How to Train a Husky to Stop Barking
Jump to section
Introduction
The Husky is very vocal by nature; your furry friend will have no problem at all letting you know just how he feels. Huskies make a variety of noises, including barking, chirping, whining, and, of course, howling. The good news is that Huskies rarely bark, they would much rather howl or chirp. The bad news, your pooch will never get tired of hearing his own voice, but you can bet your neighbors will.
Of course, since Huskies prefer not to bark, they are not exactly the best guard dogs. Sadly, given their personalities, they are far more likely to make friends with an intruder than bark and scare him off. Of course, since barking is the way in which most dogs communicate with you and each other, you should never attempt to completely silence your dog. But, what you can do, is teach your dog to stop barking when he doesn't have a good reason to.
Top
Defining Tasks
The job at hand is to teach your Husky that it is not okay for him to bark whenever he feels like it. Since barking, along with the other noises your pup makes, are his way of communicating, trying to teach him not to "talk" can be a bit challenging. Keep in mind you should never punish your four-legged friend for his mistakes. Use positive training methods involving praise and treats as these will be far more successful.
Top
Getting Started
Although most forms of training have a very long list of supplies, teaching your Husky not to bark has a much smaller list. Here is your supply list:
- Treats
- Time
- Patience
The rest is all about continuing to work with your pup until he has learned when it is okay for him to speak and when he needs to be quiet. Be sure you find time to let him cut loose and sing his own song, this will make it much easier for him to remain quiet when he needs to.
Top
The What Did You Say? Method
Effective
0 Votes
Effective
0 Votes
Lots of treats
If you don't already have an ample supply of your pup's favorite treats on hand, run out to the store and get a large bag of them.
Find the right spot
Chances are good that your Husky has one or two places in your house where his barking is triggered. Observe your dog and find those spots, then start spending time with him in these spots.
What did you say?
When your pup does his thing and starts barking, your role at this time is to simply ignore him. That's right, just because he has something he feels like saying, doesn't mean you need to listen to him.
Give him time
Give your Husky all the time he needs to say his piece. At some point, he will stop on his own, and when he does, your job is to be ready with praise and a treat. Repeat these steps over the course of several days until he learns that stopping his barking earns him praise and treats.
Time to add your cue word
Now that he has a basic understanding of what you want, start adding your cue word. Use something simple like "Quiet" as this will be easy for your pooch to understand and connect it with what you expect of him.
Hard work required
The rest is all about continuing to work with your Husky until he learns to be quiet and will stop barking on command. Your neighbors are sure to appreciate your efforts and the ensuing silence.
The Speak Your Piece Method
Effective
0 Votes
Effective
0 Votes
Teach 'speak'
For this method, first teach your dog to bark on command. With barking put on a cue, it will be easier to teach a command to stop barking.
Call your dog
Call your dog over to you and have him sit in front of you. Go ahead and tell him he is a good boy and give him a treat.
Give the 'speak' command
Give your dog the 'speak' command. Let him bark for a couple of seconds, and then give him a "Quiet" command.
Pay close attention
Pay very close attention to your Husky. The moment he stops barking, praise him and give him a treat.
How quiet can you go?
Start spreading out the time between when your pup stops barking after you give him the 'quiet' command and when he gets his treat. This teaches him two things: One, it teaches him not to bark all the time. Two, it teaches him that the only time he gets a treat is when he stops barking.
Keep up the good work
Keep up the good work and in time your pup will only bark when you tell him to or when there is a very good reason for it, such as a stranger in the yard.
The Why Did You Do That? Method
Effective
0 Votes
Effective
0 Votes
Lots of treats
Take a look at your puppy treats stash. If you don't have a plentiful supply of them, head out to your favorite pet shop and stock up.
Watch your dog
Keep a close eye on your pup and when he starts off on a barking jag, let him go until he feels that he has said all there is to say.
In the moment
Pay very close attention to your pup and the moment he stops barking, give him a "Quiet" command.
Reward!
Praise your dog and give him a treat. Repeat this step over the course of several days to help him associate the command with the required action.
Set in stone
All that is left is to keep working with your pup, extended the time between falling silent and getting his treats. Eventually he will stop randomly barking and peace will rein in your house.
Written by PB Getz
Veterinary reviewed by:
Published: 03/16/2018, edited: 01/08/2021
Training Questions and Answers
Shadow
Husky
8 Months
Question
0 found this helpful
0 found this helpful
I have a husky who howls every time I put him in the cage and even if I say stop he will stare at me the just starts barking and howling all crazy. I’m trying to figure out how to make him stop because many of my neighbors complain about his barking and howling. What is your advice. :)
Jan. 10, 2021
Shadow's Owner
Caitlin Crittenden - Dog Trainer
1133 Dog owners recommended
Hello Chastity, First, work on teaching the Quiet command during the day using the Quiet method from the article linked below. https://wagwalking.com/training/train-a-shih-tzu-puppy-to-not-bark Second, during the day practice the Surprise method from the article linked below. Whenever pup stays quiet in the crate for 5 minutes, sprinkle some treats into the crate without opening it, then leave the room again. As he improves, only give the treats every 10 minutes, then 15 minutes, 20 minutes, 30 minutes, 45 minutes, 1 hour, 1.5 hour, 2, hour, 3 hour. Practice crating him during the day for 1-3 hours each day that you can. If you are home during the day, have lots of 30 minute - 1 hour long sessions with breaks between to practice this, to help pup learn sooner. Whenever he cries in the crate, tell him "Quiet". If he gets quiet - Great! Sprinkle treats in after five minutes if he stays quiet. If he continues barking or stops and starts again, spray a quick puff of air from a pet convincer at his side through the crate while calmly saying "Ah Ah", then leave again. Only use unscented air canisters, DON'T use citronella! And avoid spraying in the face. Surprise method: https://wagwalking.com/training/like-a-crate Repeat the rewards when quiet and the corrections whenever he cries. Best of luck training, Caitlin Crittenden
Jan. 12, 2021
Riley
German Shepherd Husky Mix
8 Months
Question
0 found this helpful
0 found this helpful
How do I teach my dog to stop barking so much at night and attacking? /playing type of thing.
Aug. 9, 2020
Riley's Owner
Alisha Smith - Alisha S., Dog Trainer
257 Dog owners recommended
Hello! There is no quick answer for this, so I am sending you a link about night time barking and you should be able to find a solution within this article. https://wagwalking.com/symptom/why-is-my-dog-barking-at-night
Aug. 11, 2020