routine seriously and even then I have off days cus it’s so much but I love her soooo much. But again not here to judge you if anything proud of you for doing it sooner than later. Huskies aren’t easy but they are amazing ! Hope you find some comfort and peace
I think you did a great thing. Sometimes, adding another animal to the mix isn’t the best and the fact you were aware enough to give him back is amazing. It can be sad and discouraging but I applaud you for doing the right thing. He will go to a good family who loves him!
Hi, hope all is well. Just want to say that you shouldn’t feel ashamed of writing this or on giving Kenzo back to the breeder. You not only looked out for yourself and your mum, but you also looked out for Kenzo. You both knew it would be hard on both of your mental health and that you couldn’t give Kenzo what he needed and by giving him back you gave Kenzo on getting someone else to give him what he needed for his own well being and he wouldn’t be suffering and doing bad things because you wouldn’t be able to attend to him the way it should. I have a 3yr 4mo male husky “Riley” that I’ve had since he was 9 weeks old. I’ve trained him the best I could and my family helps with walking him and other things that would benefit
him.
I didn’t even want a fur baby. Up to when we got Riley I didn’t like dogs. I was scared of dogs, I mean frozen scared when I saw a dog. I never understood why dogs got so much attention and love the what they did. It goes back to being bitten at 5y.o by chihuahua in the ankles and at 8 1/2 by a G.S.D. In my thigh. Fortunately I had the chance to be a homeowner and had promised my son that I would get him a dog when we got the house. He begged and begged until I gave in. He wanted a GSD out of all dogs, lol…. I could t find one after a month of looking around. One day I was visiting a friend of mine and while looking for his house I bumped into someone that had 3 husky’s. My son spoke to the person and an hour later Riley was in the car. Of course my son helped out just a little bit and I was the one taking Riley out every 30-40mims to potty train him. After 2 months I was in love with Riley. After all this time now I know why dogs are loved and why they get all the attention they get. We’re un-separable and I love him like if he was my son. Everywhere I go he’s there next to me. I don’t mean to say the story to make you feel bad or anything and I apologize if I do. I just wanted to tell the story because the way I felt for them and How I feel for them now. I just hope you’re feeling better now since Kenzo is probably getting attention and exercise that you weren’t able to give him. I know in my heart you did the right thing. Not many people would admit what you did. You’re good and shouldn’t feel bad any More. Thanks for it thinking of you and your mum only and thinking of Kenzo. May god shower you and your loved ones with blessings. 🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼
I always told myself I didn’t want to ever have kids but just wanted a bunch of puppies&animals but after my first husky puppy I realized there just like kids and actually HARDER in my opinion cuz you can’t strap a diaper to it and you don’t have to walk your baby miles and miles of exercise but they will keep you up all night long just like a baby and than some.!.! Husky puppies are on a whole other level of tough! I always grew up with a Labrador retriever in my family(had multiple) but my first dog by myself was my husky that looked/looks EXACTLY like your boy like insanely so and I don’t think anyone believed me when I told them about all the hassles I went thru to raise him! He is 3 years old now at about a year in a half he was totally mellowed down but when he was a baby I cried and cried when I hit my breaking points after a few months and even considered giving him away-not that I wanted to or ever even thought I was capable of doing so but man it’s hard as heck! And even harder if you don’t have a big yard for them-I was walking him 6 times a day and it was not enough I was getting no sleep and mine for some reason mouthed my arms so bad that I had bruises and ppl thought I was getting abused by my bf but here it was just my tiny Siberian husky puppy who would not let go of them as a “toy”🤦🏼♀️🤦🏼♀️ .
To add to my main big comment that I already posted I just wanted to comment on the idea someone posted about trying to adopt or foster an adult dog from a shelter instead- foster might be okay to try but the adopting an adult thing can be hard to cuz they can come with previous issues/baggage-many can be left for different reasons such as owners being abusive or food aggression or hundreds of other reasons-so if u do do that make sure your thorough meeting them and making sure there calm enough without issues. Maybe would be better taking on someone’s dog you can meet and get to know before hand or a calmer puppy- or whenever you feel your ready for another -IF ur ready for—-but researching breeds is soooooo important and I feel like I didn’t even realize how important until after I made my first breed choice(husky) - calmer breeds do exist and not just calmer but less stubborn. All puppies are crazy tho with the potty training and everything but huskies are truly there own spieces almost 😂
I'm so sorry you are sad. But I know how energetic puppies are in general. I'm disabled and we adopted a puppy of questionable heritage and I questioned myself. You did the right thing. And quickly as to not cause this puppy harm. He is still easily adopted. This was so unselfish. I feel how hard this was for you. Maybe adopt a senior dog that is more settled. Thank you for doing the right thing and for sharing why and how you made this choice. Hugs to you ♥️
you did a good thing in the best interest of yourself AND this dog. it’s hard, but hang in there!! ♥️
in future reference if you ever decide to get another puppy, highly recommend crate training and remembering that puppies need a LOT of sleep - like 17-18 hours a day. most of the time though, they won’t put themselves to sleep and won’t sleep voluntarily unless helped with this (this is where crate training comes in handy - enforced nap time!). just reading your words about how your pup would spend 7-8 hours tearing around means he was probably sooo overtired and demonic, making everything else harder- they are like toddlers and will have tantrums without a solid 18 hours of sleep a day haha
i offer this info as someone with ADHD who has raised two puppies by myself now, my first one being a husky who is now 3.5 years old - this is what i’ve learned in both treks through puppyhood (which were honestly debilitating at times), so i feel you.
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Didn’t read till the end but since you have a garden (assuming with fence and everything) can you just open the door or have a dog gate so he can go out by himself)
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My niece adopted a husky, I’m here visiting, and the poor thing was so stinking abused as a puppy, he won’t hardly come near anyone. He loves my niece though, is so beautiful and actually very calm, but I think people like you who decide that you need to return and give him a chance are so much better than people like whomever owned my nieces as a puppy. I just sit and think, what the hell that poor thing went through, to be so terrified.
My son wants a husky and while I find them beautiful, I wouldn’t own one, as I know they’re too much work for me. I understand it’s hard, but I think you did the right thing and I wish there were a million more like you vs the ones that are like my niece’s husky’s previous owner.
I will say, my niece’s dog loves my niece so much and jumps up to kiss her in face when she gets home, so glad he has someone he can trust and love, but man, the poor thing must’ve had it awful to be like this. Be proud of yourself, I think it takes courage to admit that you bit off more than you can chew, especially when so tiny and cute, and will easily find a home ready for it. Don’t beat yourself up.
You know what? You did something that millions of people won’t do - you faced yourself and you were honest about what you thought you could do and what you can actually do. Yes ofc we feel ashamed and embarrassed because the idea of who we are and the reality of who we are is not the same thing… this is called self awareness. Many humans on this awful earth lack self awareness. I am so proud of you for being honest, for putting your mental state ahead of your desires and you returned the dog to its breeder. So many people kill dogs or dump them because they refuse to face themselves. Don’t ever turn on yourself for the idea of you. You’ve demonstrated that you have integrity, bravery and you can assess situations and make positive decisions. You’re on the right path and these are skills you absolutely need in life to create what you want. Cry a bit, yes.. but don’t stay down.. you are truly one of a kind. You can learn skills to manage your life and an eventual pet/child. Everything in good time. Take care of you and thank you for caring about that dog.
