Huskies and Sticks
Have you noticed how happy your Husky is simply carrying around a stick? Have you ever wondered if this behavior could also be harmful?
According to veterinary behaviorists, stick carrying not only taps into your Husky’s instincts and curiosity, in most cases, it’s a normal expression of canine exploration and play. Stick carrying often stems from their natural retrieving instinct and their history as working dogs. Holding an object such as a stick feels rewarding to them since it mimics the way they once carried their prey. Carrying sticks can also be seen simply as a form of play solicitation.
(Are you in the habit of praising your Husky whenever they carry around a stick they discover during a casual stroll or on any outdoors adventure together? If so, they haven’t only picked up a stick, they’ve also “picked up” on your reaction to it. Being highly intelligent, they learn that carrying a stick attracts your attention, from laughter to engagement, which unintentionally reinforces their behavior).
When your Husky races towards you with a stick in their mouth, this can be their way of saying, “Let’s play a game of tug or chase!” While some dogs genuinely love sticks, your Husky may be more likely to carry sticks if other dogs around them are doing it. On the other hand, the scent and texture of wood can be especially appealing to them, and chewing on a stick may feel rewarding or soothing or both. In fact, chewing can help relieve discomfort for teething Husky puppies and can also have a calming effect on puppies and adults alike in stimulating outdoors environments.
In many cases, according to the experts, stick carrying need not be corrected at all. Your Husky’s behavior does, however, require careful supervision and redirection if it becomes unsafe or problematic. Stick carrying can be risky for many reasons because of how easily the wood can splinter or break apart. The results of splintering and/or breaking include ingestion, gastrointestinal (GI) upset, intestinal irritation, obstruction, perforation and facial and/or oral injuries, particularly if your Husky is running or playing with a long stick. Not to mention causing potential injuries to people and other dogs if your Husky either swings the stick or collides with the stick when near them.
To err on the side of caution, it’s best to redirect your Husky’s passion if they exhibit such signs as chewing aggressively on the stick, attempting to ingest pieces of the stick, resource guarding the stick or engaging in competitive or conflict-based behavior around sticks with other dogs. Ultimately, you want to guide your Husky towards safer choices than carrying sticks without causing them stress, frustration or conflict around possessing any other items of theirs.
Consider then, these expert-recommended tips on how to redirect your Husky’s stick carrying when necessary: Promptly swap the stick for a safer item such as one of the many toys specifically designed for carrying or chewing. Teach and reward cues like “drop it” or “leave it” in a low-distraction environment (preferably inside your home) for essential safety before generalizing them to walks where sticks are abundant. Reinforce voluntary relinquishment by rewarding your Husky for either dropping or leaving the stick with plenty of praise, high-value treats and extra playtime. Remove your Husky’s access to any and all sticks, if possible, when they’re unsupervised outside on your own property.
Should these strategies fail to resolve the issue, consult a certified trainer or veterinary behaviorist if you notice these signs in your Husky: fixating on sticks in an obsessive manner, ignoring all of their other toys, constantly searching for sticks or becoming anxious when prevented from having a stick. These signs could indicate an underlying compulsive disorder that requires a professional assessment.