Do Huskies Like to Cuddle?

Do Huskies like to cuddle? Do fish like water? Do babies like mother’s milk? Do birds like to fly? The answer is starting to become clear, is it? Because of a Siberian Husky’s temperament, a normal, well-socialized, happy Husky affection is second nature.

So, do Huskies like to cuddle? Yes! Oh boy, yes, Siberian Huskies love to cuddle, nuzzle, snuggle, kiss and hug. Most of them.

Just like people, not all Huskies are the same. So some will smother you with affection and demand attention all the time, while others may be more aloof and reserved. But generally speaking, Huskies are some of the most cuddlesome dogs of all breeds.

Huskies Cuddle on Their Own Terms

Now before you go “Awwwww!” let’s just remind ourselves of what the Husky temperament is like.

Huskies are pack dogs, so they do not like to be alone. But they are just as happy, maybe even more so, with other dogs than with humans.

So they will play, lie and sleep together. Often you will see them curled together.

Cuddling.

Of course, we apply a human term to an animal situation. They probably do not think of it as cuddling, but they sure know what body warmth is!

On the other hand, they will show in no uncertain terms to both dogs and humans if they want to be left alone.

If you attempt to cuddle a Husky that’s not interested, it will resist.

It will move away and may even lift a lip. Now is not the time to try to be the alpha dog. If you keep trying to get it to cuddle when it does not want to, it will become harder each time for you. Remember these dogs are super stubborn and will not be coerced.

Don’t expect your Husky to be needy.

It is an independent, self-sufficient dog and it knows it. It can get a cuddle anywhere, it often seems to say when it flounces off just when you were getting to the awwww stage.

As with all things dog, the time to teach it that cuddles are good is when it is still a puppy. It is now more commonly believed that animals should be familiarized with the human touch. It is even a policy with some vets and animal handlers to treat animals with a gentle touch and with as little as possible restraint.

Cuddle your Husky puppy gently and with consideration:

Do not grab it when it is eating or sleeping.

If you can see its eyes moving underneath the lids, it’s dreaming and it may nip at you if you then grab it to hug it. Because it is a rude awakening out of a dream and his first reaction is to lunge at whatever has disturbed him.

Not interfering when a puppy or dog is eating is supposed to be a no-brainer. When it is small it can’t do much, but if you combine it with cuddles it will learn to associate cuddles with being removed from its food.

Not good for you.

It also should be left alone when it is exploring and investigating. It needs to be stimulated and socialized when young. A Husky puppy is naturally inquisitive and should be hugged AFTER it has explored – positive reinforcement of an enjoyable experience!

That said, do remember that you should not overdo it on the hugs and cuddles.

The pup needs to get used to being left alone, even more so if it is the only animal in the household. Otherwise, the chances are that you are going to sit with a dog with separation anxiety. A very hard condition to get rid of when it has already developed.

How do Huskies Show Affection?

So some Huskies will adore being cuddled and others will most decidedly not. That does not mean that they do not show affection, they just do it differently. You need to observe and learn to tell when it is feeling affectionate.

1. Holding Hands

Holding hands – or more accurately, he may take your hand gently in his mouth and hold.

This is his version of showing affection. He is telling you that you can trust him that he will not bite you.

Allow him to do it, don’t shake him off and run to the tap to wash your hands. Do that afterward when he’s not looking.

2. Rubbing Against You

Rubbing against you – rubbing against your legs or any other part of your body, while often only briefly, is still a sign of affection.

Sometimes they may just sit next to your legs, touching.

Or lie on the couch in your personal space.

The dog is saying “Hey there, glad you’re here with me!”

…or something similar in Siberian Husk-ese.

3. Bringing You His Favorite Toy

Bringing you his favorite Husky toy – now we know they love to play and will try anything to get you to join.

But favorite toys are special.

They usually will be very possessive about those (or a specific one) and not share them with anyone.

My precious is mine! All mine!

So when they offer you their favorite toy to come and play, it’s a huge deal. It shows more affection than the gesture seems to merit but it is something they may actually never do. So if it happens, make a huge fuss, play, play, play. Your Husky loves you!

4. He Yawns With You

He yawns with you – yawns can mean different things. It is known as an appeasement gesture.

Dogs yawn when they feel uncomfortable or think that a threatening situation may be at hand. But if they yawn in response to your yawns, it’s a good sign.

When you yawn and your Husky yawns with you it means that he is in tune with you, showing that you are mates. What you do, is good with me bro!

5. Nudging or Nosing

Nudging or nosing – this may be interpreted as kissing but this is not always affection, he is probably telling you that he wants to play.

But if he punches you with his muzzle, pay attention.

He is seriously telling you something and it may be that you are bothering him.

How to Put Him Off Cuddling

Yes, you may be doing things that your Husky, or most dogs, do not like at all. If you continue to do it, it may put him off cuddling forever.

1. Do Not Husky Hug Him Too Much

Do not hug him too much.

And when you do, do not initially put your arms around his neck or body. He can experience it as constrictive, an attempt to capture him, and therefore a threat.

Exactly the opposite of what you want to convey!

Rather stroke or pat him on the back, and if he allows it, on the chest.

How do you know he doesn’t like it?

Just like humans, he will lean away from you, avert his eyes, lick his lips or start yawning.

2. Stay Away From the Face

Petting his face or the top of his head is not enjoyable to a dog.

Leave his face alone, rather rub his ears or his belly.

3. Don’t Lean

Don’t lean over your Husky.

Surprised?

You may not even know you are doing it. I mean…how else are you supposed to get down to his level?

But this move is seen as an attempt by you to assert dominance.

So if you want to hug or cuddle or rub, rather get down next to it, preferably sideways, and then do your thing. 

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