Have you ever heard your dog howl? Probably yes. While many don’t understand why, howling is a totally normal behavior, as is barking.
Don’t worry, your dog is not turning into a wild wolf. Howling is your dog’s way of communicating with you and other people. There are several reasons why he does this, such as getting your attention, recognizing other dogs, or announcing his presence.
Below, we’ll talk a little more about the main reasons that your dog may howl. Check it out!
Why is my Dog Howling?
Howling has ancient roots. This behavior has been inherited from wild wolves that howl in forests to announce their location to other pack members or drive other animals from their territory.
Today, dogs howl as a means of communication. Maybe your dog is saying, “Play with me” or “Take me outside!”
Some Common Reasons Dogs May Howl:
1. To greet other dogs
2. To announce your presence
3. To announce discoveries
4. To express anxiety
5. To attract your attention
6. To alert you to injuries
7. To mimic other loud noises such as sirens
Worrisome Reasons your Dog may Howl
As we mentioned earlier, howling is a form of communication for dogs. This means that this behavior can signal a situation of happiness or sadness.
Our recommendation is that you try to interpret what your dog means when howling.
Some worrisome reasons may be:
– Separation Anxiety: This can happen when a dog becomes overstressed when left alone. In this case, the dog may howl, bark, walk from one side of the room to the other, scratch windows and doors, chew things, dig holes, or salivate more than usual.
– Pain: A dog’s howl can represent pain or health problems. If the dog is howling more intensely, check that there are no visible injuries. If necessary, see a veterinarian.
– Canine Dementia: Canine dementia is common in older dogs. As a result, your dog may howl more often and become disoriented.
We recommend consulting a vet to review your puppy’s situation, if necessary.
Do all Dogs Howl?
All dogs have the ability to howl, but some breeds are more likely to howl than others. The Siberian Husky and Malamute are the breeds of dogs that most commonly howl. They are the breeds of dogs the closest to wolves.
Other dog breeds that howl often:
– American Eskimos
– Beagles
– Basset Hounds
– Bloodhounds
– Dachshunds
– Foxhounds
How to Get my Dog to Stop Howling?
Excessive howling can be your dog’s way of letting you know that something isn’t right. So don’t try to force him to stop howling. You must try to find the cause of the constant howling.
If the reason is excessive arousal, misbehavior, stress, or anxiety, it is essential to seek out a professional who specializes in canine behavior for help.
We’d recommend hiring a Balanced Dog Trainer. Balanced Training is a type of methodology that uses a balance of rewards and consequences to guide your dog to make better decisions in the future. We will soon share full content on the subject.
If you notice that your dog is howling in pain, take him to the vet immediately.
To learn more about how to ensure your dog’s well-being, follow our social networks. We always share useful information and tips about the pet world. I’ll see you there!
Hope you enjoyed the content!
Dog Walker Astoria
If you require help providing socialization opportunities for your dog and you live in Astoria, you can enroll your pup in daily Socialization Walks with Buster and Whiskers. We offer daily 1-hour Socialization Walks. If your pup is under-socialized, we will work with them to help desensitize them and get them ready for our group Socialization Walks. You must live within our Astoria coverage area. In addition, your dog must be up-to-date on all required vaccinations. Laying a strong foundation in socialization is the best gift you can give your pup for a long and happy life together!
Buster and Whiskers is The #1 Dog Walking Service in Astoria, NY. If your dog needs more exercise or social interaction, enroll your pup in daily Socialization Walks with us. Contact us for a professional and reliable Dog Walker in Astoria!
