Why Dogs Howl: Things to Know

The wolf – a predator at the top of the food chain – is one of the most famous and dreaded canines whose characteristic howl is undoubtedly blood-chilling. And while domestic dogs are said to have descended from wolves, howling among our furry friends is not exactly common but not rare either. You see, wolves use howling as a way of identifying themselves to the other members of the pack. They also howl to ward off intruders, scare away rival predators, and also as a bonding or mating call.

But Why Does my Dog Howl?

One of the most common reasons behind occasional howling among domestic pets is the need for attention from their caregivers. From the dog’s point of view, nothing grasps their parent’s attention faster than an eardrum-bursting howl when you least expect it. What’s more, since you are naturally inclined to respond to these screeching howls, you could be passively and inadvertently reinforcing the behavior in the pet. As such, the dog will remember that whenever they need your attention all they have to do is make a howl for it, literally.

Can You Discourage Attention-Seeking Howling?

The best way of discouraging this type of behavior is by ignoring them whenever they start howling. This may be hard to do at first but it serves to communicate to the dog that you are not going to condone such kind of attention-seeking antics from them. And as soon as they are calm and settled, you should reward them the attention they were craving for, as a way of positive reinforcement. Do not punish or pay attention at all to them during the howling episode, as it only amplifies and encourages the behavior.

Separation Anxiety and Howling

Another common reason why dogs howl is when they are experiencing a certain degree of separation anxiety. This could be the case if they only start howling as soon as you leave your home or look as if you are preparing to leave. The best course of action, in this case, is to liaise with your local veterinarian and get in contact with a behavioral specialist who can help correct this type of anxiety.

Finally, your dog could just be howling as a response to certain noises such as sirens that they may have picked up from outside or elsewhere. Again, the best way of discouraging this type of behavior is by desensitizing them by simply ignoring their howling episode.

References: Pets MD, VCA, Dogster