👉 Get the Husky Essentials

Why Do Huskies Run Away? (4 Worrying Reasons!)

This post contains affiliate links. We will be compensated if you buy after clicking on our links, at no extra cost to you.

Why Do Huskies Run Away?
Why do huskies run away?

If you’re a husky owner, you know that these dogs have a reputation for being escape artists. It seems like every other day, you turn around and your husky is gone. But why do they keep running away? Let’s take a closer look at the reasons behind this husky behavior problem.

👉 Online Dog Training
Brain Training For Dogs
5.0

"Brain Training for Dogs" unlocks hidden intelligence and eliminates bad behavior in your pet. Developed by a certified trainer, this revolutionary program creates a well-behaved, obedient companion. Strengthen your bond and enjoy a happier, smarter dog. Get started now!

Pros:
  • Develops your dog's hidden intelligence
  • Eliminates bad behavior
  • Create an obedient, well-behaved pet
Learn More
We earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you.

4 reasons why your husky keeps running away

There are a few different reasons why huskies run away.

1. Your husky is bored

The most common one is that they’re simply bored. Huskies are notoriously high-energy dogs, and if they don’t have an outlet for that energy, they can become restless and destructive. This is often the case when huskies are left alone in a backyard with nothing to do.

Huskies run away because they get bored
This is Atlas, a houdini husky in the making! 🤦🏼‍♀️ Image from @atlas_the_threelegged_husky

2. Your husky isn’t getting enough love

Another reason why huskies run away is that they’re looking for companionship. Huskies are social animals, and they thrive on interaction with their human families. If they feel like they’re being left out or ignored, they may try to find someone else to spend time with.

This is often the case when huskies are left alone for long periods of time or when their owners are constantly busy and don’t have much time to spend with them.

3. Your husky is searching

Huskies run away because they are searching
This is Mika, a husky searching for something outside of her backyard… 🔭 Image from @lisa.doggo.adventures

The third reason why huskies run away is that they’re trying to find something – or someone – that they’ve lost. Huskies are very loyal dogs, and if they think that their family has moved away or disappeared, they may try to find them.

This could happen if your husky is left at home for an extended period of time. i.e. long enough for them to think you are gone and not coming back. They could also be searching for a scent they picked up during their last walkies with you down at the local park (this is more likely!).

4. Your husky wants to explore

The fourth reason is huskies are adventurous by nature and they’re always exploring their environment. If something catches their eye or interests them, they might take off after it without thinking about the consequences.

Wondering how far can Huskies smell? They can smell up to ~12 miles away! Imagine how many smells are within 12 miles… No wonder they want to explore!

Being an explorer is one of the reasons why people think huskies are weird. They like exploring so much that they can get into the weirdest and hardest places! 😂

For more reasons why huskies run away, read through this thread.

How to stop your husky from running away

So what can you do to keep your husky from running away?

  • First of all, make sure that you’re giving them enough exercise and exploring time! A good long walk or run will help burn off some of that excess energy and keep them from getting too restless.
  • Secondly, spend some quality time with your husky every day – play with them, pet them, and let them know that they’re loved.
  • Thirdly, make sure your fence is high enough. Knowing how high huskies can jump will determine your fence height. Over 6ft high should be safe.
  • And finally, be sure to keep an eye on them when they’re outside so that they don’t have a chance to wander off. If you follow these tips, you’ll help keep your husky happy – and at home where they belong!

If the above tips don’t help, read our training article about how to train a Husky to not run away.

Must-reads:

So, why do you think your husky runs away?

As you can see, there are a few different reasons why huskies run away. In most cases, it’s because they’re bored, lonely, or searching for a familiar scent.

If you’re having trouble keeping your husky at home, consider giving them more exercise, spending more time with them, or getting another dog for them to play with. With a little patience and effort, you should be able to keep your escape artist under control!

Why do you think your Husky runs away?

Share your thoughts in the comments section below.

Must read:

FAQ

Do huskies come back when they run away?

