Why Do Dogs Howl?

A dog’s howl can show different aspects of the animal that you probably don’t know, such as its health, emotions, and mood.

For many people, hearing a dog howl seems to stir something.
Some people feel that something terrible is about to happen; others can’t bear to hear it because it makes them sick…

Nothing could be further from the truth.

You may have heard that your dog or the neighbor’s dog starts howling for no reason.

What may seem strange at first is more common than you think and can be considered an aspect of communication to express a feeling.
Dogs can show pain, anxiety, and loneliness, and they do this by howling.

Therefore, in this article, we want to tell you about this behavior that can help you as an adopter.

Why Do Dogs Howl?

As mentioned above, a dog may howl to show different emotions, but other reasons can be pointed out that is very relevant.

Why do Dogs Howl at Sirens?

The second possibility is that they detect a threat; that is, they do not know that sound and howl to alert their owner that something is happening in their environment so that they are warned. When the ambulance has passed, the dog will believe that he has moved away from the threat, will stop howling, and will remain calm.

Why do Dogs Howl at Night

Howling is a more primitive form of communication than barking; it is common for dogs to howl to indicate to other dogs what their territory is instinctive. Territorial behavior is an attitude that dogs inherit from wolves.

Howl to Mark their Territory?

Wolves are animals characterized by their howls, but have you ever wondered why they do it?

Regarding territorial animals, they use the howl to mark their territory and keep other packs away from the space that belongs to them.
In the case of dogs, the same thing happens, as they howl to warn others when someone is invading their space.

For example, a dog they don’t know walks into their yard or when a stranger invades their home.

This is one of the most frequent and common howls that can be heard at night. And for this reason, dogs are considered guardians and protectors of the territory.

They express discomfort or pain when screaming.

  • Like other animals, dogs can start to howl when they feel discomfort or if they feel pain.
  • However, this type of howl is the most recognizable to adopters because it has a different sound.
  • It’s a bit jerky and more serious.
  • This behavior is usually accompanied by other signs or symptoms, such as a lack of appetite, activity, and strange behaviors.
  • When you hear this howling, the best thing to do is to get to the vet quickly to rule out any possible illnesses.

They are happy or celebrating an event

  • Screams don’t always have to have negative undertones.
  • As with wolves, howls can work to communicate with others within the pack to come together.
  • In some circumstances, screaming can be a sign of satisfaction or joy.
  • A clear example of this behavior is when its adopter comes home; the dog begins to howl and wag its tail in a hurry.

They imitate other sounds.

  • Surely you have wondered more than once why your pet howls when he hears the ambulance siren or an ice cream cart.
  • As many of us know, dogs are curious and highly interactive animals with the environment, so it’s no surprise that they want to imitate behaviors and sounds that are foreign to them.
  • Many seek to determine sounds and try to imitate them in the form of a howl. For example, puppies can want to imitate everything around them.
  • The same happens with huskies or german shepherds, dogs that look like wolves, making them want to imitate all the characteristic sounds.

Stress or Anxiety

Dogs experience stress and separation anxiety; this is the typical howl response they use when leaving the house for work or other issues.

Separation anxiety can accompany crying, stress, and rapid and repetitive movements.
From an adopter’s perspective, these may be everyday situations but for the dog left home alone, it is great anguish and anxiety to be left alone.

You should try to provide the dog with the best possible care. This will help you better understand your emotional states.

Scream for Attention

  • The attention howl is more inclined towards a play signal.
  • Dogs often combine joy to play and release boredom on different occasions, so it’s best to provide them with constant outlets to drain energy.
  • Quality time with your dog helps him lead a much fuller and healthier life.
  • Some games that can be a great help to share with your dog are throwing the ball and walking, among other activities that will surely be very fun for both of you.

Where does dog howling come from?

  • The dogs are direct descendants of wolves. For this reason, they are born with excellent hunting and howling abilities in their genetics.
  • Howling is one of the most common characteristics of wolves because, being animals that live in packs, they need a unique sound that can make them recognized from miles away in case of encounters, communication, or in case of danger.
  • Each wolf pack member can howl differently, so it’s easier to differentiate coyotes, hyenas, and foxes with the same ability.

Which dog breeds tend to howl the most?

All dog breeds can howl, but only those who are direct descendants of wolves can do so naturally and out of necessity.