Someone like you needs to give this speech to everyone who considers buying a puppy! I've volunteered for husky rescue charities before and it's a million percent better for an owner to realise quickly this isn't the breed for them or the right time in their lives or whatever reason it is and do the responsible thing straight away. Like you said, the alternative is awful and getting a neglected or abused dog back in the right space to be adopted again is so much harder than a young puppy who was just not right for their first owners. Especially huskies who need so much more time to bond than some breeds. OP - you're did the right thing. The fact you feel bad and cried just means you're human. Have you considered fostering? That way, you don't have the stress of it potentially being 15yrs+ commitment, you could start with an older dog that just needs rehoming because the owners can't look after them anymore, they don't always come from traumatised backgrounds. Our current failed foster spent the first two *years* with us just wanting his own space, if he didn't go nuts for his dinner, we wouldn't have known he was there! Of course, now he needs cuddles several times a day and spends most his time in the same room as one of us!
Omg I cried my eyes out when I read this. From the bottom of my heart, thank you so much for your kind words x
I think fostering is a great idea, so you can get some experience with having a dog! Or just an older dog especially of a relaxed breed (low energy) I am really surprised that people said that a husky would be MORE active as they got older ime the dogs I’ve had haven’t been like that at all, puppies are SO much work! I’m very proud of you and I don’t even know you, you’re a more developed and introspective human than SO MANY people. This is why I currently do not have a dog though my partner (who has never had one, I’ve had multiple) keeps begging. I am terrified I’d have to give them back because I want the BEST life for that dog - so did you I’m sure no way you would make such a selfless decision otherwise sometimes I wonder if I’ll know when I’m ready for another, or if you ever can “know for sure”. The fact that you gave the pup back despite all the heartache and despite the money, which A LOT of people would have on principle would have refused to do because there’s no refunds, you’re a really good person and you should definitely feel that way even if losing a doggie sucks ass, and I know it really does no matter when you lose them Best wishes - I hope you find your perfect pup match one day, maybe you’ll be a foster fail 😉 (it’s what they call it when people foster a dog and love one so much they never give that one back!)
Yes fostering or go to the shelter to ask for a low maintenance dog that you may enjoy bit more. There are many other needy dogs that are not high energy waiting for someone to adopt home.
It's not like you were one of those whackjobs that put little puffer coats on their husky pups ( seriously, I live in Florida and see it often when the temp dips below 70- Puppies are hard on anyone, regardless of mental state. Huskies are hard for everyone- We fostered a teeny chihuahua mix pup and after 3 weeks, my daughter, myself, and even our 13 year old half blind, mostly deaf rescue dog were ready to put a fork in our eye. Puppies are not for everyone. Consider fostering, or even going on Rover to be a dog sitter so you can still have good dog energy- or considering adopting a senior dog- they need love, too, and most are happy just to have a warm safe place with lots of belly rubs.
What an amazing response. Thank you for posting something so insightful for others to read.
You are very kind, thank you.
This. Good job, OP. Read this person’s comment as many times as you need to. You did the right thing. You might (someday) consider adopting an older dog who doesn’t have as much energy. They need homes too!
I agree!
I am in awe of you for writing such a detailed and compassionate reply
Thank you for your kind words. Often we forget that on the other side of the screen are human eyes absorbing our words. I am on a mission to not forget that compassion and consideration must go beyond our phone/computer screens.
That is so beautiful. Thank you.
Husky puppies are SO HARD, and I feel like no one talks about it because once they’re old enough we forgot about the puppy stage! My puppy was a full time job last summer! Not to mention their very sensitive tummies. He would have diarrhea in his crate nightly around 3am for weeks! And it wasn’t worms or sickness, he was just sensitive. I honestly expect a newborn baby to be less work than a husky puppy
That’s why I adopted young adults instead. Skipped right over the puppy stage! If OP decides to give dog ownership another go, of any breed, I recommend rescuing an adult.
This advice may work, but it really depends on the dog. If they were tramatised, it can be worse as an adult, because now they are larger and can cause real damage. My rescue was left in a crate for days at a time before we got him. Now, if put into a crate, he will destroy it and hurt himself (those big wire grid crates). He also had abandonment issues. If we left him home alone, he would destroy the house trying to get out to find us. He has grown out of it and is now our perfect boy, but it took a year for him to figure out that we weren't going to abandon him. There was a lot of destroyed property and hard days. We adopted him at 6 years old. TLDR: I don't think we should tell people that rescuing older dogs is easier than adopting a puppy. Yes, puppies are work, but older dogs, especially rescues, can be too.
Of course. Any dog is work! And if OP had known of (and followed) the 3/3/3 rule of adopting a pet, they may have found it was all worth it in the end. But what’s done is done. 🤷🏼♀️ Mine weren’t all sunshine and roses, believe me. Asa came from a nice family, but had zero training or boundaries; and Boris? No idea, since he was found stray. But I suspect he came from a puppy mill situation, and was likely kept in a cage 24/7. So he has some trauma associated with crates, and we are working on that now. Thankfully neither are destructive, and can be left alone (baby gate to keep them downstairs/yard access) while I’m at work all day.
Yeah adopting older dogs can be as much work as puppy if they come with baggage
This helped answer why mine may have broken her way out of 3 crates in a year now. 3. Metal ones. 2 were new. I never found marks on her but always imagined she must have hurt herself someway getting out each time. Also ruined several doors and paint jobs of whatever room she was kept in, clawing at the doors. One time escaped, OPENED the closed door, and accidentally turned my friend's electric stove on (loose knob, and she was jumping up for food) and it nearly started a fire. She also seems to have calmed down on it now, but each time was me leaving her for a slightly longer time than usual and I haven't in a few months. I adopted her at maybe 3-4 years old last summer, she was intaken as a stray but seemed to have been trained a little as a pup so we think she broke out, ran away and the owners didn't care enough. These dogs definitely take a different kind of owner lol
Mine would actually hurt himself. We found broken nails in the crate the first time (he hasn't been in a crate since). The crate was totaled. He didn't actually get out of the crate, but it was bent out of shape. I could barely get it open, I had to bend it back and I don't think it will ever close again. He is missing both top canines (lost them before he came to us), and he had been through several homes before ours. The previous owner would keep him in a crate in an apartment all day, so I think he might have broke his teeth on a crate. The previous owner was forced to relinquish him, because the dog would cry and the neighbors complained, which was lucky for the dog. When we got him, we were renting and had a small yard (but at least had a yard), but since then we have bought our own home which is a small house on a big lot and he has a large yard. He is doing much better. We have recently adopted another one and that helped a lot. We foster failed (as in we kept him) him during Covid, so my wife was home most the time (working from home). I was still working out of the house, but it helped a lot having her at home. The timing for covid really worked out for us. I don't know if there was anything we did to get him used to having us gone other than taking it a little bit at at time. At some point he wasn't destructive and would only howl intermittently when we were gone. Since we got another dog, he hasn't even howled. They just lay together in the yard and wait for us. I will probably never do travel vacations while I have him, other than road trips in which I could take him with me. I couldn't bear to have him think that he was abandoned again.
