Why Do Dogs Howl? 

Have you ever heard a dog howl before? You may be hearing it way too often which has brought you to our article! Dog howling is a long mournful sound very different from short, explosive barks. Howls are one of the hardest dog vocalizations to interpret. It is your responsibility as a pet owner to determine why your dog is howling.

We should go ahead and address the fact that howling may be related to genetics. For example, Beagles are among the dog breeds who are likely to howl the most. Huskies are also famous for their song-like howls. When a dog howls, it serves as an alert of some sort. Dogs may howl to let you know that there is a something that they want you to notice. The thing about howling is that it can mean a variety of different emotions: excited, frightened, or even frustrated may be how your dog is feeling when they howl! Howling may also be an expression of physical or emotional pain.

You should always explore medical problems as a possibility when a dog is howling as physical pain can cause a dog to vocalize this way. Many dogs have separation anxiety and will howl when they are left alone which conveys their deep emotional distress. Dogs may also how in response to loud sounds. Sirens, fireworks, and crying babies may trigger howling in dogs. Furthermore, dogs may howl as a cry for attention. Keep in mind that giving attention in response will make the howls more frequent.

Typically, dogs do not outgrow howling, but dogs who how frequently can be trained to do so much less often, and to cease the behavior when asked. Once you figure out the trigger to the howling, it will be a good opportunity to short-circuit and prevent the howling all together. Try redirecting your dog to another activity, such as chewing, training, or playing. Do not hesitate to reach out to a professional trainer if you have exhausted all efforts and the behavior continues.