How to Keep My Alaskan Husky From Barking

Your dog speaks its own language. It might be hungry or bored. There might be a stranger approaching your backyard. When your husky barks, it is trying to communicate a message to you. Sometimes the message is important. Your dog may be telling you a stranger is approaching or that he has to go potty outside. Other times a husky might bark excessively when he is bored or has too much energy to burn. If the barking is a problem, however, you should teach your husky to be quiet on command.

Things You'll Need

  • Whistle
  • Metal can
  • Coins
  • Dog treats
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Instructions

    • 1

      Construct or purchase a noisemaker. A whistle will work, or you can fill a metal can with beans, corn or coins. Seal the can with duct tape so that you can rattle it when your husky starts to bark.

    • 2

      Interrupt your husky when it begins to bark. Shake the can or blow a whistle to get its attention. Say the word "quiet" at the same time. Reward your husky with praise -- and a click if you are training with the clicker method -- the instant the dog stops barking. Give him a dog treat. This will teach him that he gets a reward for being quiet.

    • 3

      Increase the length of time your husky must stay quiet before you reward him. Rather than rewarding it instantly, wait for five seconds, then 10 the next time. Increase the interval until your husky can stay quiet for several minutes without being rewarded.

    • 4

      Stop using the can or whistle to interrupt your husky's barking and rely on your verbal command. Slowly eliminate dog treats as a reward as well. Your husky should begin to quiet down on command with only your praise as a reward.

    • 5

      Desensitize your dog to any stimuli he sees as threatening. If your husky is afraid of skateboards, for example, he may bark excessively when they pass by the fence. Have a friend ride a skateboard by repeatedly while you use the "quiet" command and reward your dog for staying calm.

    • 6

      Ignore your husky when he barks to get attention. Resist the urge to yell, snap or even say "no." When your husky barks for attention, it doesn't care if it gets a positive or negative response. Ignore this type of barking completely until your husky quiets down, and then give him the attention it wanted. This will teach him that barking does not get attention, but being quiet does.