Why is the dog howling?

Any dog ​​communicates with its own kind, shows feelings for the owner and indicates its needs, including with the help of voice. Barking, growling and whining are accompanied by dog ​​howls as part of their vocal repertoire, inherited from their wild ancestors.

A dog’s howl is often not audibly perceived as a pleasant and soothing sound. There is even a popular sign: if a dog howls at night, looking at the front door, you should expect bad news from afar. Let’s figure out why the dog “cries” and whether it is worth attaching great importance to this.

Causes of dog howling

The main reasons for the “howling” behavior of a pet include the following:

• instincts like wolves;

• fear of loneliness or separation from the owner; 

• symptom of some disease

• an attempt to draw attention to oneself;

• hunger;

• joy;

• call to play

• singing along to a human voice or a musical instrument;

• reaction to the sound of a siren;

The howling of domestic dogs most often indicates separation or loneliness. At night, this can be expressed especially strongly if the dog is left alone for a long time and cannot restrain his feelings. Thus, she calls the “spree” owners home. And the closer the dog breed is to the wolf, the stronger its desire to “howl at the moon.”

What dog breeds tend to howl?

Dogs living in enclosures communicate with each other by howling. Breeds such as the Husky and the Alaskan Malamute do not bark, but use howls. When they are excited, their howl resembles human “wah-ah” sounds. Another “vocal” breed is considered to be the Sheltie, which has retained protective instincts in relation to the protection of the herd. Beagles, dachshunds, bassets, foxhounds have no less musical data. Small breed companion dogs tend to howl out of boredom.

How can I fix my pet’s behavior?

Every loving owner should know how to wean a dog howl. To begin with, you should diversify her leisure time and not let her get bored. These can be long games with other dogs on the playground, training and practicing the “Voice!” commands. and “Quiet!”. For the execution of each command, the dog is entitled to praise, treats or favorite food. An animal trained to bark and howl on command can easily stop doing so with another command or a clap of the hand.

If the dog is left alone at home for a long time, she needs toys that will brighten up her loneliness in the absence of the owner. It can be rattles, balls or rubber toys. When a dog barks or howls for no reason and more than usual, it is advisable to take him to the veterinarian. Perhaps she does not feel well or is in constant stress, which the owner may not be aware of. 

The owner of a representative of the “musical” breed should take up the education of his pet and fix the “Quiet!” command with him. While listening to or playing music with one of the family members, it is better to walk the dog outside.     

The dog must learn to be at home alone. To do this, you need to leave her “smart” toys with food and enough fresh drinking water, reinforce her obedience with a game or a treat. And you need to do this when she calms down. Gradually, provided it has positive reinforcement, the dog will stop howling. 

Consult with professionals – cynologists and trainers will help you choose the best course for teaching your pet new commands and help with the correction of behavioral characteristics.