Dogs, particularly huskies, have their own list of quirks. A lot of these behaviors can be unique to your dog or that breed and aren’t really anything to think about. One of those behaviors involves digging, particularly in their dog bed.

If your husky has been digging in its bed, it helps to know why it is doing so and what can be done about it. Here is everything that you need to know about how to keep a husky from digging.

Why Do Huskies Dig in Their Beds?

The reason why huskies dig in their bed is actually quite simple. For the most part, they are doing so because it helps them make their bed more comfortable. But that isn’t the only reason why they are doing so.

Marking Territory

Just like any other kind of animal, dogs have certain scent glands that allow them to mark a territory with pheromone. When they scratch, it is their way to show other animals or humans that this is their territory.

Curiosity

Dogs also tend to dig when they are trying to investigate. If you have given them a new bed, they might dig because they aren’t familiar with it and want to see what it is all about.

Anxiety

The digging can become compulsive and even wind them up a bit. When that happens, it could be an indication that they have an anxiety issue. Consulting a vet is the best way to handle it as they can help manage that anxiety.

How to Keep a Husky from Digging?

There are a few ways in which you can keep your husky from digging. The first is to redirect them. Encourage them to keep their toys elsewhere if they are hiding them in their bed. It gives them a clear indication that they are not supposed to be digging in their bed.

Sometimes, they might be digging in their bed because it gives them a mental workout. To curb that, use a snuffle mat. It can give them something else to dig at and tell them that digging in their bed isn’t ideal.

Finally, increase their activity. This is different for different dogs, but running, walking, swimming, playing fetch, or taking part in any number of activities can help them burn off that excess energy. All of which can keep them from feeling the need to start digging in their beds.

If you find that you are giving them plenty of physical exercise, but they still show that they are restless, implement some more mental stimulation. Even just spending more time with them can be enough to curb that digging as it pops up.

Besides, check to see if they are stashing food in their bed. Sometimes huskies can abscond with food and hide it in their bed, digging it up when they think that you aren’t looking. The last thing you want is bugs getting into your home because your husky is a scavenger.

How to Stop a Husky From Biting?

Equally as important as how to keep a husky from digging is how to keep it from biting. When huskies are puppies, in particular, they are more prone to nipping and biting. This is partially because of teething, but they also learn using their mouths.

The good news is that you can curb that behavior quite easily. Don’t give them time-outs for a hard bite. It is too late at that point, and the potential for injury is there. When they give even a slight touch of teeth to skin, put them in a time-out.

Whenever you feel that contact, give a high-pitched yelp as well. This will indicate that what they have done is bad and potentially hurt you. Walk away and don’t give them attention for 30 to 60 seconds.

You can also replace your hand with a toy. It shows them that they should be biting the toys, not your skin. It takes time and persistence to get them used to knowing when and where they can bite. Don’t lose patience, and make sure that you reward them each time that they make the transition from a bite to a toy or stop altogether.

Mental Stimulation for Huskies

Mental stimulation is crucial for your husky. They are one of those high-energy breeds that require regular exercise and mental stimulation to keep them healthy and engaged. If they don’t have regular mental stimulation, they can become bored and even destructive.

Believe it or not, hide and seek can be a great way to keep them active. They will love to attempt to come find you, turning it into a fun game that keeps them engaged. Likewise, you can play hide and seek with certain toys, allowing them to go on the hunt to find the hidden toy.

There are any number of nose work games as well, where they can use their nose to point things out or lift them up. Agility training can be great as well, particularly while working on obedience training at large. Teaching them tricks can be beneficial and even further their obedience as well.

Sometimes all they need is a little attention. Playing with them, going on walks, or taking them for a run while you bike or jog can be effective as well.

Conclusion

There are any number of ways in which you can keep your husky’s dog bed from getting scratched up or stop your husky from digging altogether. Mental stimulation is crucial for huskies as they are a high-energy breed that requires regular stimulation.

Make sure to play with them, take them on walks, and give them mentally stimulating toys that will keep their attention and burn off some of that energy. Before long, the digging should be kept to a minimum if not stopped entirely.