With their beautiful blue eyes and friendly, smart, gentle natures, it’s easy to see why huskies make popular pets.
These gorgeous dogs are pack-orientated and were initially bred as sled-pullers in Siberia.
They are easy to recognize by their distinctive markings and thick fur coats and are considered both resilient and hard-working.
Together with this, they are notorious for being quite energetic and needy, and therefore fare best in scenarios where they receive plenty of exercise and attention.
Huskies are famously vocal dogs, who love communicating with their fur family and other animals.
They rarely bark, but love to whine and howl, especially if they’re trying to convey something.
Why do huskies whine?
Siberian Huskies whine to indicate that they are hungry or that they need to go outside and use the bathroom. They also become vocal if they are bored or frustrated. In some cases, huskies whine in response to high-pitched sounds. Finally, a husky may whine to signify that it is scared or in pain.
What does a husky want when it whines
Huskies are very adept at letting their owners know that they need something and will often do so by emitting distinct wolf-like howling and whining sounds.
I generally find that this isn’t any cause for concern.
A pup might be whining to let it be known that it’s dinner time, so check to see if it’s nearing a time when they are usually fed.
Similarly, they may also communicate if nature is calling. If this is the case, it’s advisable to re-evaluate how often they have access to their outdoor spaces, so you can ensure their maximum comfort.
If those are not the issues at hand, a point to consider is that huskies often whine to signify that they’re bored.
They love physical activity and entertainment hence the need to keep them busy for most parts of the day.
I find that dogs who live alone with their owners require great amounts of attention and exercise to expend their excess energy.
If one is not able to spend a lot of time with them, a companion in the form of another dog may be the solution to alleviating a husky’s loneliness.
Another interesting reason behind this animal’s vocal nature relates to their history as pack dogs.
As they are used to living in groups, they howl and whine to communicate their whereabouts to one another.
As a result of this, they often whine in response to high-pitched sounds in their environments too.
Sirens, alarms, crying sounds, and so forth may elicit a vocal reaction from a husky who is trying to communicate in return.
Finally, one of the sweetest reasons that huskies whine is because they either think that they are lost, or that their owners are lost.
Through whining and howling, they are simply hoping to find their way back to their companion.
When a whine is a cause for concern
As with most animals in distress, there is also a possibility that a husky is whining because it is in pain or afraid.
I recommend paying close attention to their body language to see if it elicits any clues about their state of mind.
If a husky is in pain, it needs to be dealt with. Dogs showing signs of being in pain or not feeling well need to be taken to the vet for evaluation.
Alternatively, if I think my dog is afraid of something, I know that the best port of call is to identify what the cause of its fear is so that I can remove the triggering obstacle from its environment.
Ways to stop my husky from whining
Huskies respond well to training, but it needs to be consistent.
To successfully train your husky to whine less, it is necessary first to identify what is causing them to whimper and moan in the first place.
The temptation to soothe a husky’s whining often worsens the problem, as they will begin to view it as an effective means of gaining their owner’s attention.
There are several methods for training huskies, but most of them come down to the same base principle – positive reinforcement for good behavior.
I mentally take note of what my dogs view as rewards.
For example, a biscuit or a belly scratch. From there on, I will reward them for good behavior, and not when they are being disruptive by whining.
Frequently Asked Questions About Why Huskies Whine
How can I get my husky to listen to me?
Huskies are pack animals, and therefore instinctively respond to hierarchy. I would highly recommend that any husky be properly trained and socialized so that they don’t end up calling the shots rather than their owner.
Is a husky a good guard dog?
As vocal as they might be, huskies are not exceptionally good guard dogs, as they seldom bark, preferring rather to whine and howl. They are also very friendly and social.
Can huskies be left alone in the garden or house?
Huskies get bored easily, so they may get up to mischief if they are not receiving enough entertainment and exercise to expend their excess energy. A happy husky is plenty stimulated and receiving enough attention and care.
Conclusion
It is important to remember that each husky is unique, and while some are more vocal, others are quieter and prefer not to whine and howl.
Either way, these beautiful pups make for wonderful and rewarding pets so long as their owners are aware of their needs.