Know how to stop husky from digging
Huskies are very energetic. So much so that if you don’t provide them sufficient exercise, they’ll try to spend their ample energy in other manners. Some mischievous Huskies choose to destroy their owner’s furniture, others dig holes in the ground. Many Husky owners remain frustrated because of this annoying habit of their furry.
You wouldn’t believe how efficient these dogs are at digging. They take little time to dig really big holes. Give a Husky some time and they’ll dig a hole for your car. Huskies have very strong webbed paws and sturdy nails that help them in directing their energy this way. Digging can prove to be very dangerous for your Husky because they could accidentally uncover a utility line. Some Huskies are able to dig under the fences and escape.
So how to stop husky from digging?- A Detailed Guide
If your Husky is adequately trained, using the ‘stop’ command should help. Although, this wouldn’t prove effective at the times you are absent. The best method is to provide the Husky with some other means to spend their energy. This could be a puzzle toy that takes up their time and curiosity.
Huskies require up to two hours of physical activity on a daily basis. If you fulfill their need for exercise, they might stop digging. It is recommended that you never use negative reinforcement methods to control your Husky in such situations. This would confuse them rather than teaching them a lesson. However, negative reinforcement may be necessary for some situations where the Husky is especially stubborn and puts themselves in danger too often.
Provide them other alternative ways to spend their energy
Huskies have ample energy and when they are inadequately exercised, they spend that energy in vile means like digging. You could provide the other things they can waste their extra energy on. It is very important that you keep an eye on them while the digging habit is being broken and the new alternative is being utilized.
Engage them in exercise
As we have mentioned before, Huskies need about two hours of daily physical activity to remain happy and satisfied. Huskies are very energetic and playful. They tend to get bored when the physical activities are insufficient. Once they are bored, they resort to destructive behavior.
It is essential that you play with your Husky daily and engage them in exercise that burns their excessive energy. Once their boredom is cured, they’ll not have any reason to become an archaeologist.
Engage them in a pulling job
Huskies love pulling sleds. In fact, the first members of their breed were reared for this very purpose. Moreover, pulling is the best way of spending excessive energy. You can train your Husky to pull a cart or go for other modern forms of the sled. You wouldn’t believe how much Huskies enjoy tasks that involve pulling. Once they are satisfied after performing their favorite labor, they must not resort to digging.
Give them toys
If your Husky has toys that they can spend energy on, they might not resort to digging. There are many varieties of chewable toys that your Husky wouldn’t get tired of. You could also get those puzzle feeders that arouse their curiosity and keep them engaged for the love of treats.
Make a dog house
There is a reason behind your Husky’s digging behavior. The most primitive Huskies only existed in the Arctic regions that are always covered in snow. In these areas, Huskies usually dig a hole in the snow to make a sort of den for themselves. So basically, when your Husky digs a hole, they are following their primitive instincts.
Snow is a very good insulating agent and provides these dogs with sufficient warmth in the cold regions. Because your Husky does not have the snow, they manage to fulfill their instinctive desires for shelter by digging holes in your yard. It is suggested that you provide them with a suitable dog house in which they can remain protected from excessive heat and cold.
You would also need to train your Husky to use this dog house. Once they become accustomed to their new shelter, they should ideally stop digging holes.
Assign them a spot
You probably have a problem only because your Husky chooses to dig wherever they want. You can solve this problem by assigning them a convenient digging spot. You can choose a corner of your yard and train them to dig only in that area. Digging at this spot can be encouraged by placing their toys and treats at the spot and commanding them.
Use smart ways to discourage the digging
Even if you provide your Husky alternative ways to direct their surplus energy, they will require some time to stop. While teaching them how to be disciplined, you can employ some other means to discourage them from digging. You could bury things that they hate. So when they dig and come across such things, they’d be reluctant the next time.
Bury inflated balloons
Almost all dogs get frightened by the bursting sound of balloons. Coming across an explosion while digging may come as a surprise to your Husky so that they might not dig again. Although, your clever Husky could also learn to dig in other places instead of stopping the act altogether.
Instead of balloons, you could also employ hard rocks. Your Husky would be discouraged from digging further when they encounter such obstacles. If you are afraid that your Husky might swallow the pieces of the balloon, you must only use rocks. This method will only aid in the process of disciplining your Husky. It cannot be used alone.
Bury feces
This is as gross as it sounds. That’s why it will work. Huskies don’t like to be around their own feces. So if they dig the ground and find their own poo buried there, they’ll be discouraged from indulging in such an act again. This method must be employed in combination with other methods.
Create diversions
This method will work if you are around when your Husky is digging. When they start this activity, you can divert their attention elsewhere. You can introduce toys or indulge them in some game and then praise them when they move away from the digging area.
Only use positive reinforcements
Huskies find it difficult to understand punishments. They get confused and don’t realize why you are acting mean to them. So if you really want to discourage them from digging, only use positive reinforcements. It would be best if you divert their attention when they are digging and then praise them for instead playing with toys.
Understand why your Husky digs as he does
Huskies are very intelligent dogs. They won’t do something without a reason or understanding of their own. You need to analyze their needs and find out the reason that fits them. Huskies generally dig because of their primitive instincts to build dens.
In the snowy Arctic regions, the ancestors of Huskies used to dig in the snow to create pits where they can lie and rest. These dens made out of snow were warm and kept Huskies protected against the harsh weather. Female Huskies often made dens for childbirth. Sometimes Huskies made dens to escape any possible predators. You can analyze your surroundings and figure out whether they are facing any such conditions.
Huskies also tend to dig so that they can cool off in shade when the weather is especially hot. This act can also mean that they are looking for water. If there is no water available to your Husky, they might try looking for it underground. Make sure that your Husky has a constant supply of water. This could be an obvious reason if you live in a warm environment and your Husky needs to cool down often.
Another reason could be your Husky’s hunger. They may be following the scent of burrowing animals and digging after them. Ensure that your Husky’s dietary requirements are fulfilled. One must note that a probable reason for Huskies to dig is their boredom. Huskies need a lot of physical activity on a daily basis. In the absence of sufficient fun, they tend to get bored and then indulge in other ways to direct their surplus energy.
Some Huskies dig to grab their human’s attention. Note whether you are spending enough time with them. Huskies are very affectionate and social and they love to have company. If they are often alone, it is only natural for them to find other sources of entertainment. You must spend a happy time with your Husky so that they don’t feel alone.
Conclusion
Your high-energy-wielding Husky can definitely be deterred from digging. You can try to engage them in other activities that utilize their energy while imparting them adequate discipline. With time, your Husky will definitely learn to let go of this habit.