Why does my dog howl?

Dogs howl as a way of communicating with other canines within their area. Your dog might also show this behavior to express an emotion that they’re feeling - usually anxiety and distress, and are trying to get your attention. Dogs also tend to howl when they get triggered by external sounds.

Is it normal for dogs to howl?

Yes, but…

…if they’re doing it excessively, then you might want to check on them.

There are a lot of reasons why your pup howls and while some of them are pretty harmless, there’s also merit to you worrying whether or not your furry friend needs attention.

We’ll list down some of the most common reasons why dogs howl and see if there’s something you can do to help your dog out.

They do it to communicate with other dogs

Dogs may not have the technology we have for long-distance communication, but they are able to make up for it (somehow) with the use of their howls.

Back when canines still lived in the wild, they traveled for long distances and, therefore needed some form of communication so they could coordinate their route properly.

Dogs also hunt and plan out how they’re going to attack their prey. To do this, they use howling so they can announce their location to other members of their pack as a way to improve their chances of catching their prey.

They also do this to let other members of their pack know that they’re coming.

While it’s true that your furry friend no longer does all these things, their instinct still tell them to howl every now and then.

They’re feeling anxious

Separation anxiety is a common issue dogs have when they’re not properly trained to be left alone or be left by their main owner.

As a way to express their discontent, your furry friend might howl to get your attention and make you come to them to accompany or comfort them.

While some fur parents think this is cute, and it is, dogs still need to learn how to deal with their separation anxiety in order for them to live better, happier, and fuller lives.

If you think your dog has this, you can start helping them by:

• Leaving worn clothes when you leave.
• Giving them treats when you’re about to leave.
• Not getting too excited when you arrive to help them control their emotions.

They heard howl-like sounds

High-pitched sounds tend to trigger canines’ howling.

You might have noticed your pup responding to sounds such as ambulance and fire truck sirens. These external stimuli can trigger their instincts to make a noise that matches what they’re hearing.

In some cases, dogs see sirens and other loud sounds as a threat, and howling is their way of warning their pack or a method to make the source of the sound go away.