YDI, I count huskies to "big dogs" and would never leave a 5 y.o. alone with one (you said you were watching, you should've been next to her and stay alert). Plus, it was a puppy, training needs to be finished first. FML, if you really were next to her and alert. I also got dragged by a family friend's enthusiastic young dog around the age of 5 or 6. My brother ran ahead, the dog ran after him and the long road downhill was covered with small but sharp rocks... Busted knees, elbows and chin. Still, my parents (who were right next to us) didn't blame the dog nor the owners. These things just happens, dogs are dogs, tell her to get over it. Just make sure this event won't make your niece be afraid of dogs.

To the OP, regardless of how timid the puppy has been, you obviously no know not to let such a young child try to walk your dog, even if your yard is fenced in. Your sister-in-law should not be calling your dog that, it is not like the dog full out attacked her daughter out of the blue. Not all huskies are mean, it just depends on the dog and how they were brought up. A couple my husband and I are friends with have a siberian husky and he is a good dog. I still keep a close eye on him when my 16 month old daughter is near him, because regardless of how nice an animal is, they are still an animal and could very easily nip, scratch etc either because they have gotten mad, scared, or are just trying to be playfull. A child can be taught to be respectfull of animals without actually be allowed to walk them. All you have to do is take the child over to the animal and teach them how to properly pet and/or hold the animal (depending on their age) My husband and I have a cat, and since day one we have been trying to teach or daughter to be "gentle" with out cat. But I certainly wouldn't let her hold someone's pet hampster or something like that until she is older.

once again poor parenting/child care with animals. I feel sorry for all of the animals that are sent away, left outside, put down, or hurt because parents/guardians do not know how to handle kids and animals together. FY neices life, and your husky's because now it has a rep. for being a "bad dog" for nothing, but you deserved this for being a dumbass who caused it.

That's really dumb, it's a husky. It's bred for pulling sleds. Of course it's going to be able to drag a child around.

Also, @ #90, huskies are not inherently mean dogs or bad to have around children. My niece, Elysia, basically teethed on my husky's ears. She just kind of sat there like, "uh huh. And?" Sweetest, most gentle dog ever. The way a dog acts is usually a product of its environment.

my old dog used to do that to my little brother it was hilarious mainly because he would never let go no matter what

I'm sure you meant well, but what if something had happened and your niece accidently let go of the leash? You can't count on an untrained puppy to wait for somebody to grab the leash. This puppy was obviously quick...he/she could have been gone before you knew it. Be glad that your niece didn't let go of the leash. A few scraps is a lot better than a dead puppy.

i clicked YDI once i read that you let a little kid walk a dog!

YDI since A) It's a little kid walking a dog, there's nothing saying the kid wouldn't spontaneously decide to let go of the leash, and B) It's a husky. Of COURSE it's going to be strong.

YDI for letting a little kid walk a dog that was bred to pull things. you don't walk huskies.