Why huskies howl & how to stop it

This article explains everything you need to know about husky howling.

Howling is a method of communicating that huskies have ingrained into them from their wolf ancestors. Howling was first discovered among wolves trying to find their way back to packs or for general communication purposes.

3 Reasons Why Huskies Howl

Huskies howl for three main reasons: instinct, reaction, and communication.

1. Instinctive Howling

Howling is ingrained in huskies due to their wolf ancestry. Wolves have used howling as a primary form of communication for thousands of years because it travels farther than barking. This long-distance sound helps them find their pack if they get separated, similar to how old war sirens worked.

2. Reactive Howling

Huskies often howl in response to sounds like a baby crying or sirens. They may perceive the baby as part of their pack and join in the “howl.” If you live near a city, frequent sirens can trigger this instinctive reaction, as the husky might think another husky is howling.

3. Communicative Howling

Huskies use howling to communicate their needs and feelings. They might howl when it’s past their dinner time, when they’re bored and need exercise or play, or when they need to go to the bathroom. Howling can also indicate that they feel lonely and are seeking company or that they feel left out and want your attention.

Do all huskies howl?

All huskies can howl unless they have a health condition that prevents them from doing so. However, not all huskies will choose to howl. Some are rather quiet! Many people try to explain why some huskies howl more than others but it’s very hard to know the real answer. It’s likely due to character traits passed down from their parents and blood lineage.

Why Isn’t My Husky Vocal? Related Article

When can husky puppies first start to howl?

Most husky puppies can get a verbal howl within 2-3 weeks of age. By 8 weeks of age, a husky puppy should have no problem howling with at least some force and volume. But it’s worth noting that some huskies choose to be more verbal than others. If your husky pup doesn’t howl, there’s likely nothing to be concerned about.

Why does my husky howl directly at me?

If your husky is howling at you, he’s trying to tell you something. He either wants or needs something. For example, it could be to feed him, let him outside, In response to being told off, or when you ask him to do something he doesn’t want to.

Is howling a sign that your husky is sad?

Although howling sounds a little sad and melancholic, it doesn’t mean huskies are sad when they howl. Howling is just a method of communication that huskies use when excited, intrigued, provoked, and in response to similar external sounds.

Stopping Excessive Husky Howling

Howling can become excessive, especially at night. To prevent this, consistent and patient training is key. Here’s a simple method using positive response training.

Positive Response Training

Step 1: When your husky starts howling excessively, give a calm and firm command like “Quiet.” Your tone will signal that their behavior is not acceptable.

Step 2: If the howling stops for 2 to 3 seconds after your command, reward your husky with a treat and repeat the command. This teaches them that silence is rewarded.

Step 3: If the howling continues, ignore your husky briefly before repeating the command. Repeat steps 1 and 2 until your husky learns to associate the command with being quiet.

Over time, you can reduce the treats and rely more on the command. Your husky will understand that “Quiet” means it’s time to stop howling.

Huskies are intelligent but stubborn, so they need clear guidance. Proper training not only curbs howling but also provides mental stimulation for your husky.

Trending Article: Why Do Huskies Talk-Back So Much?

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How teaching your husky to howl, can actually solve excessive howling issues…

Some husky owners have had great success in first teaching their husky to howl on command. This seems counter-productive but it actually sets up your husky to easily understand the command to stop the howl.

To carry out this training you first give the command like “speak” while they’re howling. Give them a treat as you say the word “speak” again.

After a few times with the right timing, your husky will learn that speak means howl.

This sets you up nicely to say a very different sounding command like “quiet” and this change of sound and tone in your voice will encourage them to stop and think about it. You then step in and give them a treat and say “quiet” again.

After a few more times with the right timing. Your husky will learn that “speak” means howl and quiet means… be quiet.

Don’t underestimate the intelligence of your husky! they may be hard to train, but they’re one of the most intelligent breeds.

Awesome Husky Howling Compilation… Check it out!

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Tips for successful training

Huskies learn the best through repetition. Huskies are known for their stubbornness but at the same time, they’re highly intelligent. Repeating the steps above with the correct timing will definitely give you good results.

It’s important to be very consistent. Whenever your husky starts howling, use this as a training opportunity. Through constant repetition, your husky will learn the best

Don’t confuse your husky by talking while you are training them and using the commands. Keep the commands to one or two words and only use those words, keep it simple.

Use treats that they LOVE, some actual chicken, or some peanut butter. This will help grab their attention to you and will ultimately improve training. It helps to have something that they really want, so they’re going to listen.

I have a great post you may like on the top 10 healthy homemade dog treats for huskies.

How exercise helps with husky howling

I know, you probably hear it time and time again, “exercise your husky more”. Well, look away now… exercise your husky more!! Exercise is so critical in every huskies life and it has a significant impact on their overall behavior and health.

This doesn’t mean to say that you’ll have a silent husky if you take them out for more runs. But it will expel extra energy, and their overall character and demeanor will be calmer. Scientific research has now discovered that a canine’s character, is a direct reflection of their energy levels. Maybe you’re having an Ah-ha moment!

Last Thoughts

Being vocal is one of the wonderful characteristics that make huskies… well… huskies!

Huskies have learned to howl from their ancestors and it will continue for as long as the breed goes on. Most of the time it’s instinctive and you just have to accept they’re a very vocal breed!

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