Why Do Dogs Howl - 5 Reasons Behind A Dog's Howl

From "your dog has seen a ghost" to "your puppy is in pain", we have heard many reasons why dogs howl. But have you ever wondered what the real reason behind your dog’s howls is? If so, you've come to the right place.

Common behaviour in dogs, howling can mainly be categorized as a means of communication for canines.

Though a natural behaviour, many other environmental aspects can trigger your dog’s howl too. So, to better comprehend this behaviour, let’s look at the various reasons that can cause your dog to howl.

Important Discussion Points In This Guide

Dogs Howl To Seek Attention
A Dog’s Howl Is An Inherited Behavior
Dogs Howl Due To External Stimuli
Dogs Howl Because Of Pain or Injury
Dogs Howl To Alert You Of Danger

5 Reasons Why Dogs Howl

1. Dogs Howl To Seek Attention

Howling is a way of communication for dogs. And they mainly do this to call out for you and grab your attention.

This usually happens when your dog is lonely and does not get to spend time with you. Howling for attention is a more common behaviour seen in adopted dogs or puppies and even in adult dogs with separation anxiety.

Dogs usually howl out of loneliness at night or when their pet parent is away from home. Other than howling, dogs who suffer from separation anxiety exhibit unusual behaviours such as destructive chewing, constant pacing, and much more.

2. A Dog’s Howl Is An Inherited Behavior

Howling, like many canine habits, has ancestral roots. Wolves howl to communicate with their pack in the wild. It is also a way through which they inform other members of the pack of their current location.

Similarly, domesticated dogs howl to communicate with other dogs (this is why one dog’s howl can set off other dogs to howl).

3. Dogs Howl Due To External Stimuli

If an ambulance just passed by your house or if you played some high-pitched music, there is a high chance your dog has begun to howl.

An alert and responsive dog usually does this when he hears sounds that stimulate him. This shows that howling, other than being a natural behaviour, is also a dog’s reaction to environmental cues.

4. Dogs Howl Because Of Pain or Injury

One of the most common reasons we hear when dogs howl is that they are in pain. And in some cases, this can be true. Just like humans cry when they are hurt, dogs also cry (howl) to tell you that they are in pain.

5. Dogs Howl To Alert You Of Danger

Dogs howl to guard you against what they perceive as danger. Since canines are territorial, howling is a way your dog protects his territory/home from strangers or intruders.

Animal behaviourists say that multiple other reasons can trigger your dog’s howl. Such as if they :

heard other dogs howl,
are hungry/thirsty,
are lost,
are stressed or
if they want to relieve themself.

Though a dog’s howl is completely harmless, if they begin howling excessively, it can cause problems for both you and your neighbours.

In case your dog howls excessively it is best to rule out any serious underlying issues like separation anxiety, injury or health issues. To do so, make sure to visit your Veterinarian and provide them with all the information.

You should also never punish your dog for howling. Alternatively, when your dog is howling do not give him treats to calm him down as this would encourage him to repeat the behaviour.

Now that you know the various reasons Why Dogs Howl, check out our blog to learn the Solutions To Destructive Chewing In Dogs.

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