Dogs use many different types of vocalizations, body postures, and movements, such as tail wagging, to send messages to other dogs and humans. Just like barking or growling, Howling is a characteristic vocalization that dogs use to communicate.
Dogs howl for several reasons different, even to seek attention or to recognize other dogs, explains Elizabeth Dimit, a dog trainer at Dogtopia, a dog daycare and boarding service.
All dogs are capable of howling, but the phenomenon is more prominent in certain breeds, such as beagles or huskies, says Dimit. In this article you can find up to 6 reasons why dogs howl and when you’re most likely to hear it.
1. Your dog is reacting to something he hears
Many Dogs howl when stimulated by high-pitched soundssuch as sirens or alarms. It’s also a likely reaction to music, says Rebecca Greenstein, senior veterinarian at Kleinburg Veterinary Hospital.
These responses to loud noises are a ancestral instinctWolves use howling to communicate with each other in the wild. By howling, your animal is trying to acknowledge that it hears the sound and is ready to respond.
This type of howl It usually starts when the dog hears the sound of an ambulance or similar and stops when it stops. While it can be annoying, it is usually not a cause for concern.
2. Your dog is trying to alert you to danger
Your dog may also howl to indicate something he suspects is dangerous. For you, “something like a dog alarm system,” says Dimit.
I wish they were eternal, but how long does a dog live, depending on the breed?
You may hear your dog howling at strangers walking near your home, for example. In this case, your dog is trying to protect the home and the howling is his way of telling intruders that they are not welcome in his territory.
3. Your dog is recognizing other dogs
Dogs are descended from wolves and, like many other canine behaviorshowling has its ancestral roots in the behavior of wolves in the wild.
“Howling is primarily meant to communicate with other dogs,” says Greenstein. “Think of wolves or coyotes in the woods howling to their pack. The intensity of a howl is meant to be heard at a longer distance, so the intent is a sort of long-distance announcement.”
Wolves often howl to announce your location other members of his pack or to ward off other animals and protect his territory. When your dog howls, he could be trying to do the same.
4. Your dog wants something
Few other sounds demand a human’s attention as much as a howl And in some cases, that may be exactly what your dog is looking for, says Dimit.
Some Dogs use howling as a tool of verbal manipulation to get what they want. For example, if they are hungry and want to receive a treat.
As difficult as it may be, best way to deal with this type of howling is to avoid eye contact and reward the dog with your attention only when he has calmed down.
5. Your dog has separation anxiety
If your dog has separation anxiety When he is away from you, he may howl as a form of expression.
Since you’re not there, it’s impossible for you to know if this is happening unless you videotape it when you’re away or ask your neighbors if they hear howling from time to time.
You can also search for others Separation anxiety indicatorssuch as items destroyed upon your return or frequent accidents when you are not at home.
Others canine behaviors associated with separation anxiety include:
- Whine
- Concern
- Stereotypies
- Scratch
- Dig
If separation anxiety is a problem for your dog, you should see your veterinarian to find a way to help your pet feel more comfortable in your absence.
Some techniques to help Relieve your dog’s stress include providing regular exercise and gently encouraging crate training.
6. Your dog is hurt
If your dog is usually quiet but starts howling, it could be a way for him to express pain, alert you to an injury, or generally let you know that something is wrong.
In the event that your dog howls more frequently than usual, especially if it seems urgent or higher pitched, You should check your pet for injuries.It is important to have your pet examined by a veterinarian to rule out any underlying medical problems.
What to do with the howls
If the your dog’s howling feel out of control or are affecting your (or your neighbors’) quality of life, there are some ways to address it and potentially decrease its frequency.
These include teaching your dog the “quiet” command, desensitization training, or taking him to a certified applied animal behaviorist (CAAB) or certified veterinary behaviorist.
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