Alaskan Malamute

  • They are one of the most howling dogs, and often a howl can have a bit of mystery to it.
  • Dogs of the Malamute breed are skilled in hunting, addition to the fact that during ancient times they were used to defend camps and to transport supplies to other places.
  • He was one of the dogs that were used for the sled transfer.
  • Being such direct descendants of wolves, they can howl for mere pleasure in certain circumstances.

Shetland Sheepdog

  • Dogs of this breed are medium in size, and their fur is long and delicate.
  • They are dogs that tolerate the cold without a problem due to the amount of feathering found on their bodies.
  • As with the breed mentioned above, they are descended from wolves and love to howl.
  • Males can have specimens that measure up to 37 cm, while females can measure 35 and have estimated weights of 6 to 12 kg.

Shetland Sheepdog

  • Dogs of this breed are medium in size, and their fur is long and delicate.
  • They are dogs that tolerate the cold without a problem due to the amount of feathering found on their bodies.
  • As with the breed mentioned above, they are descended from wolves and love to howl.
  • Males can have specimens that measure up to 37 cm, while females can measure 35 and have estimated weights of 6 to 12 kg.

Bloodhounds

  • The races of bloodhounds They are a group of races that belongs to the Iberians.
  • They are characterized by wrinkles all over their faces and loose skin, but their howl and scent put this breed on this brief top.
  • Being dogs used since aristocratic times, they were used by European nobles to participate in poaching and also as police trackers.
  • In some cases, these dogs can be called lazy, but the truth is that they love hunting, walking, and constant howling.
  • However, the best is that their howls have a musical sound, so they are not so dull, although they have a significant volume.

Bloodhounds

  • The races of bloodhounds They are a group of races that belongs to the Iberians.
  • They are characterized by wrinkles all over their faces and loose skin, but their howl and scent put this breed on this brief top.
  • Being dogs used since aristocratic times, they were used by European nobles to participate in poaching and also as police trackers.
  • In some cases, these dogs can be called lazy, but the truth is that they love hunting, walking, and constant howling.
  • However, the best is that their howls have a musical sound, so they are not so dull, although they have a significant volume.

Siberian Husky

  • One of the most popular breeds developed many years ago is the Husky.
  • They are friendly dogs with a remarkable ability to adapt to extreme climates.
  • This is thanks to its double coat of fur, which allows it to adapt to the cold in most arctic climates.
  • During the summer, he enjoys the heat all the time and likes to play in the gardens all the time.
  • Also, have fun digging, howling, and sharing with their adopters.

American Eskimo

  • This breed is part of the howler dogs, just like the Husky and the Malamute.
  • Although their name makes them sound like dogs trained in America, the truth is that German immigrants bred the breed.
  • They are dogs that stand out for being calm with their adopters, although they have a relatively high level of competitiveness since, in ancient times, they were dogs used to participate in circuses.
  • They are pretty intelligent and devoted, and today they are an incredible breed to be able to integrate families.
  • They have a guardian personality and express themselves through constant howling.

To note: As already mentioned, all dog breeds can howl except for two breeds, which are the tiny Pomeranian and the Chihuahua. They can also howl, but it is not common for them to make this sound. Sometimes, they may do this to show fear, pain, or disorientation.

Is it possible to recognize our dog’s howl?

  • It will depend on the situation where the dog suddenly howls. Sometimes, the sound may be a little higher, lower, or broken.
  • Low-pitched screams can represent pain, while high-pitched screams represent discomfort due to loneliness or even trying to imitate a sound.
  • If you pay attention over time, you may be able to recognize your pet’s howl.
  • The important thing is to know why you are using it.
  • Remember that it is a powerful tool that allows the dog to communicate in times of fear or anxiety, but it can also be a source of joy and excitement.
  • Remain calm at all times; it is vital to recognize the howl and determine why it is happening.

Brief Conclusion on Howling Dogs

  • It’s always best to avoid becoming overly concerned about your dog’s howling.
  • Do not think a dog’s howl is terrible or problematic or can affect people.
  • It is a communication mechanism for mental, physical, emotional, or health issues.
  • The best thing is always to remain calm and find the problem that can overwhelm the animal within the family environment, always with the help of a veterinarian.
  • This is why dog ​​howling is more of a constant occurrence than a superstitious myth that some families may have since it is a scientific basis and not a belief.
  • The happiness of a pet is expressed by howling; therefore, if your dog is one of those pets who constantly howl, and this is no longer due to the inconveniences we described above, it is better to reward him when he stops doing it.
  • Above all, the attention and respective care that each dog needs should never be neglected.

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