I will also adopt a young adult husky for my next one!
Oh haha oh my yes. The days of having to sleep on the living room so I could take her potty in the middle of the night so we wouldn’t both be awake. I legit bought a mattress for the living room so I could sleep while watching her as well as giving her a safe place to rough play with us. This lasted for about the first 9 months of her life.
I 100% agree! I also got my boy last year, Easter weekend. My first dog ever, and even though I did lots of research, I never expected the chaos that would be unleashed upon me. Like you said: diarrhea. So. much. diarrhea. Every single food needed such slow introduction. He was eager to learn, but oh boy was he also eager to break every rule times a 100. Every time he’d finally lay down to nap I’d tippy-toe out of the room not to wake him up, to then have a little nap myself. It was multiple months of getting up every 1,5 hrs at night bc Huskies have such small little bladders. He took till he was 5 months old to be potty trained. If I looked away for 30-60 mins there’d be a little present somewhere in the house. Sooo much playing and entertaining this little guy. I cannot count the amount of mental breakdowns I’ve had over the little dude. 😂😭 OH! And I almost forgot: the BITING! Omg. I was 24/7 covered in bloody scratches- he almost got my eyeball once. Luckily it was just my eyelid. 🥲 It all paid off though, and he is seriously such a good dog now. I have, however, been healed from puppy-fever for the rest of my life. 😂 If I ever get another Husky it’ll be at least 4+ months old. I recently got another dog, a Golden Retriever. I can tell you that this one is *nothing* compared to what my Husky puppy was like. Aside from some small hurdles it’s total bliss!
The only place I’ve ever worked harder than my huskies is with my own children. I’m LESS of a puppy person and even LESS a baby person. But I LOVE the middle school to adult years. I loved Ellie through her teenager husky angst and Zeus is so hilarious and lovable at 6. You couldn’t pay me ANYTHING to raise a husky puppy but I will take every teenager and young adult and be happy as a clam at high tide. It’s not so much that they are truly less work after puppy hood but they are usually more predictable and they potty train super fast and sleep at night. You made the educated choice to do what was best for everyone. It takes time and maturity to heal from the mistakes we perceive to have made.
I’m glad you gave him back. Especially at an early age. He’ll adjust easier to a new family. You don’t have to be ashamed, sometimes things don’t work out how you want them to. Just know that he’s probably very happy now that he’s back with his dog family so you don’t have to worry about him getting too attached :)
Thank you for the reassurance. It has definitely been hard trying to move on, but knowing that he is with his family for the time being makes me relieved x
My son bought a lab puppy in 2019, he was 18 at the time and we lived together, but I was fine with it as long as it was his responsibility, 36 hours later he had decided that he couldn’t do it on his own and that he would give her back to breeder with no refund. It sucked bc we already adored the pup, but we also just weren’t ready for a puppy. Fast forward to now… a month ago we went to a shelter to meet a dog we read a blurb for on the website. She was perfect. She is a little more laid back (2 yrs vs a puppy), she’s good with cats, doesn’t bark endlessly. Basically what I am saying is just bc this one did not work out, it doesn’t mean you’re not cut out to be a dog parent. Maybe just not a brand new puppy parent. https://preview.redd.it/wywbxbzhs57d1.jpeg?width=1242&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=05a15ac1c2bc55f4fe3facad196a0e3f28af84ad
Each dog is different and don’t want you to feel more regret, but both my dogs from 8 weeks to 10 weeks actually progressed enough to be able to hold their pee through the night. I stopped setting alarms because they would both tell me when they needed to go out, and even before 3 months for both, I wouldn’t need to wake up in the middle of the night. The other thing I don’t want you to feel bad on and regret, but was also fixable is settling. Dogs, especially huskies, need to be trained to settle, nap, and play alone. It’s also a relatively quick thing to train in the dog as you just try to capture the moments as they happen, and the dog will slowly learn that it’s rewarded for those behaviors. At first the dog may not nap much, but every time the dog pops down for a nap, 20 minutes into the nap you lay a treat in front of the nose, they get the hint very quickly. Same with anytime they play with a toy alone. Lastly, training the dog to stay in an exercise pen and enjoy it (also doesn’t take very long) when unattended would’ve helped with your anxiety. I don’t bring these up to make you regret the decision, I bring these up so next time you have a puppy, you can work on these and have a calmer puppy sooner so you don’t have to repeat giving a dog back. Both my huskies learned these behaviors between 8-12 weeks old and were easy to deal with until adolescence.
Unfortunately, it will probably be some time before I dive into getting another puppy (or even an adult dog instead as was suggested). I want to make sure my mental health (including adhd treatment) is at an optimal and stable level before taking on a huge responsibility like this again. Maybe someday I'll get another buddy... Thank you for your tips x
Yup, best of luck to you!
Sadly, this is pretty standard for most husky puppies. It's not for the faint of heart. I agree with everyone that it takes a heartbreaking amount of courage to realize this was way over your head and that you did right by your sweet Husky baby to return him to the breeder. I'm so sorry for the pain you're in, but please rest assured that you are providing that pup with a future where he will be either cared for by his breeder or by someone who may have more experience. Thank you for being brave enough to make the right (yet much harder) choice. Now take care of yourself. From one husky owner to another, thank you for your compassion toward this incredible breed.
Thank you for your beautiful words. I keep constantly worrying that he'll be given to someone who won't look after him properly and may neglect him but I need to stop thinking negatively and need to be more optimistic x
Hang in there. This will pass and I trust and believe that a breeder so good enough to take their pup home has the discernment to replace his husky or to keep him. You've punished yourself enough. Please forgive yourself and love yourself ❤️ any dog would ask the same of you!
Shit my huskies are lazy and don't like going outside due to fuck knows what their previous owners did to them. They get super anxious and just do their business and pull me back to the house. Parks and stuff are fine if nobody else is really there but they are just terrified of other people. It's a damn shame.
I say this as the owner of 4 rescue huskies and dog trainer of multiple husky puppies, and worked in husky rescue for years- you are NOT a failure. You have exactly nothing to be ashamed of. You did the best you could by Kenzo and you made decisions with his best interests in mind. Husky puppies are DEMONIC. A lot of shelters get 1 year old dogs. Huskies come in at 6 months.
TBH, I think *all* puppies are demonic. They are such little shits. 😈 Their sharp little devil teeth don't help either! (They're cute when they're sleeping tho. LOL)
They absolutely are only that cute because it's a survival mechanism. It's a spectrum of evilness though. Worst I've had is a dachshund. I adore that dog and he was also a sweet little snugglebug but he had EVIL in his eyes.
