Key takeaways
A lost husky can be difficult to find. Their boundless energy and adventurous spirit mean locating them is a daunting task.
But it doesn't have to be! It's just like finding any other lost dog, just with a slightly bigger search radius.
We've put together a simple 3 step plan full of ways to find your pup, alongside the most common reasons why huskies run away so you can be reunited with your buddy as soon as possible.
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How to find a lost husky
1. A thorough physical search
Check for any signs of escape from the garden: This could be holes dug, fences damaged, or gates swinging open. It will give you an idea of the direction your husky ran away in.
Neighbors gardens: With permission, check your neighbors' backyard. It's likely your husky decided to embark on an adventure within your neighborhood. Be sure to check outbuildings, garages, bin stores, and sheds, as they may have become trapped.
Farms and fields: Our beloved huskies love to run. This means they are attracted to open spaces where they can explore miles of land, hence why fields and farms are popular hang-out places.
Abandoned buildings: If your dog is a little timid or shy, they may have decided to hide in an abandoned building. While an adventure may have seemed like a good idea at the start, when they realize they are lost, they may become frightened. If you think this could be the case, check quieter areas.
Parks and towns: More adventurous dogs will often choose the direction where they'll meet the most people and other dogs. This means parks, town centers, and shops are common places to find a confident dog.
2. Start a PetRadar search
Providing a free printable missing dog poster
Providing a personal dashboard in your account to manage your search
Offering guidance and support throughout
Listing your lost husky on our website
Thousands of people will be able to keep an eye out for your pup and report a sighting easily if they spot them.
3. Lure them back home
Leaving food outside: We know how food-obsessed our dogs are. If they get a whiff of their favorite food, they're likely to wander in that direction, meaning they're likely to find their way home.
Leave blankets outside: Another smell they are attracted to, sometimes even more than food, is their territory. Their territory includes their family. If you leave blankets and clothes outside that smell strongly of you and your house, your husky should be able to pick up on the scent.
Open windows and doors and call their name: Not only is a husky's sense of smell strong, but their hearing is also very powerful. This means familiar sounds like your family's voices will help them find their way back home. Thanks to their high-frequency hearing, they are able to determine the location of many sounds.
Why do huskies run away?
Energy
Curiosity
Discover new walks with your husky, and it'll keep them satisfied, content, and less likely to run away.
Instincts
Fight or flight: If our buddies feel distressed, then their fight or flight instinct can kick in, causing them to run away. Being left alone for too long, loud noises, and aggressive animals can all distress your pup. Be sure to keep their environment safe and calm and provide a secure area within the house where they can hide if need be.
Mating: If your furry friend hasn't been neutered, their desire to mate will be very strong. Whether they're a female in heat or a male picking up on the scent of a female, they are likely to run far away to satisfy the need.
Hunting: Huskies have a high prey drive, which means small animals like squirrels, cats, or even smaller dogs can be irresistible to chase. Not only can this be dangerous to other pets in your area, but it can also mean your husky is prone to running away and becoming lost. If you're in an area where you think this could be an issue, always keep them on the leash.
FAQs
Do huskies wander off?
Huskies are very intelligent and so can be trained to be very obedient off the leash. However, Huskies do still wander off because they are naturally curious adventurers.
What are the odds of finding a lost dog?
90% of lost dogs are found, so the odds of finding your missing pup are very high!
Is it common for huskies to run away?
It is common for huskies to run away because of their high prey drive, high levels of energy, and natural curiosity.
Are huskies notorious for running away?
Huskies are a breed of dog more likely to run away because of their independence and curiosity. This, paired with a high prey drive, means huskies are notorious for running away.
How far will a husky run from home?
A Siberian husky can run an impressive 150 miles in one day. However, more domesticated pups can usually manage around 10-20 miles.
Do huskies know their way home?
Yes, huskies do know their way home from familiar walks and places. Their homing abilities are very advanced thanks to their strong sense of smell and powerful hearing. However, if your husky is lost somewhere unfamiliar and far away from home, they may struggle to find their way back.
How far can a husky travel in one day?
A Siberian husky can run an impressive 150 miles in one day. However, more domesticated pups can usually manage around 10-20 miles.