Whether your dog has just started becoming more vocal or has been known to speak their mind, howling can be a natural part of doggie behavior for many breeds. But what do their howls mean? Is intervention necessary?
While we humans are unfortunately not fluent in “howl,” we can decode some of the reasons why it might be happening, which can help us determine if any further action is needed.
Did You Know? All dogs can physically make howling sounds, but scientists have discovered that dogs that are more closely related to wolves are more likely to howl than modern breeds.
A DOG’S WAY OF COMMUNICATING
If the thought “Is this my dog’s way of talking?” ever crossed your mind while your dog is howling, you’re not alone—or wrong! Howling is a form of long-distance communication that evolved with wild canines who were often separated from other pack members. Because wolves, a dog’s decedent, often howl when they hunt together or reunite with one another after they’ve been separated, it can be considered instinctual behavior.
When and where your dog howls can often reveal how they feel and what they are trying to communicate. For instance, if they are:
- Howling alone: this could be a sign they feel lonely or are calling out to find company.
- Howling with you: this can be related to feelings of celebration of togetherness.
GETTING YOUR ATTENTION
When your dog howls, they may learn that this behavior gets your attention, whether it’s positive or negative. If you generally laugh or sing along when your dog howls, they are likely to enjoy your attention and keep it up. However, they might also howl to demand food, toys, or treats, which should be addressed to prevent them from relying on this behavior.
EXPERIENCING PAIN OR CERTAIN MEDICAL CONDITIONS
While howling can be a funny behavior pups can do from time to time, it could also indicate that something more serious is happening and is their way of signaling pain or discomfort. If your dog is not a howler and you suddenly hear them vocalize like this, they could be experiencing pain, such as from a slipped disc or injured tendon. If this behavior is unusual and accompanied by other factors like lethargy, lack of appetite, or fever, please see your vet right away.
Some medical conditions that could cause dogs to howl include:
- Slipped disc
- Torn tendon
- Broken bone
- Abdominal pain
If your vet has ruled out physical injuries, your dog’s howling might be linked to cognitive decline or dysfunction. Conditions like vision loss, hearing loss, or cognitive confusion can also trigger this behavior.
MANAGE HOWLING WITH A QUIET COMMAND
If you’ve ruled out that there’s something more serious going on behind your furry friend’s howling and they are simply using this behavior to communicate or get your attention, you may want to try and stop them from howling. That’s where practicing the quiet command can help.
Here are the steps to follow:
- Show your dog a treat when they are howling.
- As soon as they stop and sniff, say “quiet,” and let them take the treat.
- Gradually lengthen the time you ask them to stay quiet before rewarding them with the treat.
- Eventually, remove the treat from the “quiet” request.
The next time your pup howls, see if they’re trying to communicate something to you. By paying close attention to their body language and the context of the situation, you can gain deeper insight into how they might feel, helping you strengthen your bond with your furry family member.
This blog was reviewed/edited by Dogtopia’s Director of Health & Safety Lorraine Rhoads, an experienced animal biologist and environmental scientist.
