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Learn why huskies are one of the most dramatic and vocal dog breeds, and how to manage them
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With their bright eyes and fluffy mane, Siberian Huskies are hands down one of the most handsome dog breeds. But their good looks are only one part of the package—they also have a vibrant personality. And with that personality comes drama. Huskies are known for their dramatic outbursts and vocalizations, and it all has to do with their wolf ancestry. In this article, we’ll break down the whys and hows of a husky’s dramatic nature so you can learn the best way to manage your howling pup.
Things You Should Know
- Huskies are naturally vocal and expressive. Because of this, they can come across as dramatic or loud.
- Huskies are also extremely sensitive and intelligent and may react dramatically to things that make them uncomfortable.
- Managing a husky’s energy with plenty of exercise and mental stimulation can help curb dramatic outbursts.
Steps
Section 1 of 5:
Why are huskies so dramatic?
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They're energetic. Siberian Huskies are a bundle of energy! They’re a high-energy breed and need lots of exercise and mental stimulation to be happy. Their dramatic nature may simply have to do with all their pent-up energy—they just want to play, run, and jump! [1] X Trustworthy Source American Kennel Club The American Kennel Club (AKC) is a purebred dog pedigree registry in the United States. The AKC advocates for the responsible ownership of dogs and promotes purebred dog events, such as the Westminster Dog Show. Go to source
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They're very vocal. Huskies are one of the most vocal dog breeds. They love to bark, howl, and “talk back.” They’re not trying to sass you—they’re just expressing themselves! [2] X Trustworthy Source American Kennel Club The American Kennel Club (AKC) is a purebred dog pedigree registry in the United States. The AKC advocates for the responsible ownership of dogs and promotes purebred dog events, such as the Westminster Dog Show. Go to source This need to express themselves and communicate is an instinct. Huskies are close relatives of wolves. To a husky, howling and barking is how they communicate with their pack or loved ones. [3] X Trustworthy Source American Kennel Club The American Kennel Club (AKC) is a purebred dog pedigree registry in the United States. The AKC advocates for the responsible ownership of dogs and promotes purebred dog events, such as the Westminster Dog Show. Go to sourceAdvertisement
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They're intelligent. Huskies are naturally smart and extremely clever. [4] X Trustworthy Source American Kennel Club The American Kennel Club (AKC) is a purebred dog pedigree registry in the United States. The AKC advocates for the responsible ownership of dogs and promotes purebred dog events, such as the Westminster Dog Show. Go to source Because of this, they may not fall for the typical human-dog tricks. They know how to read you (and potentially outsmart you), which can give them a slight attitude and stubbornness.
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They're joyful and friendly. Believe it or not, a husky’s lovable and huggable personality may cause their dramatic mood swings. Huskies love to be around other people and animals. [5] X Trustworthy Source American Kennel Club The American Kennel Club (AKC) is a purebred dog pedigree registry in the United States. The AKC advocates for the responsible ownership of dogs and promotes purebred dog events, such as the Westminster Dog Show. Go to source When they’re with others, they can be adorably dramatic as a way to get attention. Similarly, when they’re lonely, they may be extra loud or expressive to say, “Hey! Play with me!”
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Section 4 of 5:
How to Manage a Husky’s Drama
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Focus dramatic energy with obedience exercises. Help a husky manage their energy by teaching them basic commands . Have them enrolled in obedience training classes or teach them how to “come,” “sit,” and “drop it.” [8] X Trustworthy Source American Kennel Club The American Kennel Club (AKC) is a purebred dog pedigree registry in the United States. The AKC advocates for the responsible ownership of dogs and promotes purebred dog events, such as the Westminster Dog Show. Go to source
- Find obedience classes near you by searching “obedience training classes near me” online.
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Redirect dramatic behavior with playtime. Playing with a hyper husky can help them regulate their emotions. If you have a husky, make sure to schedule in playtime throughout the day. Play fetch, tug-of-war, or hide and seek to give them a chance to run around and let off some steam. [9] X Trustworthy Source American Kennel Club The American Kennel Club (AKC) is a purebred dog pedigree registry in the United States. The AKC advocates for the responsible ownership of dogs and promotes purebred dog events, such as the Westminster Dog Show. Go to source
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Reinforce positive behavior with treats and praise. When a husky does something good, reward them! If you have a husky, “pay” them to make good choices. Use a praising word or training treat to let them know what behaviors they should repeat in the future. [10] X Trustworthy Source American Kennel Club The American Kennel Club (AKC) is a purebred dog pedigree registry in the United States. The AKC advocates for the responsible ownership of dogs and promotes purebred dog events, such as the Westminster Dog Show. Go to source
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Offer mentally stimulating toys and games. Huskies are incredibly smart dogs, and they can get bored easily. If you have a husky, keep them entertained with plenty of mental stimulation. Choose toys and activities that make them think, like: [11] X Trustworthy Source American Kennel Club The American Kennel Club (AKC) is a purebred dog pedigree registry in the United States. The AKC advocates for the responsible ownership of dogs and promotes purebred dog events, such as the Westminster Dog Show. Go to source
- The muffin tin shell game. Fill the cups of a muffin tin with treats and cover them with tennis balls.
- A doggy ball pit. Fill a plastic kiddie pool with plastic balls and sprinkle treats on top.
- A tea towel snuffle mat. Place some treats in the center of a tea towel and fold and tie the towel over the treats.
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Expert Interview
Thanks for reading our article! If you’d like to learn more about caring for dogs, check out our in-depth interview with Rendy Schuchat .
References
- ↑ https://www.akc.org/dog-breeds/siberian-husky/
- ↑ https://www.akc.org/dog-breeds/siberian-husky/
- ↑ https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/advice/can-huskies-talk-and-what-are-they-saying/
- ↑ https://www.akc.org/dog-breeds/siberian-husky/
- ↑ https://www.akc.org/dog-breeds/siberian-husky/
- ↑ https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/advice/can-huskies-talk-and-what-are-they-saying/
- ↑ https://www.myhappyhusky.com/why-do-huskies-throw-tantrums/
- ↑ https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/training/how-to-train-a-siberian-husky/
- ↑ https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/training/how-to-train-a-siberian-husky/
- ↑ https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/training/expert-tips-for-dog-training/
- ↑ https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/lifestyle/do-it-yourself-cognitive-dog-toys-for-home/
- ↑ https://wagwalking.com/breed/top-dog-breeds-that-need-the-most-attention
- ↑ https://www.vetstreet.com/our-pet-experts/veterinary-professionals-pick-the-5-most-dramatic-dog-breeds
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