Huskies have an innate desire to return to their pack, whether that pack is their family or another husky or group of huskies. So most huskies will eventually find their way back home, especially if they have been trained to do so. Huskies are particularly good at running away because of their high level of energy and curiosity, but they also tend to be very loyal and persistent in finding their way back to their ‘family pack’.

How can I prevent my Husky from escaping?

To prevent your husky from escaping, it is important to provide them with enough physical activity and mental stimulation. Take your husky out for daily walks or runs, preferably for at least 1 hour. Engage them in activities that require them to use their brain, such as puzzle toys or obedience training. Make sure to also provide them with a fenced-in yard and never leave them unattended. Teaching your husky to listen to commands and rewarding them with treats for good behavior can also help in preventing them from running away.

What are some ways to train a husky not to run away?

Training a husky not to run away involves a combination of physical exercise, obedience training, and boundary training. Start by teaching your husky basic commands such as “sit,” “stay,” and “come.” Use positive reinforcement techniques, such as giving them a treat when they respond correctly. Gradually increase the difficulty level of the training exercises, such as practicing obedience commands near the front door or in the presence of distractions. Additionally, always keep your husky on a leash when going for walks or letting them outside to ensure their safety.

How can I keep my husky from running away when I open the door?

Huskies have a tendency to bolt out of open doors, so it is important to train them to stay in place when the door is open. This can be done through a process called “front door training.” Start by teaching your husky to stay in a designated spot when the door is opened. Use treats and positive reinforcement to reward them for staying put. Gradually increase the duration of time that the door is open while your husky remains in place. With consistent training, your husky will learn to resist the urge to run out of the door.

Are Siberian huskies more prone to running away?

Siberian huskies are known for their independent and adventurous nature, which can make them more prone to running away compared to other breeds. They have a strong desire to explore their surroundings and are not always reliable off-leash. It is important to provide them with proper training and supervision to prevent them from escaping.

How can I train my husky to come back when called?

Teaching your husky to come back when called is essential for their safety. Start by using a long leash during training sessions. Call your husky’s name and give a command such as “come” in a positive and enthusiastic tone. When your husky starts moving towards you, reward them with praise and treats. Practice this command in different environments with increasing distractions. Consistent training and positive reinforcement will help your husky become more reliable in coming back when called.

Is punishing my husky an effective way to prevent them from running away?

Punishing your husky for running away is not an effective or humane way to prevent this behavior. Punishment can create fear and mistrust in your husky, which may lead to other behavioral issues. Instead, focus on positive reinforcement training techniques to teach your husky what behavior is expected of them. Reward good behavior and redirect their attention when they show signs of wanting to run away.

How can I keep my husky entertained and prevent them from getting bored?

Huskies are intelligent and active dogs that require mental stimulation to prevent boredom. Provide them with puzzle toys, interactive games, and obedience training sessions to keep their minds occupied. Regular physical exercise, such as running or hiking, is also important to release their energy. Consider enrolling them in agility classes or other activities that allow them to use their natural instincts and abilities.

How long should I exercise my husky to prevent them from running away?

Huskies require a substantial amount of physical exercise to prevent them from running away. It is recommended to provide them with at least 1 hour of exercise every day. This can include walks, runs, playtime, or other activities that allow them to burn off their energy. However, keep in mind that the exercise needs may vary depending on the individual husky, so it is important to observe their behavior and adjust the exercise routine accordingly.

How can I keep my husky from escaping during walks?

To keep your husky from escaping during walks, always keep them on a leash and harness. Invest in a sturdy leash and harness that will securely hold your husky. Avoid retractable leashes, as they can give your husky too much freedom. Practice loose leash walking with your husky, rewarding them for walking calmly by your side. If your husky tends to pull or lunge, consider using a front-clip harness to have more control over their movements.

Why do Huskies run away? Watch our YouTube video to find out!
Photo of author
Author
Max Jacobs
Max Jacobs is the owner and lead author of Husky Gifts. He loves spending time with his family, who have two huskies. Max loves to write and is passionate about creating interesting and engaging content. To learn more, visit the team section of the about page.

Leave a Comment

Item added to cart.
0 items - $0.00