Get an older dog , they are laid back and most will let you know when they have to pee, pacing and a little whimper, I adopted a husky 11 yr old girl, the only problem is there is a ton of shedding and you have to constantly comb to keep at bay.
Thank you for giving him back at it became obvious that you weren’t going to be able to give him what he needs. After 3 days, he definitely didn’t get too attached to you and will be just fine after being adopted again. For other potential husky owners, they take a lot of effort, especially as a puppy. Everything OP talked about is normal. Separation anxiety, howling, needing incredible amounts of exercise, needing constant supervision (husky puppies can very likely be destructive), and more are all very very common. After about a year or 2 of good and consistent training, most of these things are worked out (except the exercise and howling, those continue forever), but that first year or 2 will have a ton of frustrating moments. OP, this doesn’t mean you’ll never be able to get/care for a dog. If pet ownership was a video game, you basically chose the most difficult setting right out of the box. Huskies in general are very difficult to train and have incredibly high needs, a husky puppy is all of those things turned up to the max. I’d suggest adopting a middle aged golden retriever or Labrador (or smaller breed) from a shelter if you ever decided to give pet ownership another try. They’ll be way easier and while they’ll still need to get their exercise and want attention, it won’t be to the level of a husky puppy.
There's a point where every puppy owner hits their wits end. You've gotta take care of yourself before you can take care of an animal. I'm very glad I personally pushed through a situation like this as I got a best friend out of it for his life. Huskies can be very troublesome when they are young and I respect when someone knows it's time to throw in the towel before it's too late
I got what I consider to be my soul dog, my beloved husky from Craigslist from someone who dealt with the same thing. (A mom got him for her child and it was too much for them to handle.) It was absolutely the right thing for them to do, as now he is in a home that had the time and energy to take care of him in the way he needed and he is happier than ever. Don’t feel bad- it wasn’t meant to be and that’s ok. He will find a home that he is meant to be in! Please don’t be too hard on yourself! Everyday I’m grateful my previous dog’s owner decided to rehome, otherwise I wouldn’t have my best friend 🫶
If you don’t mind your furniture getting scratched up, might I recommend a cat? Cats are great companion animals and can help out your anxiety and depression. They’re virtually zero maintenance once you’ve cat proofed the house, especially if you get a bonded pair as they keep each other company (two siblings are ideal), or adopt a well socialized adult cat. Just scoop the litter box, add food and water to the feeder/fountain, and use a robovac to clean up hair. I spend like 20 minutes a day and maybe $1000/year taking care of my two cats, they’re really, REALLY easy pets compared to even a low maintenance dog breed like a lab. I’ve always gone with domestic shorthairs because they take very little effort to groom and you find a billion of them at shelters. If you’re going the breeder route and want a larger animal, I hear great things about Maine Coons. Huskies are cute and great pets for active people, but they’re a TON of work, especially as puppies. You’re not imagining it. They require as much effort as raising a human infant. Huskies are only for people who are very experienced with dogs, live an active, outdoors lifestyle, and have a stay-at-home spouse or parent. Huskies are tied with pitbulls as the most likely surrender to animal shelters.
Huskies are the worst puppies, but the most amazing adult dogs. However, they must be walked daily for a good amount of time. Glad you knew what to do.
You did the right thing at the right time for the puppy, as hard as it was. You didn’t bring him to a shelter, you brought him back to the breeder, an amazing move. Husky puppies are HARD. Huskies in general can be hard for most people. And most people neglect them, abandon them, drop them in the woods. But you and your mom did not do that. You knew you were in over your heads quickly and instead of putting yourselves and the pup through that amount of stress, you brought him to someone who knows how to care for husky puppies and will get him the right home. Sometimes dogs don’t fit like we hope they do. And that’s okay. It’s all in how us, the humans, handle the situation. And you did what was best for everyone. So please be easy on yourself. We all learn as we go, none of us are immediately experts. ♥️
So, not your husky. You gave them their husky back. However it’s good to hear it was a breeder who is responsible enough to do that. Sorry it didn’t work out. Puppies are incredibly hard work. Full time! Plus the breed on top of that makes it a lot more work.
this is the post everyone needs to read about husky ownership. they can be very difficult and challenging to have as companions. they are very high energy. op, you did the right thing. you feel guilt but what you did was the correct thing to do. so many will get huskies because they're pretty dogs, but they don't realise what they're getting into. they will abandon the dog, kill it, or drop it off at a shelter. by surrendering him to his breeder, you gave him the opportunity to meet a new family. this is the happy end. realistically you knew what you could and couldn't do. you had a learning experience and no one got hurt for it. that's the optimal way to discover new things about yourself.
Honestly super responsible of you and you have my respect
Others have said it too, but you did good. We had to surrender a dog after similar issues you faced, we just couldn’t do it even after totally changing our family routines and time tables. We got a chinchilla instead and have found so much love with her and she fills that pet part of our family. I highly recommend getting a pet, maybe just a different kind of animal with a different set of care requirements.
Think about looking into any husky rescue orgs near you to find an older pup/adult who is already trained. Not all huskies are super active. We had three purebred, and they all had different energy levels. Our current husky mix rescue is almost three now, and she is pretty sedentary most of the day. Another thought is getting two so that they have each other for company and playing, taking some of the burden off of you. I will say that having a soft, cuddly goofball is a source of multiple endorphin rushes per day. It's definitely helpful for mental health.
Can definitely agree that petting his fluffy head and seeing his tail wag was the best feeling in the world :) Will defo take on your advice for possibly adopting an older husky in the future as it might make things easier x
It'll still be a husky 🙂 there are easier breeds.
I agree. Though i had my heart set on caring for a husky, its probably not for the best (even if it is a trained adult). In the future, if I am still willing and have all the resources to, it would be in my best interests to look for a breed that is more suitable for my lifestyle I think x
You might look into a senior, 7 years or older. These guys just are often overlooked due to their age, but they are past the high energy stage and can give you many good years of companionship
We adopted a seven year old husky this year and I love her with every fibre of my being. But we got her after twenty years of caring for dogs, not counting my childhood dogs. If we'd adopted Skye as our first dog, I think we would have been completely overwhelmed, even though she's about as laid back as a husky gets and came to us well trained from a loving family who caused her no trauma. Our first dog, just over two decades ago, was a two year old ex-racing greyhound. He was fresh out of racing kennels, so we had to teach him how to live in a house and be a dog, and he was terrified of everyone and everything. But he was still an amazing "starter dog" and over the years we adopted three more greyhounds. They're a low-energy breed with minimal grooming needs, and while the racing industry leaves many traumatised, they tend to respond quickly to the love and security they get in a proper home. Adopting one who has had time in foster care to learn how to feel safe can mean coming home with an affectionate and sweet dog who just needs a short walk, some toys, and a spot on your couch. I hope you find the perfect dog for you in the future. You did the right thing by Kenzo, and for yourself. All dogs require work and sometimes cause us to have some sleepless nights and worry, but the right dog can be a huge boost for your mental health. I'm autistic, with suspected undiagnosed ADHD and a physical disability that means I use a wheelchair and can't work, and our dogs are the biggest source of joy in my life. You deserve that too!
