A Husky dog, whether a Siberian or an Alaskan Malamute, is a medium-sized dog. This dog is native to the polar regions and is primarily used as a sled dog. This is considered a hardy breed of dogs and can tolerate cold or harsh weather better than other dogs.
If you are planning to open your home to a Husky, you may have a lot of questions about its temperament and other traits. One question a lot of novice dog owners have about the dog they are going to bring home is barking. How much would a dog bark? Similarly, anyone who is planning to own a Husky would want to know what they are setting themselves up for? So, do Huskies bark?
No, Huskies don’t bark. They often make howling sounds, but they are not noise-making dogs. They have a reputation for being quiet and gentle dogs.
In this article, we will examine how often Husky barks and what other ways of communication it has. So, let’s dive in to read more about Huskies and find out why they don’t bark.
Can Huskies Bark?
Do Huskies bark? We know they don’t bark, but what is the reason behind this? Is it because they don’t want to or they cannot?
The reason behind a Husky not barking is not biological or physiological. They don’t bark because they choose not to. To better understand this trait, we need to go back a little and take a look at the history of this breed.
Huskies have a history of being used as sled dogs in the colder regions of the North. They used to stay close to their packs and pull heavy loads. For doing so, they needed to be strong and resilient and have a lot of stamina. As they are not hunting dogs and stay close to their families, they don’t need barking to communicate with other pack members.
Another reason a Husky doesn’t bark is its close resemblance to its ancestors—wolves. As wolves also don’t bark and instead make howling sounds, the Huskies too don’t bark for the same reason.
How Often do Huskies Bark?
A dog uses barking as a means to communicate with other pooches or with its human owner. Dogs may also bark to show that they are territorial in nature. They love to protect what they consider to be theirs and thus bark to mark their territory. It is a way to let other dogs know there is another dog in this area and that they are not welcomed here.
As mentioned earlier, Huskies don’t bark often because they are not territorial and are not protective. They make bad guard dogs because they wouldn’t bark to alarm their owners about an intruder in the house. What is more expected of them instead is that they would befriend the intruder. They also instantly become friends with strangers when they are out for a walk.
When a Husky sees another dog, it may start barking, but that also doesn’t mean it is being aggressive. As Huskies are friendly and gentle, they may bark to invite the other dog to play with them.
To communicate with its human owners or with other pooches, a Husky may yelp, bay, howl, or woo instead of barking or making a loud noise.
Why do Huskies Bark or Make Noise?
Some of the reasons that make a Husky bark are given below.
- Huskies bark to let other dogs or their human companions know that they want to play. It is like an invitation to play.
- They bark when they want something. A Husky would make noise to let you know they need something like a treat, want to go out, or may simply be craving your attention.
- A Husky may bark when it wants to release some of its pent-up energy. A lack of exercise can make a Husky agitated, so it should be provided with adequate amounts of exercise.
- They may bark whenever they feel lonely—especially when their human owner leaves them for longer times. These dogs can become anxious and miss their human companion.
- Huskies also bark when they are hungry. So, next time you hear your Husky barking, it may mean he wants a meal. Thus, you should offer him some healthy dog food that he likes.
Why do Huskies Groan?
Huskies make other noises, too, such as growling, baying, howling, or even groaning. So, what does it mean when a Husky makes a groan?
A Husky may groan when he is comfortable and is enjoying something. Examples of these enjoyable moments for a dog could be a grooming session, a massage, or a tummy rub. They also enjoy rolling in the grass and would make groaning sounds. Thus, there is nothing to worry about if you find your Husky making a groaning sound. He is just having a good time.
Do Huskies Bark While Being Trained?
Some huskies do bark while they are being trained. This may happen as a result of over-excitement from your Husky or can also happen because he is frustrated.
When a Husky is over-excited to learn new commands or is eagerly waiting to get his reward treat, he may start barking. Thus, it is important to help your dog calm down and bring him in the right state of mind to learn.
If you feel like your Husky is barking because he feels frustrated, it may signal that he doesn’t clearly understand your commands. To help him with this, try giving him simpler commands and breaking down commands in smaller steps. This will make learning more fun and relaxed for your dog.
It is important to mention here that while you train a Husky, you shouldn’t overfeed him treats as rewards. Too many dog treats can lead to health issues, so it is always better to offer him treats in moderation. Try to train him without treats and instead shower him more with appreciation and love.
How to Stop a Husky from Barking?
Although Huskies don’t bark that often, they may howl, which can be a problem if you live in a quiet neighborhood or prefer a peaceful and noise-less living environment. What we would urge you to do without compromising the peace of your surroundings while also keeping a Husky is to train him to bark on command. Teaching him to bark on command may seem strange, but it helps your dog learn to bark only when you ask him to. Once he learns to bark at your command, you can then teach him to stop barking at your command as well.
Another tip to stop your Husky from barking is to reduce the triggers in his surrounding that can lead to barking. Small animals such as rodents, cats, rabbits shouldn’t be left around a Husky. They can make him anxious and cause him to bark. Training a Husky puppy is easier than training a grownup, so it is better to start teaching him different commands from a young age.
So, Do Huskies Bark? – Final Thoughts
Huskies don’t bark that often because they have a history of being sled dogs. As they used to live in close packs and have their ancestry connected to wolves, they don’t use barking as a means of communication with other members of the pack or their human owners.
If you still find your Husky barking at unusual times or at the same time every day, seems agitated, or anxious, you should communicate this with a vet and seek their advice. This way, you will get to know what might be bothering your dog and help him feel comfortable again.