Why Do Dogs Feel The Need To Howl?

It's no secret that all dogs bark, whine, whimper, and cry. Dogs communicate in these ways, and they are actually quite normal. However, you might forget that howling is something that dogs do too. Many dogs don't do it often, but believe it or not, even your dog can howl, just like a coyote or a wolf.

Sure, it's normal for dogs to communicate via barking, whimpering, whining and howling, but all of these things signal a feeling or desire the dog is feeling. Your dog's barks can let you know if he wants to go outside, go for a walk or if he is hungry. However, if you hear your dog howl, then it might startle you.

There are a number of reasons why dogs may howl. As a matter of fact, the reasons they howl are the same reasons why wolves will howl, which is very memorable. Wolves might howl when left alone and wants to alert his pack to where he is. In other words, a wolf might be lonely and just wants to be found.

Your dog could end up feeling alone, therefore he will howl. For example, your dog could end up howling when you are absent and he is left home alone. This could be his way of expressing his loneliness. Basically, your dog's howl could be the beacon between you and him, and he just wants his pack, which is you, back with him.

As you probably know, when wolves howl, the howling can be carried long distance. Well, the same goes for a dog's howl. Howling is actually very useful for animals, as if they are separated, they can howl and let other animals know where they are.

The good news is that many dogs don't howl in such a way, at least not often, nor do they do it for long periods. When dogs are anxious or are happy, they might bark, but when it comes to howling, it just isn't that common among dogs. However, sometimes hounds might make a similar sound to howling, which is baying, but it will usually do this when it has some prey in its sight, such as a squirrel in a tree. Even though there is a difference between baying and howling, chances are your neighbors won't like it.

When sirens or music is playing, dogs might feel the need to howl. No one really is sure why dogs howl when music or sirens are on. Some people think that their ears are hurting or they might be doing it out of pleasure.

Unfortunately, if your dog does howl, there really isn't anything that you can do about it. However, if anxiety is the reason why your dog howls, there are different things you can do to help his anxiety, and a canine behaviorist or veterinarian may be able to help you out with that. You should pay attention to what your dog is doing, as well as what the surroundings are like when your dog starts howling. This may help you figure out why he is doing it, and then you can see if there is anything you can do to help him stop.

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