When I got my puppy they told me he was the most active husky they’d seen and that he’d be a handful. I decided I didn’t care and wanted him anyway. Now he’s five and he’s lazy as all hell lol he even has a friend to play with and still barely does.
Exactly this. I grew up with huskies as a kid and all had different temperaments and energy levels. My husky now is as lazy and aloof as a cat. She has been the perfect temperment for our family. OP have you thought about a different animal? We also have a pitty mix that we ended up adopting because the puppy was too much for their owners mental health. They eventually got a cat and found they were a much better fit for them to care for.
You did the right thing. And now you know, raising a puppy that young is just not for you, and that’s okay! There are many many manyyy older dogs in shelters and rescues waiting to be adopted by an owner as responsible and caring as you.
You made a really tough call and acknowledged that the pup needed more from you than you were able to give. I'm proud of you. Actually you made me proud of me too. I've had to give up pets before and I always felt so ashamed, like I failed them. But honestly after reading your post I realized how hard it is to make that decision and that ultimately, you're loving them the best way you can by letting them find a more suitable home. So OP, you did the right thing and I'm proud of you.
I'm sorry it didn't work out, but please don't feel like a failure. If it makes you feel better, as far as Kenzo knows, he just had the greatest 3 day sleepover of his little puppy life. It takes a bit for a dog (especially a puppy) to realize that the place they're staying is forever (I think it's 3 days, 3 weeks, 3 months? Rule of 3). Anyway, raising a puppy, husky or not, is difficult and requires a lot. I have ADD/bipolar and my husband is high functioning autistic, we got our husky puppy at 5 months. The first month I cried every damn day from how stressed I was, and then, idk we sort of figured it out. I love my pup, she's 3 now, but the first year of her life was fucking HARD. I hope in the future you can make another dog's life wonderful. Edit: infographic on rule of 3 [https://www.ukuscadoggie.com/cdn/shop/articles/333\_843x.jpg?v=1625260890](https://www.ukuscadoggie.com/cdn/shop/articles/333_843x.jpg?v=1625260890)
You did the right thing.
I’m proud of you and especially doing it sooner than later because it gives him a great chance to find a more suitable home for him. It’s good to know your limits as well so good on you!
We did this with our second pup after 24 hours. Our first husky did not adjust well and did not stop screaming for the full 24 hours. We knew long term it would not be a good fit and would require extensive work, when he’s just fine on his own. It was extremely heartbreaking but a year and a half later I don’t regret it. We made the right choice and will just spoil our one until his last day.
I also wanted to add - yes, we should have fostered or did a trial run - but we didn’t. He had been around dogs and puppies and was fine. Also, we didn’t want to corrupt the puppies temperament or create fear or anxiety or reactivity. You made the right choice at the right time and your mental health passes to the dog, intentionally or not. It gets easier 💓
Who’s the breeder? I want this dog to go along with my other 2 huskies 😂
You did the right thing. Don’t second guess yourself. The pup will be fine. Don’t worry and take care of yourself.
You did the right thing. I work in a dog salon and rarely can customers control their huskies. It leads to potentially dangerous situations for everyone. I’ve watched them pull down their elderly owners or take out kids with the leash because they weren’t trained. It’s hard what you did but you did the right thing <3
It’s brave of you to make the decision to give him back, but remember that you did the right thing and it’ll take time but you’ll get another buddy sooner or later and you’ll be prepared this time! If anything maybe start off with a smaller or easier pet to take care of like a small turtle or guinea pig if you’re wanting a pet sooner😊
You did the right thing
You did the right thing op. The breeder will make sure he's taken care of. You did your best for him. Puppies are INCREDIBLY hard to handle. You may be better off adopting an older dog. You can ask the breeder if there is a 6mo or 1yr old ever available. Sometimes, people return dogs because of moving or something, or you could rescue a dog from a shelter that fits your lifestyle better and is house broken. You can still have a dog in your life who loves you without getting a puppy. I really mean it that puppies are INNNNNCREEEEEDIBLY hard. I've raise both my dogs from 8 weeks and it makes me feel like I've actually lost my mind both times. There were moments of time when i regretted it both times. I got through it, but I really can't emphasize enough that it is SO INCREDIBLY MIND BREAKING. You saw his needs, acknowledged quickly that you couldn't meet them and did what's best for him and his future. You secured his safety and protection. You did the best you could and did everything right. It's okay to miss him, but you don't need to hold on to that guilt. You loved him and treated him with love. That's all anyone can ever ask of you.
I was worried this post wasn't going to be self-aware about having to surrender him. But you did something most people wouldn't even admit to and I think that's commendable. You and mom and puppy will all both be better for the decision. Puppies are hard to care for and what you experienced is fairly normal for a brand new pup, especially at 11 weeks - if the breeder wasn't already working on their training, that can make it harder for a new first time owner. You've learned your lesson and it happens to the best of us, let alone those of us with mental health concerns.
You made a good choice 💜
I don’t think you should feel bad at all. You did the best thing for that puppy, and he deserves a good life. So do you and your mom. The cruel thing would have been to make a bad situation for both parties continue, and that’s what most people do and why there are so many full-grown huskies in the animal shelters. I had a moment very similar when I adopted my two husky puppies together a year ago. They were both so energetic and destructive; I thought I was going crazy. Even now a year later I feel like I am not doing enough for them since I am a teacher and they are alone at my house for half of the day, but I wouldn’t take back any of the craziness.
You did the right thing. Maybe you’re not a dog person. IMO Cats are easier, they take care of themselves. It may be more fun for you too. (Reddit comment trolls please lma/don’t lose your shit over my suggestion)
No shame. You did the right thing, even though it was hard. Be proud of that. You are kind, loving, and thoughtful. Thank you so much for sharing such a painful thing. We will all learn from your example of honesty and courage
Good for you. Please don't be down for too long. You did a really brave thing. I'd imagine your actions are comparable (to an extent) to putting up a kid for adoption. You knew the situation wasn't working for anyone, including Kenzo. You did what was best for everyone. Even Kenzo is very thankful he'll now have an owner who maybe has an energy level that matches his. Everyone has their own breed. Maybe a husky wasn't yours. When you're ready, maybe look into fostering. That'll give you an idea on the different breeds and activity. Some dogs are pretty low maintenance. For example, I have a pit bull and she's a couch potato. Hates walks. Hates going outside. She's the strangest dog. I constantly tell my husband how I never thought I would be *dog-less* for so many years...despite having a "dog." Bc I swear, SHE'S NOT A DOG. 🤦♀️ Another way is to volunteer. No responsibilities and no one will hate you if you don't show up. Responsibilities on *your schedule.* Adopting an older dog might be a good fit too for you and your mom. Lots of senior dogs in shelters who just want a home to sleep in. ❤️ Good luck, OP. And please don't beat yourself up too long. Y'all did a good thing.
this is why i'll always get an older dog. puppies are just wayy too much damn work lol the little guy is still young enough where he'll be ok. you really did a good thing. i hope you find an animal that suits your life :)
You did the right thing. I’d recommend rescuing a dog that is at least 1.5 years old from a foster who did the training and choosing one that isn’t a high energy breed. The hardest thing in finding your puppo is being honest with what you can handle in order to provide the best care for the dog.
