To know a Siberian Husky is to love them. Like every dog breed, huskies have a unique set of quirks, but one stands out as the most dramatic of them all: their vocals. So, why do huskies howl so much? Where does it stem from and what can you do about it?
We have the answers for all things husky. Let’s go!
The Siberian Husky’s Temperament
According to the American Kennel Club, The Siberian Husky is “friendly and gentle, but also alert and outgoing”. Out of all the dog breeds in the world, huskies look closest to their ancestor, the common wolf. Like wolves, huskies are pack animals.
Thousands of years ago, these dogs were bred to work in packs, pulling sleds through Siberia. Intuitive and intelligent, these dogs could understand when to ignore their driver’s directions and make a life-or-death decision to keep everyone alive.
Their instinct is to make decisions on the fly, which is why they have become an independent dog breed. In a domesticated setting, huskies have not lost their innate drive to run, solve problems, and be part of the pack.
These high-energy dogs need outlets to do what they were born to. Bred to pull sleds, they need plenty of exercise. Most behavior problems stem from not having enough physical, social, and mental stimulation..
What is Howling?
So, what is howling, anyway? This ancient method of communication has been around for years. It is an ingrained behavior dogs have inherited from their wolf ancestors. The difference between a bark and a howl is the former is short and to the point. The latter, on the other hand, is loud and extended, making it audible across long distances.
Many years ago, wolves used howling to communicate their whereabouts with the rest of the pack. They also used it to scare off any unwanted invaders. Huskies, being the closest relative to wolves in the canine world, are famous for their howling.
When Do Huskies Start Howling?
Huskies begin howling at around three or four weeks of age. Young puppies will start making small grunt and whine sounds as their eyes and ears open. During this period, they begin interacting with the world.
The real howling begins at eight weeks of age when their vocalization becomes individual. By the time puppies get into their new home, they are ready to howl.
Why Do Huskies Howl?
As we said before, many of the unwanted behaviors stem from a lack of stimulation, be it physical or mental. Yet, at the same time, there are more reasons why huskies howl.. Let’s take a look at all the different reasons huskies howl.
Communication
Famous for their vocalization, howling is a natural way for huskies to communicate with their owners. They can howl to express excitement, but also their stress. Huskies howl to show their presence or call for attention and companionship.
Ancestral Instinct
Huskies were bred to be sled dogs. As such, they have inherited the natural behavior from their wolf ancestors. In the wild, wolves use howling to coordinate group activities.
Hearing Other Animals
Huskies will howl when they hear another canine companion. Again, it stems from their wolf ancestry. Wolves use howling to inform current whereabouts but also tell other wolves to stay away from their territory. Huskies are friendly and social, so they use howling to invite other dogs to play.
Feeling Sick
Huskies will tell you everything about how they feel. They howl when they are happy, but they also do it when they do not feel well. When howling is accompanied by symptoms like a change in appetite, reduced energy, and disinterest in activities, you should talk with a veterinarian.
Response to Sounds
Dogs hear a lot more than we do. Huskies might howl in response to sounds like musical instruments, sirens, passing cars, or anything in between. Their instinctive imitation can be frustrating at times.
Anxiety
Huskies struggle with canine anxiety. When separation anxiety hits, huskies can howl excessively. These needy dogs will tell everyone when they are separated from their owners.
Looking for Attention
Some people have made a career out of huskies howling for attention. Instagram and TikTok are full of videos of huskies howling trying to engage in play or get their owner’s attention. Of course, translating these howls is the funny part.
Boredom
A bored Siberian husky will tell you. Howling will get your attention. You will notice huskies will also run to their favorite toy the moment howling gets your attention.
Overwhelmed With Happiness
Huskies have one of the most unique personalities in the canine world. They vocalize every emotion, and when they are extremely happy, they will howl and whine for minutes. This happens when you come home, during playtime, before meals, or any other event that will fill your dog with excitement.
How to Stop Howling
While it looks cute and adorable for a minute, howling is not something you want to hear all day long. While you cannot completely remove it, there are things you can do to reduce it.
Increase Your Dog’s Daily Exercise
Bored huskies will participate in excessive howling and might push you to the edge. These highly energetic dogs need at least 45 minutes of physical exercise and mental stimulation. Meet your dog’s needs and there will be less howling.
Do Not Leave Them Alone For Long Periods
Huskies struggle with separation anxiety. When left alone for more than six hours, they can go into a frenzy. Try to organize someone to stop by. If you are a busy pet parent, you might consider hiring a dog walking service.
Socialize Your Husky
Socialization helps to prevent howling due to unfamiliar sounds and people walking by your home. Desensitization and socialization can turn your howling husky into a quiet pet. Introduce them to as many people as you can, arrange playdates with new dogs, have people visit your home, and take your dog to public spaces with new sights and sounds. Reward every positive behavior. The more you reward positive behavior, the better.
Reduce Stress
Limiting stress is one way to keep a husky quiet. Set up a routine and stick to it, including feeding time and exercise.
Final Thoughts
The worst thing you can do with a howling husky is reward them with your attention. The moment you react, your dog learns that howling works.
What you should do instead is spend time with your dog and do things that keep them busy. Play games, reward treats for silence, and keep your dog happy.