Why do Huskies Dig Holes so Much?

Why do Huskies dig holes? If you know anything about Siberian Huskies, you would know that they can be quite destructive if they are not trained properly. They have an energetic personality that, if not handled, can wreak havoc. One of the major concerns with the energetic Husky is the fact that they are likely to dig a lot of holes in the yard.

So, why do Huskies dig holes? Huskies will dig because it is their natural instinct to find shelter and hide away their food. They may also dig out of boredom, trying to follow a scent, or is too hot or too cold.

Knowing why Huskies dig so often and what you can do to stop this problem is crucial for the Husky owner. We’re going to break down the causes and solutions for each issue that may be occurring with your Husky.

4 Reasons why Siberian Huskies Dig Holes

There are four major reasons why a Husky may start digging incessantly. Luckily there are steps pet owners can take to ensure the problem is not recurring.

1. It Is a Husky’s Natural Instinct to Dig

The Husky is native to colder climates and the wilderness, which left them with a natural in-born desire to dig. They will either dig to find a warm place to lay their head at night or they might be digging to ensure there’s a safe spot to hide their food from the elements.

Solution: The best solution to this problem is to train your Husky. Huskies need to be trained to keep them out of trouble. An untrained Husky will resort to destructive behaviors, with their favorite destructive activity being digging. 

Training your Husky from a young age that they don’t need to seek out shelter, hide their food, or make the yard their personal digging grounds is key. The younger you start, the better.

You can keep these things in mind:

• Reward your pet for not digging in the backyard. Whenever you see your Husky digging in the yard, stop them immediately. Praise them when they are behaving correctly. Positive reinforcement is a Husky’s favorite thing, so always make sure you’re providing plenty of it.
• Offer plenty of toys and activities in the backyard. It’s crucial that your dog is distracted from his natural-born need for digging. That being said, provide him with plenty of toys and activities to ensure he won’t think about digging.
• Offer enough food and water. This goes without saying, but the Husky is used to living in an environment where he might not be so sure where his next meal is coming from. That being said, always make sure there is plenty of food on hand for your Husky.
• Cover up the holes. If your dog sees holes he dug up, he’s going to be more likely to start digging again. Lay those digging memories to rest and cover up the holes that have been dug in your yard. 
• Offer a special area for him to dig. If nothing else works, then you can always give your Husky a special place where he can let out his digging passion. This could be a sandbox that you would buy for a child in a store, or create one of your own. Just make sure there are boundaries so your Husky knows where to dig- and more important where not to.

2. When a Husky is Bored, He May Resort to Digging

One thing to keep in mind when having a Husky for a pet is the fact that they are very high energy and can become bored very easily. If you’re not up for the challenge of keeping your dog engaged in activities and exercise often, then this probably isn’t the breed for you.

As you might have guessed, Huskies aren’t the best dog breed for apartments.

A bored Husky will certainly decide digging is the best way to unleash pent up energy. 

Solution: Make sure you are doing plenty of activities with your Husky and let them unleash their energy with a lot of exercises. You will need to walk your Husky often, go running with him, take him to the dog park, take your Husky for a swim, or even let him pull you on a bike, sled, or another piece of equipment that can be pulled.

Oh, and dog toys when you’re ready for a break!

3. A Husky’s Strong Sense of Smell Can Lead to Digging

The Husky has a very strong sense of smell and has a strong prey drive as well, which means he will want to seek out whatever he is smelling.

This is a scary one because it is a main cause for daring Husky escapes.

If there are any rodents or animals that are burrowing in your yard, your Husky is likely going to keep digging until he eventually finds them and is able to prey on them.

Solution: The best fix for this digging problem is to have the animals safely removed from your yard, which will ultimately get rid of the scent that is causing them to dig holes. Remember that the holes should be covered up as to not remind the Husky that he truly enjoys digging (even though he isn’t supposed to do it in the yard).

4. If a Husky is Too Hot or Too Cold He Will Dig for Comfort

Huskies have thicker fur, which means they are more likely to get hot during the warmer seasons. On the other hand, even though the Husky is really designed for cold weather, it doesn’t mean he won’t want to seek out somewhere cozy to sleep.

If your Husky becomes too hot or too cold he will dig himself a shelter to find comfort.

Solution: Your best option is to provide a dog house in the yard for your Husky to rest in when he gets too hot or too cold. This shelter will replace his usual method of digging for comfort. Make sure it’s big enough to keep your dog happy and comfortable. Always ensure that the dog house is clean and free of any debris that could cause discomfort.

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