Siberian Husky Forum:
H20 all over! Help!!

I seem to be having a little problem with my 3 month old husky pup, aside from the usual ones with any puppy of this age. I don't know if this is a breed thing, this being my first husky and all, I'm thinking it is though, because my brother in law has my pup's sister, and she does the same thing, just not as aggressively. It has to do with her water dish. Ever since my husband and I got this pup she's delighted in putting her paws in her water dish while she drinks. At first it was cute, now it's somewhat of a problem. If given the chance,(and a decent sized water dish) this dog will run at it from a distance and DIVE into it with her paws and face, and then feverishly DIG the water out of the dish, biting and barking at it as she does so. This of course ends up making a small lake in the middle of my kitchen, which is somewhat of a health hazard,(and a pain in the butt to clean up 10 or so times a day!) as well as a small river all through the house where she runs after she's done it. We've tried several different tactics. from giving her a smaller water dish to sitting the dish in a deep pan, to putting a bucket or dish of water outside only, to my current idea, using a large rabbit watering bottle hung on the one of my counter doors. This seems to be working so far, I only started it this morning, but I'm afraid she may start chewing the bottle itself soon, and we'll have to think of something else. Does anyone have any suggestions? Has anyone had this problem with their huskies and other dogs? If so, what did you guys do? . I'd appreciate any help anyone can give me. Thankyou!! ~Roo Morris

This is the great thing about Siberian Huskies, You need to out smart them. I like your waterbottle idea! What if you purchased a small kiddie pool and let her play in it, with suoervision outside? In this weather I would suggest morning only. After play when she comes back into the house watch her while she is at her water dish. If she attempts to put her feet into the dish scold her. When she just walks up and drinks reward her with praise.She should then understand that the pool is to play and the dish is for drinking. This may take a few days. Be patent. Hope this helps. Denise

hehe...maybe I'll give that a try, thanks. We did a similar thing with a large bucket actually, and it did no good, she just made an even bigger mess inside later on. BUT...the water bottle is working out GREAT!! We've had no major spills since I've put it up, and she certainly seems satisfied with ther amount of water she's getting out of it. She's cute, cuz she sits down to drink. I'll try get a pic of her and post it for all.