Howling is just another way of vocal communication by your dogs. But you might wonder why dogs howl or are dogs happy when they howl. Your dog’s howling might have different reasons like it can be a separation anxiety, telling the scouting dogs that I’m here, a cheering howl_hey! Look what I found and many more. However excessive howling should be controlled. Read till last to know why do dogs howl or what should you do for excess howling.
Who do dogs howl?
It is believed that wolves are the dog’s ancestors so do their howling mean the same as a wolf? Dogs have a very distinct environment and social system to live in so we cannot say that wolf and dog communication is the same way.
Lemme tell you, wolf barks less than dogs so dogs howling may have some other purposes. Till now scientists have got no pinpoint reason why dogs howl. However wolf and dogs howling have similarities. Just like growling, whining and barking_howling is also a communication signal. Via howling, your dog might say I’m here, look what I found and many more.
What does it mean when a dog howls: A death indication or what?
Some cultures say that a dog’s howling is a prediction that someone is going to die. While some say that the dog’s howling is a sign of his death. Canine behavior is not easy to understand so one might invent his own hypothesis. But there is no conclusive evidence that a dog’s howling is a prediction of someone’s death. Maybe it’s a coincidence or probably he is just reacting to the situation changing.
What is the purpose of howling?
Here I’m! Head over this way.
The canine pack sometimes split up in the wild, where some dogs stay at the homebase site while others go for food searching. Dogs who stayed at home place, do howling to tell the food deraching dogs where the home is, so they can return home safely. That’s why when your dog is alone at home and they hear you climbing up the stairs, they start howling. It is just like they are howling for their scouting partners to come home safely.
I’m here.
Conversely, the scouting dog while approaching the homeplace howls to tell the stayed dogs that he is coming. That’s a way to prevent staggering other dogs and alerting them that a new canine is coming up.
I’m feeling a bit out.
Dogs have emotions too just like us. When they live with us, they start indulging in our daily activities, keeping a keen eye on our arrivals and departures. Sometimes they become attached with us so much that when you are left alone at home, they feel separation anxiety and may start howling. The separation anxiety howling begins when you leave them alone at home, so soon when you come back they’ll stop howling. Canines who suffer separation anxiety may give signs like self maiming, damaging the floor and furniture, constant stride and unsuitable terminations etc. separation anxiety dogs often give a good response to obstructions like television, music, chew toys etc. meanwhile other canines require behavioral medicines and counseling time_which teaches both the dog and owner to tackle with the situation.
Don’t come here.
Sometimes dogs howl to inhibit the invaders entry in their territory. When an invader comes, your dog starts howling to keep the intruder away. That’s a way of defending their homes and frightening away the potential threats. As canines are the home protectors, they may start howling on a stranger’s arrival.
Hey! I got it.
Howling can also be a cheer sign. Wild dogs start howling when they catch the prey and often the hunting canines are also edified to imitate their forefathers. Your canine might not be a hunter but he might get excited on finding a new treasure in the backyard. Howling is a cheering way to be proud of a new discovery.
I’m in pain.
Unusual howling can be a sign of pain and sickness, so try to call your vet to check the health conditions.
Be attentive to me
Howling can be a desire for attention but 14/7 attention is harmful so you can avoid it by teaching him 2 things: howling will not work but quiet will. Ignore him for howling and reward him for quietness. So he got to know silence gives him what he wants, howling does not.
What can you do for excessive dog howling
Sound triggered howling
Sometimes dogs howl in response to some sound like nearby hiren or other dog’s howling. Sound. Probably in this case he’ll stop howling as the sound stops. If the sound trigger is occurring frequently, of course it’s a problem_otherwise it isn’t a big deal. In that case, you can go for desensitization and counterconditioning (DSCC) to aid your dog in learning to be quiet.
You can ignore the attention seeking howling
You can completely discourage your dog’s howling when he starts. Do not look, touch, or speak to him or even you don’t need to scold him. His howling behavior will reinforce any attention, even though it is negative. You can pretend like he is invisible. If this seems very hard, just fold your arms and move away.
Honor your dog for staying quiet
You can also reward your dog’s quiet behavior to discourage the howling. When he is quiet, give him attention and treats. Implement the rule: he’ll get what he wants but only after 5 seconds of being quiet.
