Stop Husky Digging Holes: Expert Tips for a Well-Behaved Pet

Why Do Huskies Enjoy Digging?

Huskies enjoy digging holes for many possible reasons like:

• They are following their natural instincts.
• They are looking for a cooler place to rest.
• They are attempting to escape.
• They don’t have enough exercise or playtime.

Following Natural Instincts

Huskies are known for their hunting instincts, which you may have noticed if you’ve ever seen one trying to catch an animal buried under snow.

If a Husky senses something beneath the ground, whether by smell or sound, they won’t hesitate to dig to investigate. This can also apply to burying their possessions, like food, bones, and toys.

Burial is a common instinct in the wild to prevent other animals from stealing valuable resources.

Looking for a Cooler Place to Rest

If you live in a hot climate or experience warm summers, Huskies left in a yard may dig holes in search of cooler spots to lay.

This behavior is common among various breeds, as dogs will seek any means to cool down when feeling overheated.

Attempting to Escape

Huskies are notorious for being escape artists, often compared to Harry Houdini (a Hungarian American escape artist noted for his escape acts) in the canine world.

If they sense something interesting beyond the fence, they’ll try to jump over or dig under it to get there.

If you have a Husky, ensure your fences are at least 6 feet high to prevent escapes. However, consider their ability to dig under fences despite their medium-to-large size.

Insufficient Exercise or Playtime

As a high-energy breed, Huskies require intensive exercise and stimulation. Often considered the ultra-marathon runners of the dog world, they have abundant energy levels.

When they lack adequate exercise, Huskies can become understimulated and may resort to destructive behaviors such as digging.

Providing adequate exercise, maintaining a cool environment, and securing your yard can all help minimize this problematic behavior.

Is Your Husky Trying to Escape?

Your Husky might be trying to escape if you notice large holes dug next to your fence panel. As we discussed earlier, they are escape artists and can find ways to climb, jump, or dig to venture out of any enclosure.

To prevent this, you may need to keep your Husky indoors until you can secure your yard more effectively.

One useful method to stop your Husky from escaping under the fence is to install a metal cage section deep into the ground alongside your fence panel. This helps to stop husky digging holes around the fence, also protecting your flower bed (if you have any) from unwanted chewing or damage.

By using such a technique, you ensure your dog’s safety and protect your yard’s integrity, including any delicate flower beds and bone-like accessories.

How to Stop Husky Digging Holes?

If your Husky’s digging habits are becoming a problem, there are ways to stop them from doing it. Here are four quick and easy methods to try:

1. Monitor your Husky in the yard.
2.  Increase exercise.
3.  Designate a digging area.
4.  Use natural deterrents in former holes.

1. Monitor Your Husky in the Yard

Try to limit your Husky’s time in the yard without supervision. When present with your Husky, intervene if they start digging.

Firmly say “NO” to stop the behavior and distract them with a toy. If they cease digging, reward them with a treat.

You can train your Husky to stop digging when unsupervised through repetition and patience.

2. Increase Exercise

A Siberian husky needs to exercise regularly, as these dogs have a lot of energy. When adequately exercised, they are less likely to channel this energy into digging holes in your yard.

I recommend exercising a husky for at least two hours daily, which you can spread throughout the day, engaging in activities like running, hiking, agility training, or playing fetch in the park.

You will notice a positive difference in the Husky’s temperament with increased daily exercise.

3. Designate a Digging Area

If you have extra space in your yard, creating a designated digging area for your Husky can be extremely helpful in curbing their digging habit elsewhere.

Make sure the area is away from any fences to prevent escape attempts. When your Husky tries to dig elsewhere, firmly tell them “NO” and lead them to the designated area.

You can encourage digging in the designated spot by burying one of their toys or bones there. If they focus on digging in the assigned area, praise them.

4. Use Natural Deterrents in Former Holes

To discourage your Husky from digging in previously dug holes, use natural deterrents such as lemon peels, vinegar, coffee grounds, spices, or even their own feces.

These smells are unpleasant for all dog breeds and can effectively stop their digging habits.

How to Manage Husky Digging with Training?

Training is always a critical part of finding a solution when dealing with any behavior issues. It’s crucial to utilize positive reinforcement-based training when teaching a Husky.

This training approach involves rewarding your dog when they get it right, and if they make a mistake, gently guiding them in the correct direction without any reprimands.

I recommend guiding your Husky away from where they’re digging, taking them to their designated dig zone, encouraging them to dig there, and rewarding them when they do so.
Consistently repeating this process helps your Husky learn the association quickly.

The beauty of this method is that you’re not actually preventing your Husky from digging—you’re allowing them to do so, but only in a specific area.

Incorporating this kind of compromise is the most effective way for Huskies to learn; honestly, it’s a win-win situation. Your dog will be having a blast while behaving appropriately!