Sometimes criticized for housing his dog outside, the Siberian owner knows his dog has been bred to flourish in an outdoors situation. The lovely thick coat that so efficiently protects the Siberian will shed profusely several times a year, literally filling bushel baskets full of hair. If you desire a true house pet, consider another breed. While this sound may be music to the ears of a Siberian lover, neighbors have been known to feel otherwise. While the owner is not bothered with irritating barking every time someone enters his property, he is left without that added protection.
Many Siberian kennels have another breed specifically for protection.
The Siberian can easily adjust to new environments. A nomad at heart, the Siberian has no fear of cars nor homing instincts compatible with our modern society, and once loose, he can easily fall prey to injury, disease, and hunger, or become a pest chasing and hunting small animals or digging in neighbors' yards. Siberian owners quickly learn that, for the dog's sake, it must be confined or kept on lead at all times. This is an exaggeration, for the Siberian has the ability to perform admirably, and many have. As a breed, however, they do not excel in this area, and anyone wanting a dog solely for obedience work should not consider the Siberian.