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As howling is a way for your dog to communicate vocally, there are several reasons why dogs may howl. These include getting attention, letting it be known they are there, and to make contact. Read on to find out more about why dogs howl and what you need to know.
No matter what age or breed, it is quite normal for any dog to howl at some point. Howling probably stems from the ancient behaviour of wolves letting others in their pack know their whereabouts. Or even to scare off other wild animals.
If your dog howls, they are probably trying to communicate something. It’s our job as their owners to work out what especially if this behaviour is excessive or unwanted.
If your normally quiet dog is howling, check that they are not injured. If you think this may be the case, but can’t see any obvious sign of injury, consult your vet.
Have you seen any YouTube clips where the dog is howling when the owner plays a certain song/instrument/sound and the dog howls along? Perhaps they hate the sound of the violin and want it to stop! Or perhaps they want to join in the chorus.
If your dog is left alone for long periods of time, he may be howling to get the attention of someone. It may be his instinct to try to let someone know he’s alone and he’s expecting that wolf reply like out in the wild. How oftern have you heard your bark in response to another in a nearby garden?
Some dogs will howl if they see/hear/smell another person/dog approaching their territory. This instinctive howling is to ward off strangers coming closer.
Your dog may have learned that a howl gets your attention very quickly and effectively.
It is important not to let this behaviour become embedded as it can become bothersome. If your dog is howling more frequently than you’d like, avoid eye contact and also any negative attention. Don’t raise your voice and tell him off. Don’t scold or pet him. Unfortunately, sometimes for your dog, negative attention is better than no attention. Here the key is to reward and give attention when he is quiet and not howling.
Sometimes dogs will howl when they are distressed. Your dog may be anxious, nervous, unsure of a situation. And his reaction might be to howl. You will know your dog. If you can figure out the issue, try to change the environment and see if that change stops the howling.
Sometimes dogs howl because they are happy! Their owner is coming home. They know a treat is on the way. They can see a friend in the distance and they’re letting that friend know they’re happy to see them!
Howling is a very normal dog behaviour. And on the whole it shouldn’t be something to worry about. If you are worried and you you feel your dog is howling excessively, then contact your vet for advice.
Check out our other dog health blogs here.