A common reason for choosing a Pomsky as a family pet is that they are a more manageable, apartment-friendly version of a Husky. This can then lead to these little dogs’ expectations exhibiting all the desirable Husky traits, just in a smaller dog. What does this mean when it comes to Pomskies barking?
Are they going to use their “voice” like their Husky mother?
Or, are you going to get a more yappy little lap dog that doesn’t know how to howl?
AND is there a risk of excessive barking from your Pomsky?
Do Pomskies bark a lot? The short answer is that Pomskies may develop excessive barking tendencies depending on their training and experiences. There is also the possibility that they will be able to howl. There is no actual behavior trait because of differences in genetic characteristics and how owners raise them.
What to Expect with Barking Pomskies
This all means that Pomsky owners must be aware of the potential for barking or howling and getting to know their dogs. As they get older and become accustomed to the home and family, you will begin to see personality traits where they may use barking. This could be a more yappy persistent bark from those that lean into the Pomeranian genetics.
Or, you may get more howling and other forms of vocalization from those that are more like their Husky mother. They can also experience different triggers. So, it is vital to consider the following.
- Is your Pomsky more like their Husky or Pomeranian parent?
- If they do vocalize a lot, what are the likely causes?
- How can you then deal with excessive barking and help your pet?
Pomeranians and Huskies have Different ways of Expressing Themselves
Pomeranians have the typical bark that you might imagine from a small dog. In some cases, these dogs will bark a lot because they know that it’s an excellent way to get what they want. Others won’t be as shrill or persistent.
Huskies, on the other hand, tend not to bark in a typical manner. Instead, they like to talk to their owners with a range of sounds, many of which are highly endearing. You could find that your Husky is relatively quiet or that they are a chatterbox when they want to be.
Howling is also a common trait with Huskies.
These differences between the two parent breeds mean that you are going to see differences between Pomsky puppies. You can’t assume that you will end up with a little chatterbox because they could be as prone to barking as their Pomeranian father or as quiet as their Husky mother.
Do Pomskies Howl?
A common question when considering a Pomsky as a potential pet:
The Husky tendency to howl and vocalize as they do raises questions about their offspring’s preferences.
Some Pomskies will inherit this trait and be able to chatter or howl in the same way. However, this is not a guarantee because of the genetic mix between the Pomeranian and Husky parents.
Howling is a desirable trait in Pomskies because it is deemed cuter in these small fluffy dogs. Owners encourage singing and talking, and there are lots of videos on social media celebrating this. However, you don’t want this vocalization to get out of hand.
You also need to be aware of when barking, howling, or singing becomes negative responses or excessive in any way.
Are Pomskies Yappy?
The other side of this mix of genetics is that you might end up with a little yappier dog as they take after their Pomeranian parent. Pomeranians aren’t necessarily excessive barkers, but there is a tone to their bark that can be quite grating. This may manifest itself if they get over-excited or need to express themselves.
As a result, you could find that the same happens with your Pomsky pup. They may develop the same tone, which could become a problem if you don’t handle any negative behavior traits early on.
Will Pomskies Bark at Strangers?
The tendency to bark can relate to the triggers dogs are exposed to. Some dogs won’t bark that much if they aren’t a particularly vocal breed and don’t encounter anything to upset them or make them protective.
Others are more inclined to make their presence known when confronted with threats to protect themselves or their pack. Both the Pomeranian and Husky make excellent watchdogs, and they can end up barking at people they perceive as threats.
Their Pomsky offspring may feel the same way and vocalize when new people enter the home. It is up to you whether or not you want to reward this behavior or curb it.
What are some other Common Pomsky Barking Triggers?
This desire to be a watchdog and bark at strangers relates to a desire to protect you and those close to them. They want to defend the family and territory from harm, and the best way to do so is to stop threatening people, animals, or others from getting too close.
However, there are other possible reasons why Pomskies may start barking a lot.
Pomsky barking could also be a fear response. This relates to this notion of outside threats entering the home and connected to other triggers that may startle them. Sudden loud noises like fireworks, alarms, or sirens could cause them to bark.
Unfamiliar things and situations could also be frightening, like new devices in the home or car rides to new places.
Then some dogs use vocalization as a means of getting their way. They may learn that barking for attention brings their owner to them, potentially with affection, treats, toys, or other positive rewards.
A simple association between barking and food, or barking and love, gives them the incentive to keep on doing it.
Finally, there is the possibility that your dog will begin to bark more because they are unwell or in pain.
It is one of the few tools they have to express themselves and ask for help.
If your Pomsky rarely barks but is suddenly more vocal, check them over to see if there is a problem. Of course, it is easier to miss the signs if you have a Pomsky that already barks for no apparent reason other than attention.
That is why it’s essential to control Pomsky barking early on with training and to understand the meaning behind their vocalization.
What can you Do to Stop your Pomsky from Barking so Much?
The first thing that you can do here is to remove any triggers where possible.
For example, if you know that your pup hates the vacuum, don’t use it while in the room.
If fireworks or storms stress them, get them something to soothe their fears. The more you work to limit the impact of distressing stimuli, the better the chance of minimizing barking.
At the same time, it helps keep them as happy and active as possible to decrease boredom. Pomskies barking through boredom need an outlet for their frustration. This is a smart little dog that needs stimulation throughout the day.
Puzzles and toys can keep them occupied when you can’t. This is also important when leaving Pomskys alone at home. A happy, engaged dog is less likely to start yapping for attention or personal amusement.
It also helps to start bark training from an early age. The sooner that they realize that barking isn’t desirable or effective, the better the outcome. Dogs learn to get their way through barking if you give them what they are after. Those that correct their dogs and reward them when they stop barking can have a better experience.
This can take time, but remember to be as patient and as positive as possible at all times.
This training can include simply ignoring the barking. This only works for dogs that are already in the habit of barking for attention. It is all about breaking that cycle where you come to them if they bark.
They may still associate corrective training with attention at first. Ignoring persistent barkers isn’t easy, but these smart dogs will learn quickly.
Final Thoughts
In short, there are risks that your Pomsky will use barking as a way of getting attention, vocalizing boredom, or showing signs of fear or distress. There is a time and place for barking, especially if you can train your Pomsky to howl only on cue or to bark at intruders.
But, you don’t want to reward excessive barking.
Please get to know your pet and understand how they bark and why. You could end up with a yappier Pomsky that becomes a lot calmer with the right training.
Or, you might get a pup that isn’t that vocal at all.
The critical thing to remember here is that Pomsky traits vary, and you can’t expect too much from them.
More info on Pomskies
- How Much Do Pomskies Cost in 2021? [Complete Price Guide]
- Are Pomskies Hypoallergenic? All You Need to Know And More
- Do Pomskies Like To Swim? All You Need to Know
- Can Pomskies Live in Hot Weather?
- Can Pomskies Be Left Alone?
- Do Pomskies Get Along With Cats?
- Do Pomskies Like to Cuddle?
- Are Pomskies Good Family Dogs?
Sources:
https://pomeranian-husky.com/do-pomskies-bark/
https://www.apomsky.com/how-to-deal-with-your-pomskys-barking/
