Help! I have had my neighbour complaining again that when I go out my Siberian Husky howls. They say something must be done. I know that he does not do it every time as I have walked past to check he has not been making a noise on occasion, but I realise that it can be annoying. My husky is 13 months old and I never leave him for more than a few hours ( v.occasionally 4 hours). Last month my older dog died and I wonder whether another dog would help with his separation anxiety when I am out?

Please does anyone have any ideas?

Does anyone have a husky?

Huskys, hounds and I guess some other dogs howl when separated from the pack, so I am not sure what you can do. Getting another dog may help or they might both do it because you have left the pack. May be getting a dog of one of the quieter breeds would solve the situation, perhaps a well adjusted rescue of a quite disposition.

I think you need to sort out how much your Husky is howling and for how long.  It is quite normal for them to make about a minutes worth of noise about 10 mins after they are left....especially if they are left at regular times.  They will often also start just before you get home...again about 10 mins before but only for a minute.

This is not an unreasonable amount of noise and is a lot less irritating than a constantly yapping or barking dog :-)

Your neighbour could well be exagerating this amount.  A noise activated tape recorder would give you an idea of how long & how often your dog is noisy.

If it is only once or twice and you find that unacceptable you must ask why you got a husky ;-) as they are known for their noise.  If it turns out to be a lot of noise in a day, then a radio left on for company may do the trick :-) but it is more likely he is missing his mate.

I agree with Sarah - make a tape, so you know just what is going on - it may be something like the postman is triggering the behaviour.

BTW - you may find your dog recognises your footsteps, so stops howling as it believes you are returning, only to start again when you are out of earshot :(

I have three huskies that stay outside during the day.   I can`t say that they make any noise at all as my neighbours builder didn`t even know we had them outside until I showed him (after a week of working next door).  So I wouldn`t say they are a noisy breed. The only time they make a "woo woo noise" is when we go outside to let them in for the evening.

Have you tried the usual things like providing toys, leaving the radio on etc? Huskies are pack animals and probably miss having the company of another if it is something they are used to.  What sort of reaction do you get when you come home?  Sometimes if you fuss too much on your return it can exacerbate the problem.

Husky Rescue is definitely a good place to consider for a playmate, just ensure you select the pack member carefully to avoid any potential hierarchical pack conflicts that can occur if for example you introuduce another of a similar age that is just as dominant etc, otherwise the noise problem could escalate!

huskies are very much a pack animal and he could be grieving for his lost mate, or has he always howled when you leave?  if he is normally quiet when you leave then being suddenly left alone will be upsetting for him when he has been used to another dog or youself for company.  you could try leaving the tv or radio on so he can hear a human voice.  there is a lot of info on the net about helping dogs with seperation anxiety, have a look as i think it would be wise to over come this problem first before introducing another dog as you could just be doubling the trouble and the noise, as sibes are are a noisy breed and when 2 get going they can really scream the house down!
kelly