Do Huskies Bark A Lot? 6 Odd Reasons Why They Do

Last Updated/Info Checked on October 24, 2023 by Linda Michaels

I had two Siberian Huskies and they both were vocal to the point where I’d intervene with a training collar.

Not that I didn’t love their constant need for my attention but sometimes, the neighbors’ complaints would make me train them not to bark or howl. 

So if you ask do huskies bark a lot? They bark often but their vocalization is more than other breeds. That includes whining, howling, and other sounds.

To stop vocal breeds like huskies from barking, I advise you use corrective measures such as shock collars. They are humane when used properly and such good tools with positive reinforcement. The collars could also be used to let the dog recall well.

Here are some of the reasons why your pup bark most of the time. 

6 Reasons Why Huskies Are Vocal

Some dogs only bark when they wish to alert you while others even let out steam at the harmless squirrel gawking across the backyard. Huskies come in the latter. It wouldn’t be wrong to say that they come in the extreme right even there. 

Huskies do not only bark. They give out all sorts of different sounds to express themselves. They are expressive and if dogs could act in movies like people, Huskies would have nailed it. 

1. They Are Sensitive As Hell 

Sensitivity: ⅘

Huskies are sensitive in the sense that they cannot tolerate even a slight change in their environment. Talk about relocating to another place and you’re going to make a good case for him to bark the hell out.

I was very cautious about not moving things around in my dog’s space because that would make them nervous. The ensuing sounds weren’t bearable. 

It’s not to say that they get used to their surroundings and cannot move away from there. They were bred to pull on sleds, so naturally, they are inclined to explore new places with great pleasure.

However, it’s the transition from their old place to the new that takes a toll on their nerves. 

Their sensitivity also goes your way. A small reprimand could send them into a howling frenzy you didn’t want. Such delicate souls. 

2. Everyone’s A Best Friend 

Friendliness: 5/5

They aren’t’ watchful like most dogs. It’s like they want everyone to have what they have. What’s theirs is everyones.

But the flip side to that is their numerous sounds that may indicate elation, disappointment, or whatever they’re feeling on the inside. 

Those seemingly cold eyes have expressions behind them. Look deep into them and you’ll see. 

My friends had no problem bringing over their dogs to my house because my huskies were as welcoming as I. There was seldom any dog fight or unruly behavior on their part.

But they knew how to protect their limits, though. I had spent weeks helping them carve limits around them. The rest was up to them and they made me proud. 

See also: Do Huskies like to cuddle?

3. They Love The Outdoors 

Outgoing: 5/5

Huskies are escape masters. One of my clients had hired me to teach her husky to respect the fence. He would dig beneath it and run away only to come when he was hungry.

The dirt that he brought, not to mention all sorts of germs, was enough for the owner. She was also worried about his safety because he had a knack for running after cars. 

That dog took weeks before I taught him that going beyond the fence was going to bring that uncomfortable sensation under its neck. Positive reinforcement carved the routine in his brain and all was good after that.  

In between those lessons or sessions and his attempts to break away, he barked as if the devil had come for his soul. That was accompanied by whines, odd devilish sounds, and more. 

4. They Are Playful 

Playfulness: 5/5 

The breed knows how to keep itself entertained. They will throw a ruckus around the house.

Whenever my huskies would want to play, they would start running up and down the stairs, barking, howling, and doing all sorts of stuff to get their energy out or call me to help them.

Not that the energy hurts them, but their playful nature is one of the many ways it keeps connected to you. Partly, I attribute that to the breeder’s motives for bringing this breed in. 

They were bred to be working dogs, so they are naturally positioned to form a viable bond with you. Ignore that and you’ll see how they bark at you. 

5. Cannot Stay Alone 

Loneliness Tolerance: ⅕

Almost all the traits I talked about above converge to this point. They cannot stay alone for long. This trait also coincides with that of companion dogs such as the Chihuahua or Staffies.

I took great care of not leaving my dogs alone for long. Either I or their nanny would be with them. I had learned the hard way that leaving them alone was detrimental to my furniture. They would rip it open in protest. 

I have also a blog about husky separation anxiety so make sure you read that.

My neighbors would also complain about their non-stop barking when I did that. 

6. Needs Space 

Tolerance of small spaces: ⅖ 

Huskies are huge and so are their wanderlust souls that can’t seem to accommodate in small spaces. We have to give that to their purpose of breeding in the first place.

That’s why I don’t recommend them to first-time owners and not to apartment dwellers at all. 

The dog will let you know that it’s not okay with constant intrusions by the cars, neighbors, small rooms, and that bird pecking at the glass. Such drama queens they are. The barking is their way of telling. 

Conclusion 

Huskies do bark a lot. It’s not just barking but other sounds that accompany its efforts to get your attention. Besides that, the above-mentioned personality traits also make up good reasons for why they are so vocal.

You could try training them to not bark so much but most of the time that’ll be in vain. I recommend frequent training sessions to override the breed’s tendency to bark.