Do you ever wonder why your dog is howling? Spoiler: it’s not because they’re trying to channel their inner wolf. While part of the reason dogs howl relates back to their distant relatives, it’s mostly a way to communicate with fellow furry friends and humans.
It is important for pup parents to be aware of what your dog may be trying to tell you when they howl. Here’s what all that noise could be about:
Instinct
Howling is an instinctual behaviour that dogs inherited from their ancestors, wolves. It’s a natural way of vocally communicating in the wild across long distances. Wolves howl to send a message to their pack members about their whereabouts and to bond with them. If your dog is howling, they may be letting you (or others) know where they are or attempting to call family members home.
Noise Triggers
Some dogs howl in response to noises, especially if those noises resemble a howl – think sirens, rumbling trucks, and singing. Your pup’s pack mentality will have them trying to join in on the fun. Other noises, such as alarm clocks or persistent electronic beeps, may annoy them and provoke howling.
Separation Anxiety
As pup parents, we see how fiercely loyal, affectionate and emotional our doggie companions can be. They become deeply attached and feel anxiety when you’re not together. When left alone for extended periods of time, your dog may resort to howling in an attempt to bring you back or get you to pay attention to them. This type of anxiety is often accompanied by pacing and scratching.
Attention Seeking
If there is one thing your pup loves, it’s your attention. Sometimes they may develop certain behaviours – like howling, whining and barking – to get you to notice them or to demand food, toys and treats. Teach your pup that this type of behaviour will not work by ignoring them during these outbursts and rewarding them when they behave well.
Injuries or Danger
Many dogs respond to accidents and pain by howling. They may also howl if they are scared or sense danger. If your dog’s howling is persistent and you can’t spot any visible injuries or sources of concern, consider taking your furry friend to your vet to ensure there is no underlying or internal medical issues.
Whether your furry friend is howling for a reason or simply because they want attention, it’s important to listen to what your dog is trying to tell you. This will help improve your understanding of your pup to ensure a long, happy and loving relationship!
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