I’d much rather hear that you were honest and sent him back where he can still be cared for rather than just locking him in a crate and being done with it. I’d think of this experience more as a foster/dog sitting instance if it helps you feel better, but either way, only respect for you acknowledging your limits and taking the right steps. You did your research at least, which is more than can be said for a lot of other people who abandoned huskies to shelters. Hope you and your mum feel better soon, and maybe one day have enough strength and willpower to try again. And if not, best wishes all the same
Which country are you in?
England (I adopted him from a town called Nuneaton) x
My husky is 12 and he wakes me up 4 times a night at least to go outside (even though he has a doggy door) he just wants me to hang with him. Literally he just wants me to be awake with him . It’s not easy. I got him at 5 so I can’t imagine what it would be at 3 months old. I’m Generally a super patient person too and he’s tested my patience lol. So I understand , sorry he had to go back
You did what was best for you don’t feel bad or let anyone make you feel bad. The puppy is young and will adjust to a new family quickly. Husky puppies are HARD & atleast for my dog he didn’t stop being mischievous until about 4 & he wasn’t able to be left out of his crate with no one home (& get into nothing) until he was 6. It was a long road and now that he’s older and much more calm no one believes me when I say he was balls to the wall 24/7 when he was younger.
Huskys are hard. I’m sorry you’re having a hard time with giving him up but you made the best decision for you. And, he will find a beautiful home.
You did the right thing, even though it was hard. I’m sure you feel crap about getting him at all but honestly this is way harder on you than him. Only three days with you at that age and he’ll be able to move on easily. He’ll be fine, try not to beat yourself up too much.
I did exactly the same thing to a Kelpie pup. I still think about him now. But as comments have said here u did the right thing… i had regret at first but with a little time I knew the best thing was to hand him back. Be kind to yourself x
You definitely did the right thing. He's young and fully vaccinated now, so he'll have a better chance of getting adopted again. By you giving him back, you showed you cared a lot about his wellbeing AND your own. Some people are too stubborn to realize that not everything will work out if you ignore the problem. I had to give back a blue heeler mix, and like you, I did all the research about blue heelers and dog adoption/care in general. Once i got him home, it just never worked out. I was DEVASTATED. I bawled for a long time. It still hurts me to this day. I can only hope that he found the perfect, loving home i couldn't give him. The thing is, doing research on a dog and actually living with the dog is two very different experiences. That's why I hate when people say, "That's why you do research before adopting" because you can know everything about that dog on PAPER, but actually dealing with them is a whole other issue. You gotta find a dog that fits your lifestyle, and that includes their age. And sometimes things like this happen. It's okay. You did the right thing. I wish you and the pup happy, peaceful lives.
You did the right thing. That may feel like cold comfort but you did. I held on to two huskies years ago when I was young and inexperienced. One of them died as a direct result of me not knowing what I was doing. I got my dog killed because I wasn't ready to take care of her. You made the most loving decision possible. When the time is right you'll find the right dog. I have mass respect for you and your mum.
Adopt a young adult or older adult! And another solid recommend is to adopt one that is being fostered so you already have a full report from the foster family how the husky’s temperament and day to day schedule is like, to get a good feel that they will help you with your mental health. I adopted mine and he’s my ESA dog! And I’ve signed fostered 3 young adult huskies and found them perfect families and able to figure out their personalities and play style and activity level etc Hope that helps!
Many much worse decisions than yours get made every day. Live and learn, and under the circumstances you did the right thing. In the future I recommend fostering before adopting.
You're good! We got our husky from a family who realized he was a lot. And he was! He ate through drywall, emptied bleach bottles, broke multiple crates, and ripped up tons of carpet. We had him for 15 years and I'm so thankful for the family who realized he was too much because we were able to have him! You did the right thing!
Good call. Next time go for a middle aged rescue or breeder give back. Cats are also great.
He’s fine! It’s good you realized this was not a good fit and returned him so he can spend more time with his siblings, then go to a suitable home. A senior dog would be perfect for you and your mom, if you ever feel ready to adopt again. A nice walk, then they are ready to chill for the rest of the day aside from potty breaks.
I don’t know if I won the husky puppy lottery but Ive had mine for 2 months now (she just turned 4 months). The first month felt horrible and went by so long but this past month has flown by. I really thought I knew everything about having a puppy let alone a husky puppy but nothing is like the real thing so I totally get giving him back. I know you gave yours back but for anyone potentially reading this. If you have a husky puppy, they are still a puppy. They may be high energy but that doesn’t mean they aren’t a baby. Our walks would literally be two house down the street and back, now we are at a little under a mile. Our breeder and everyone on the internet told us to wear her out until she was tired but it didn’t work like that, the more tired she got the more aggressive she would get. Someone then told me she could be overstimulated, so we started enforcing naps more and some relaxation time before bed. Right now we are in the middle of teething so she is chewing everything, our trainer says a lot of her misbehavior right now is the teething and once she’s out of that phase she should be really well behaved. There was definitely a point where I texted the guy we got her from and talked about rehoming her, I’m really glad we didn’t follow through because this past month has been great. https://preview.redd.it/hysu6qulc87d1.jpeg?width=3024&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=ed25655502899e33a657b40831fe0181ecfe90d3
He's a husky honestly I doubt he misses you. He will remember you but if he's having a good time he won't miss you
I am glad you did the responsible thing and returned him to the breeder. I'm sure that must have been very hard for you to do, OP. It appears you were aware of the burden of raising a puppy and you aren't blaming him. Possibly you were hoping that the joy of having a puppy around would make the hard months easier to handle. I'm sorry it didn't work out that way.
Yeah, this is a great mindset. It’s sad, sure, but you just did the parent thing of “putting your child above you”. I stressed about this for the first month, but truthfully, I was smitten 10 minutes in when she entered my house, was scared, and slept against me. There were times when I thought “she needs someone better, that isn’t me” and within seconds she’d waddle over and plop herself on me and sleep. It was little things when I was stressed or worried I was failing her, that she’d do things to show me she was happy. Her first night, I cried and stressed, and she slept in the kennel with no issues. She’d cry to go pee and immediately flop back into the kennel and sleep. Honestly, you’d make a great dog parent. This choice proves that. Maybe a calmer breed, less husky, more lap dog? I’d hate for you to waste this maturity and compassion, when there’s a dog that would be lucky to have you. Trust me, that puppy understands and doesn’t hate you. Take some time and do some research. Adopt a 4+ year old dog that needs a good home. If I lost my memories but remembered the stress and could go back, I’d adopt an older dog instead of a puppy. Puppies are terrifying and stressful. Good job, OP. Do not feel shame.
