Do you have a four-legged companion at home that often howls? If you want to know why a dog actually howls and how to react to howling, we have not only explanations but also useful advice for you.
A dog’s howling can be an unsolvable mystery for many owners. Is this perhaps a manifestation of joy, sadness, or is it a warning? The reasons why dogs really howl are varied and often related to their basic instincts and emotions. So what are the most common causes of dog howling and how to best respond to them?
Want to learn more about dog howling? Watch an interesting YouTube video on the Pod Tlapkou channel:
Source: Youtube
Communication with the pack
Howling is a natural way of communication for dogs, which they inherited from their wild ancestors, the wolves. It is used to express different emotions such as joy, sadness, fear or loneliness. Dogs howl to call other members of the pack, warn of danger or simply express their presence.
Reaction to sounds
Howling can also be a reaction to various sounds such as a siren, music or other dogs howling. Dogs often respond to these mentioned stimuli because they perceive them as a signal to interact.
Boredom and frustration
If a dog is bored or frustrated in some way, howling can be a way to attract attention.
Illness or health problems
In some cases, a dog’s howling can be a sign of pain or other health problems. As soon as your dog howls for a long time without an obvious and appropriate reason, it is always advisable to visit a veterinarian just to be sure.
Separation anxiety
Howling can also be a sign of separation anxiety when they are at home without their owners and can’t handle being alone. And what is the best way to react to a dog’s howling?
Ignore and command training
If this is a situation where the howling is a sign of boredom and attention seeking, try to ignore it and respond with a command. Once the howling stops, reward the dog with attention or a treat.
Involve the dog in activities
Provide the dog with enough active movement and mental stimulation. The ideal solution is games and active walks with training, which will prevent unnecessary boredom and frustration.
Create a peaceful environment
If the dog howls because of fear or anxiety, create a calm and safe environment for him at home. You can also use pheromones for dogs, or provide him with a comfortable place for adequate rest, where he will feel safe at the same time.
Routine and socialization
A regular routine can help your dog feel more confident and reduce the likelihood of howling. Socializing your dog with other dogs and people can help reduce his anxiety as well as improve his behavior.
A visit to the vet
When the intensity and frequency of the howling increases or the howling is accompanied by other symptoms such as loss of appetite, lethargy or aggression, do not hesitate to seek professional advice from your veterinarian.
Resources: www.akc.org, www.vaschovatel.cz
