Today is exactly two months since I adopted my husky puppy "Sky", which is also the first dog I ever owned. To be very honest, when I adopted Sky I didn't know exactly what I was signing up for. The past two months have taught me what truly goes into owning a living, breathing, eating, pooping, chewing, destructing and high-energy being!
I definitely underestimated how much energy goes into looking after a dog, especially the husky breed. "Sky" is quite attention-seeking and needs lots of exercise. I take her out for a walk 2 or 3 times a day and minimum for an hour each time. "Sky" is still a 7 months old puppy and might need more exercise when she grows bigger so I have to start thinking of running or exploring hiking trails or something to cater for those needs.
Besides the walk, training is also essential for "Sky" to learn how to be confident and well behaved. Luckily "Sky" loves her treats so I have been quite successful in training her some basic commands like "sit-stay" however recall when off leash is still a pain as she gets distracted very easily with other dogs around.
Sky has her own unique personalities and is very intelligence. She always comes up with new ways to get what she want and tries to challenge you by testing the limits of the rules. So being firm and consistent when training every day becomes super important.
Having "Sky" around is a bit like having a baby, in a sense that any holidays, weekend trips or spontaneous nights out almost becomes impossible or require planning. One thing I was not fully prepared for is how much Sky hates being left alone. The first few times I left her alone at home, she basically howled the whole house down and destroyed almost everything in it! The vet seems to think "Sky" has separation anxiety issues. I am still working on this one but it's a long haul.
Owning "Sky" is definitely more work than I expected as well as more frustrating and probably more time-consuming. But I do not regret bringing home this wonderful four-legged friend. Also nothing can replace the joy of your dog greeting you when you come home from outside!