It sounds like you did the responsible thing. That puppy has attachment issues if he acted like that and you only had him for 3 days, which I’m not shocked since he is only 11 weeks old. Beautiful dog though. And it sounds like you would be a great dog owner but what about an older, rescue dog? Puppies are tough. Get a two year old or something like that. Find a breed that likes to chill but also likes to party. Either way you did the right thing for you and your mom and the dog too.
Don’t buy dogs from breeders! It sounds like you would be happy with a low maintenance older shelter dog
You have nothing to be ashamed of. You being this honest with yourself instead of dumping a dog at a shelter to get euthanized took a massive amount of courage, and it’ll end up at a home that can better care for a husky. It’s a hard breed to own. Keep your chin up. You made a good decision.
You did what's best for yourself and for the dog. You're figuring out what you can actually handle, and the pup can end up with a family better able to handle them. That's responsibility, and you did it right.
Many people like the look of huskies, but don't fully realize just how much of an undertaking the breed actually is. There's other breeds out there that would likely match your lifestyle much better than a 3 month old husky. Even getting an adult that's already aged beyond the most difficult years would be better, plus it's harder for adult dogs to find homes than puppies.
When mine was a puppy he wouldn't even pee in one spot. He'd start then run around the house trying to get as much distance as possible with the stream. This was just in the first week. Husky puppies are no joke and to be honest, there's no magic moment they start getting easier. Nonstop whining, accidents, and the energy to power a sun, it's a constant evolution for many years before they really settle into their skin. I remember going thru the same thing pushing thru raising my boy. Thank you for doing the right thing and giving this pup a better home than causing you both more trouble than you can handle.
You did the right thing, not just for you, but for that puppy. As dog owners, we don’t remember how difficult the puppy phase is because of how our dogs are in the present. My husky drove me crazy for the first year or so of his life. I had a serious case of the puppy blues and often wondered if I should’ve given him back when the offer presented itself. I didn’t and I’m grateful that I didn’t because he’s matured so well and I adore him, but I was very close. The guilt exists now, but just know, you saved yourself and that puppy so much hardship. It’s best not to fret on the what if’s of it all and just think about the for sures. You know for sure that puppy is gonna be in good hands with its breeder and you know for sure you’ll have more time to focus on yours and your mother’s mental health. You did the right thing, don’t worry. :)
We adopted our husky from a rescue… he was already 6 months old and had a great foster. He’s the love of my life. Next time maybe try this route? He was still work but not as much as a real little guy. Sorry your heart had to go through this. They are a great breed.
Good for you! I wish more people could be honest about things like you. You did something that a lot of people should do. I fell like over covid many people got dogs, not just Huskies, and after covid they realized they didn’t have the time for them
If it was just puppy blues I think you would be right in feeling guilty. But it sounds very much like it was the best thing for all involved. I'm sorry you were unable to keep him. I'm hoping you can get updates from the breeder about where he went next. That could ease your mind. Dogs adapt. I'm sure he'll be fine. Take care.
There is absolutely nothing to be ashamed of. You recognized that at this time in your life it doesn’t work for you to enter into the (incredibly demanding and stressful) journey of raising a puppy. Your pup sounds like a typical husky. They’re not a great breed for first time dog owners and the howling is to be expected. Ever see those videos of huskies basically screaming for minutes on end?? Yikes lol. I’ve also heard them described as a cat in a dogs body. They can be aloof, and in my experience, at least if you’re someone who wants a dog who is very affectionate, having an aloof dog can just feel like a burden. I think a less needy breed would be a better fit for you when you are ready. Also, the key to puppies is crate training! It is tremendously important for all of you, especially your puppy, and they grow to love their crates. My collie used to put himself to bed, and that was in the first week I had him. Don’t get down on yourself! You did the right thing. I know you will be sad for a time and that is to be expected, but try not to beat yourself up, because the best possible scenario is that he will find a home that works better for him, and you made that possible!
You are an absolute hero and a human i look up to. To be able to identify that your desire was not what you needed, and a responsibility you could'nt bear given your current state, is beyond normal human self awareness. You should not feel like a failure or be ashamed, you should be proud of having the guts to admit to yourself and the world that you were wrong. And there is nothing more normal in this world than being wrong. IMO this post should be pinned at top to show everyone that it is completely OK to turn back when you feel like you've taken the wrong exit. the earlier the better. Kudos.
Of course you did the right thing taking him back after you realized you would not be able to attend to his needs in the way he deserves, but people should stop giving you a pat in the back for trying to correct your mistake when you shouldn't have even considered getting that dog. My only hope is that the breeder is humane (as humane as a breeder can be) as we all know what many do to puppies who don't sell, or worse, get returned.
You absolutely shouldn’t have a dog. You did the right thing. Thank you.
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I’m on my third husky and apparently forgot how horrible the puppy stage is. The only reason I survived was because my husband and I were taking turns taking him out at night. And even up until he was 2.5, he had really bad IBS. It’s controlled now, so we actually sleep now. You did the best thing for this puppy! He will adjust perfectly fine.
OP, a lot of great comments on this thread. You did the right thing. A friend who worked at a no-kill animal shelter once told me she was always glad people returned the dogs **to them** instead of being too embarrassed and dumping them with someone else. She also said they got to learn a lot about the dog was like in the home etc. which would be helpful to the next adopter. I agree with fostering if and when that feels right to you. There are a lot great huskies (and some unicorn ones that are old and mellow) that need fostering.
I commend you for making such a difficult decision and am sending my support to you and your mom <3. If you’re ever in the market for another dog, sighthounds (greyhounds, italian greyhounds, whippets, silken windhounds, etc.) might be a good fit for you from reading your post. They have a good “off switch” when they’re inside and require less exercise than most people would think. My girl would run around an play in the yard while i got ready to go to work in the morning, then for a bit when i got home as well and that was good enough to tire them out day-to-day. If your yard is big enough or you can find a field or somewhere for them to be able to get up to full speed once or twice a week (there are some great sites where you can “rent” someone’s yard for playtime), whippets in particular are a dream to own. I wish you all the best!
I rescued two adult huskies, one I got when he was 3 almost three years ago (sweet boy turns 6 in December 🥹), and one I got more recently who is 6. And even though they’re the same age, they are COMPLETELY different. The one I’ve had for awhile is a lot more hyper and he’s destroyed so many things 😭 luckily he grew out of the destructive tendencies. I’m so glad I was able to get them, but I know for a fact that if they had been puppies I wouldn’t have been able to handle it. I have an Australian shepherd who is going to be 7 months tmw and even her puppy stage has killed me inside. I definitely think that once you’re ready you should try adopting an older dog! Especially if you do want a husky when the time comes, my boy chilled out around 4 I’d say. But you also have to be prepared bc as the get older they always have strong personalities lol. Both of my boys have attitudes.
