Why do huskies talk so much?
Why Huskies Talk So Muchcommunicate effectively with their humans and their other pack members as they traversed great distances.
Since sound carried across the endless wilderness, they developed loud, clear vocalizations to alert the pack of dangers or changes in the environment, to coordinate their movements during sled runs and/or hunts and to express their emotions when they got separated or when they were simply seeking attention.
Fast forward to Huskies as family pets. Blessed by genetics and heredity, naturally social and highly intelligent, they have a “musical range” unmatched by other dog breeds. This allows them to express an equally wide range of emotions. Their legendary vocalizations include:
Howls – their most iconic sound, they’re used to both express excitement and seek attention.
Chirps and yips – almost bird-like in nature, these noises express curiosity and/or joy.
Vocal bursts – Midway between a bark and a howl, these almost human-like sounds are what most people consider a “Husky conversation.”
Huskies never vocalize randomly to their owners. Their trademark penchant for “talking” occurs when they want to get their owners’ attention, express boredom or frustration, especially if they’re left alone too long, communicate their excitement or happiness after a walk or playtime and/or to warn them about something unusual happening nearby. As far as owners are concerned, their most gratifying experience is when their beloved Husky companions “talk” to them during a cozy evening at home.
Huskies often act like their owners’ personal alarm clocks by urgently “talking” at them and awakening them in the morning. Contrary to their humans’ worst fears, their pets are simply using their vocal “gifts” to manipulate them into feeding them breakfast STAT or talking them for a walk.
Unlike other dogs who bark to make their point and then relax, Huskies often engage in extended vocal “conversations” with their owners. It’s as if they’re discussing their day with them or imparting some profound Husky words of wisdom to them – leaving their owners to nod along and pretend (or is it wishful thinking?) to understand.
Huskies will often howl at “friends” only they can see in what their owners perceive as empty spaces. Could it be that they’re trying to connect with some secret Husky society? While puzzling to people, this behavior is natural and part of their instinctual pack communication.
Although the breed’s tendency to “talk” heightens their personalities, it can prove overwhelming for some owners. If you’re one of them, the first step to channeling this behavior constructively is learning what triggers your particular Husky’s vocal outbursts. The most common triggers include boredom, excitement or anticipation before playtime, e.g., anxiety, discomfort and stress, and the desire for your attention.
Knowing the cause or causes can, therefore, help you respond more effectively. Huskies are energetic, clever dogs, and if yours is “talking” because he's bored, e.g., remedy this through daily exercise and mental stimulation. This includes going on long walks, runs or hikes, socializing him with other active dogs, providing him with interactive toys and puzzle feeders, and attending training sessions with him to challenge his native intelligence.
You can also teach him a command like “quiet” or “enough.” And while training your Husky to understand one of them requires patience, it’s more than worth the effort. The keys to your mutual success include generously rewarding his silence, ignoring his vocalizing to avoid encouraging it, using a consistent command and tone, and re-directing his attention to toys or another activity.
If your Husky is vocalizing because he’s anxious or lonely, provide him with comfortable resting spots near all family areas. Then, whenever you leave, provide him with soothing background sounds like music or the TV, crate train him to relax inside it with his favorite toys and treats if it makes him feel safe and, above all, ensure consistent routines to decrease his stress.