You’ve probably heard it before: that mournful howl from your dog at all hours of the day and night. But why do dogs howl? We’re here to answer that question for you, so you can stop worrying about it (or at least stop being annoyed by it!)
Dogs howl for many reasons, but there are six main reasons why your dog might be howling. Read on to learn more about why your dog is howling, and what you can do about it!
6 Reason why your dog might howl!
Although there are a multitude of reasons why your dog might howl, however, below we have mentioned 6 of the most notable ones!
1. React to something they hear
Dogs howl in response to a variety of sounds, including sirens, music, and other dogs howling. The sound of another dog howling can trigger your dog’s natural instinct to join in and create a chorus.
2. Alert you to danger
A howling may be your dog’s way of warning you about potential danger or letting you know that something is wrong. If your usually quiet dog suddenly starts howling for no apparent reason, pay attention! It could be their way of telling you that someone is at the door or that there’s a fire nearby.
3. Acknowledge other dogs
In the wild, wolves use howls as a way to communicate with each other over long distances. Your domestic canine companion may do the same thing when they hear another dog howling in the distance – it’s their way of saying “I’m here too!”
4. Wants something
Just like humans, sometimes our furry friends just want what they want! If your pup starts howling while looking at you expectantly (and maybe even throwing in some pawing), it might mean they’re ready for dinner or asking to go outside for a potty break!
5. Separation anxiety
One common cause of why your dog might howl is separation anxiety from being away from their pack leader (aka you!). This type of anxiousness often manifests itself through destructive behaviours like chewing on furniture or excessive barking and whining!
However, some pups will also let out mournful cries when left alone. If you think your dog may be suffering from separation anxiety, consult with a veterinarian or certified animal behaviourist to get help.
6. Is hurt
Unfortunately, sometimes the reason for why your dog might howl is because they’re injured or in pain.
If your pup starts howling and can’t seem to stop, it’s important to take them to see a vet right away as they could be experiencing an internal health issue that needs medical attention!
What can you do about howling?
Howling is one of the most frustrating things that can happen to a dog owner. It’s loud, it’s annoying, and it can be really tough to get your dog to stop. But there are some things you can do to help reduce or eliminate howling.
First, try to figure out why your dog is howling in the first place. Is he bored? Lonely? anxious? If you can identify the root cause of the problem, you’ll be better able to address it. If boredom is the issue, make sure your dog has plenty of toys and activities to keep him occupied throughout the day. A tired dog is less likely to howl than a restless one.
If loneliness is causing the problem, consider getting another pet for companionship or enrolling your pooch in doggy day-care so he socializes with other dogs on a regular basis. Anxiety may require more work on your part as well as patience from both you and your furry friend, but eventually, with time and training, it will hopefully go away all together! Here are some tips:
- Create a safe space: This could include using baby gates around certain areas off limits, setting up an x-pen, or even just making sure his food and water bowls aren’t near his crate.
- Start small: Don’t overwhelm yourself or your pet by trying to accomplish too much at once. Work up gradually to longer periods of absence by leaving for short amounts of time first, and then coming back before your dog starts to feel stressed.
- Make coming and going slow and calm: Avoid excitement or dram when you’re leaving or coming home. This means no big goodbyes (or too many hellos); just calmly leave the house as if you’re going on any other errand during the day.
- Enrolling in obedience classes: Not only will this give you tools to train him specific behaviours, but it will also help build his confidence level, which can be very beneficial in reducing anxiety overall.
What to do if you don’t know why your dog is howling?
If your dog is howling and you don’t know why, there are a few things you can do to try to figure out the cause. First, take a look at what’s going on around your dog when he or she starts howling. Is there another animal nearby? Or maybe someone has just come home and your dog is excited to see them.
If you can’t identify anything that might be causing the howling, it’s time to ask your vet for help. They may be able to give you some ideas of possible causes based on your dog’s medical history and any other symptoms they’re experiencing.
The Bottom Line
Dogs howl for many reasons, but it’s important to remember that they’re just trying to communicate with us. We can help them better understand what they’re trying to tell us by being aware of the different contexts that lead to howling.
The next time you hear your dog howling, pay close attention to the situation and see if you can identify one or more of these six main causes. If you do, try talking with your vet about what you can do (or not do) in order to prevent future howling episodes!
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