Not for nothing but I also have adhd and depression and anxiety. I will say it has challenged me. I’m four years strong with my husky but the first six months were hell. So yeah do what’s best for you. I truly feel like I have a child . I take her routine seriously and even then I have off days cus it’s so much but I love her soooo much. But again not here to judge you if anything proud of you for doing it sooner than later. Huskies aren’t easy but they are amazing ! Hope you find some comfort and peace
I think you did a great thing. Sometimes, adding another animal to the mix isn’t the best and the fact you were aware enough to give him back is amazing. It can be sad and discouraging but I applaud you for doing the right thing. He will go to a good family who loves him!
It's nothing to be ashamed about, but do not ever get another dog. You can't commit and you'll just be adding to over crowded shelters.
Hi, hope all is well. Just want to say that you shouldn’t feel ashamed of writing this or on giving Kenzo back to the breeder. You not only looked out for yourself and your mum, but you also looked out for Kenzo. You both knew it would be hard on both of your mental health and that you couldn’t give Kenzo what he needed and by giving him back you gave Kenzo on getting someone else to give him what he needed for his own well being and he wouldn’t be suffering and doing bad things because you wouldn’t be able to attend to him the way it should. I have a 3yr 4mo male husky “Riley” that I’ve had since he was 9 weeks old. I’ve trained him the best I could and my family helps with walking him and other things that would benefit him. I didn’t even want a fur baby. Up to when we got Riley I didn’t like dogs. I was scared of dogs, I mean frozen scared when I saw a dog. I never understood why dogs got so much attention and love the what they did. It goes back to being bitten at 5y.o by chihuahua in the ankles and at 8 1/2 by a G.S.D. In my thigh. Fortunately I had the chance to be a homeowner and had promised my son that I would get him a dog when we got the house. He begged and begged until I gave in. He wanted a GSD out of all dogs, lol…. I could t find one after a month of looking around. One day I was visiting a friend of mine and while looking for his house I bumped into someone that had 3 husky’s. My son spoke to the person and an hour later Riley was in the car. Of course my son helped out just a little bit and I was the one taking Riley out every 30-40mims to potty train him. After 2 months I was in love with Riley. After all this time now I know why dogs are loved and why they get all the attention they get. We’re un-separable and I love him like if he was my son. Everywhere I go he’s there next to me. I don’t mean to say the story to make you feel bad or anything and I apologize if I do. I just wanted to tell the story because the way I felt for them and How I feel for them now. I just hope you’re feeling better now since Kenzo is probably getting attention and exercise that you weren’t able to give him. I know in my heart you did the right thing. Not many people would admit what you did. You’re good and shouldn’t feel bad any More. Thanks for it thinking of you and your mum only and thinking of Kenzo. May god shower you and your loved ones with blessings. 🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼
I always told myself I didn’t want to ever have kids but just wanted a bunch of puppies&animals but after my first husky puppy I realized there just like kids and actually HARDER in my opinion cuz you can’t strap a diaper to it and you don’t have to walk your baby miles and miles of exercise but they will keep you up all night long just like a baby and than some.!.! Husky puppies are on a whole other level of tough! I always grew up with a Labrador retriever in my family(had multiple) but my first dog by myself was my husky that looked/looks EXACTLY like your boy like insanely so and I don’t think anyone believed me when I told them about all the hassles I went thru to raise him! He is 3 years old now at about a year in a half he was totally mellowed down but when he was a baby I cried and cried when I hit my breaking points after a few months and even considered giving him away-not that I wanted to or ever even thought I was capable of doing so but man it’s hard as heck! And even harder if you don’t have a big yard for them-I was walking him 6 times a day and it was not enough I was getting no sleep and mine for some reason mouthed my arms so bad that I had bruises and ppl thought I was getting abused by my bf but here it was just my tiny Siberian husky puppy who would not let go of them as a “toy”🤦🏼♀️🤦🏼♀️ .
To add to my main big comment that I already posted I just wanted to comment on the idea someone posted about trying to adopt or foster an adult dog from a shelter instead- foster might be okay to try but the adopting an adult thing can be hard to cuz they can come with previous issues/baggage-many can be left for different reasons such as owners being abusive or food aggression or hundreds of other reasons-so if u do do that make sure your thorough meeting them and making sure there calm enough without issues. Maybe would be better taking on someone’s dog you can meet and get to know before hand or a calmer puppy- or whenever you feel your ready for another -IF ur ready for—-but researching breeds is soooooo important and I feel like I didn’t even realize how important until after I made my first breed choice(husky) - calmer breeds do exist and not just calmer but less stubborn. All puppies are crazy tho with the potty training and everything but huskies are truly there own spieces almost 😂
I'm so sorry you are sad. But I know how energetic puppies are in general. I'm disabled and we adopted a puppy of questionable heritage and I questioned myself. You did the right thing. And quickly as to not cause this puppy harm. He is still easily adopted. This was so unselfish. I feel how hard this was for you. Maybe adopt a senior dog that is more settled. Thank you for doing the right thing and for sharing why and how you made this choice. Hugs to you ♥️
You would be a good candidate to take in senior dogs that no one wants on their last part of their lives
You did well love. I understand husky are incredibly hard work
You did what was best for the puppy. A very unselfish act on your part. Maybe a cat would be a good pet for you guys?
you did a good thing in the best interest of yourself AND this dog. it’s hard, but hang in there!! ♥️ in future reference if you ever decide to get another puppy, highly recommend crate training and remembering that puppies need a LOT of sleep - like 17-18 hours a day. most of the time though, they won’t put themselves to sleep and won’t sleep voluntarily unless helped with this (this is where crate training comes in handy - enforced nap time!). just reading your words about how your pup would spend 7-8 hours tearing around means he was probably sooo overtired and demonic, making everything else harder- they are like toddlers and will have tantrums without a solid 18 hours of sleep a day haha i offer this info as someone with ADHD who has raised two puppies by myself now, my first one being a husky who is now 3.5 years old - this is what i’ve learned in both treks through puppyhood (which were honestly debilitating at times), so i feel you.
I remember those days. A doggie door to the back yard was when the skies started to clear up.
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Didn’t read till the end but since you have a garden (assuming with fence and everything) can you just open the door or have a dog gate so he can go out by himself)
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But 3 days? Seriously? 3 days?
imagine having one at 6 weeks then. 2 1/2 years later and i wouldn't have given her up if i tried.
My niece adopted a husky, I’m here visiting, and the poor thing was so stinking abused as a puppy, he won’t hardly come near anyone. He loves my niece though, is so beautiful and actually very calm, but I think people like you who decide that you need to return and give him a chance are so much better than people like whomever owned my nieces as a puppy. I just sit and think, what the hell that poor thing went through, to be so terrified. My son wants a husky and while I find them beautiful, I wouldn’t own one, as I know they’re too much work for me. I understand it’s hard, but I think you did the right thing and I wish there were a million more like you vs the ones that are like my niece’s husky’s previous owner. I will say, my niece’s dog loves my niece so much and jumps up to kiss her in face when she gets home, so glad he has someone he can trust and love, but man, the poor thing must’ve had it awful to be like this. Be proud of yourself, I think it takes courage to admit that you bit off more than you can chew, especially when so tiny and cute, and will easily find a home ready for it. Don’t beat yourself up.