Why Do Dogs Howl?

Dogs communicate vocally in a lot of different ways, from barking and growling to howling. Not all dogs howl, but when they do, it can be startling. Howling is a drawn-out, low- or high-pitched cry. If you’re wondering why dogs howl, including which breeds howl and what it means, read on.

Why Dogs Howl

It’s in a dog’s DNA to howl, as they are descended from wolves who use it as a way to communicate over long distances. Whether gathering the pack, coordinating hunting, or warning off predators and rivals, wolf howls can be haunting. Companion dogs don’t usually travel in wild packs anymore, but the behavior remains as a way for dogs to communicate. If your dog is howling, it can mean:

• They’re trying to communicate with other dogs.
• They want your attention. 
• They are anxious or excited. 
• They are territorial and are warning off other dogs. 
• They have separation anxiety. 
• They are in pain.

There might be certain high-pitched triggers that make dogs howl as well. Some sounds that make dogs howl include sirens, music, and firetrucks.

Why Do Dogs Howl…

• At sirens: Dogs howl at sirens because it sounds like the pack is calling for them, and they want to let the pack know where they are. Your dog might tilt his head before responding, trying to pinpoint the sound. 
• At high-pitched sounds: Dogs howl at high-pitched sounds because they are responding.
• At night: Dogs howl at night out of anxiety, boredom, or loneliness. They might also be trying to tell you that they need to go to the bathroom. 
• At music: Dogs howl at music when high-pitched notes are played – notes sound like other dogs trying to communicate with them, and they will instinctively respond.
• At firetrucks: Dogs howl at firetrucks because they think that the sirens are other dogs trying to communicate with them. 
• At the moon: Dogs don’t directly howl in response to the moon. Some dogs howl at night because they are lonely, bored, or stressed. 
• Together: Dogs howl together as a sign of bonding. Wolves and ancient dogs traveled in packs, and howling together was common. 
• When you howl: Dogs howl when you howl because they consider you part of their pack and they want to signify that they understand you. 
• When you leave: Dogs howl when you leave if they have separation anxiety. They’re signaling that they are uncomfortable and stressed out. 
• When alone: Dogs may howl when alone if they have separation anxiety. Being alone might stress them out. 
• In their sleep: Dogs howl in their sleep because they might be dreaming about something that triggers howling, such as a swim or a long walk. They could also howl in their sleep if they are in pain.

What Does it Mean When a Dog Howls?

When a dog howls, it can mean several things. Some of the most common reasons dogs howl include:

• Communication: Dogs are trying to talk to each other. 
• Anxiety: Anxious dogs might howl when left alone. 
• Excitement: An excited dog, such as one about to go on a long hike, might howl. 
• Lonely: Lonely dogs or dogs with separation anxiety can howl. 
• Danger: If your dog thinks something is dangerous or that you are in danger, they may howl. 
• Pain: If your dog is uncomfortable or in pain, they can howl. 
• Territorial behavior: Howling can be a warning sign to other dogs.

The context around your dog’s howling can give you more insight into what might be wrong. For example, if they are wagging their tails while howling, they are likely excited. If they are cowering, it’s likely out of fear. Your dog’s body language is a good clue to help you figure out why they are howling and what they are trying to communicate.

How to Stop a Dog From Howling

Howling is a natural dog behavior, but excessive howling can become a problem and a sign that something’s up with your dog. If your dog is excessively howling, there are a few steps you can take to help them:

1. Identify their triggers: If your dog is constantly howling at certain sounds or objects, remove them from the situation or limit their exposure when possible. 
2. Stimulate them: Dogs that don’t have enough physical or mental stimulation might be more prone to howling. If your dog is tired, they are less likely to howl out of boredom or anxiety. 
3. Use a “quiet” command: Train your dog to respond to a “quiet” or “settle” command when they start howling and reward them with positive reinforcement when they successfully quiet down. It should be followed by a redirection towards a more appropriate behavior, which you can reward.
4. Ignore them: If your dog is howling for attention, don’t reinforce the behavior by responding to them. Give them attention when they are quiet. 
5. Work on separation anxiety: If your dog is howling out of separation anxiety, get them accustomed to being alone. Start by leaving them for very short periods, and gradually work your way up. 
6. Get professional help: If the howling is excessive or persistent, talk to a trainer or your vet about next steps.

 Why Do Dogs Howl at Loud Noises?

There are several reasons dogs howl at loud noises like fireworks or sirens. One is a strong pack mentality that is leftover from their wolf ancestry. It’s how they communicated back then, and it’s why dogs might interpret high-pitched noises as part of the pack trying to reach out to them. They could also be communicating a threat or a call to action, or they might be trying to tell you they are uncomfortable. Some dogs, especially those with separation anxiety, might howl. They could also howl due to excitement, stress, or loneliness.

 How to Stop a Dog From Howling in Their Crate

If your dog is howling in his crate, he’s likely suffering from anxiety. There are a few steps you can take to make crate time a more positive experience:

1. Make sure the crate is big enough. A crate should be comfortable enough for a dog to move around, but there shouldn’t be a ton of excess space. They should be able to stand up, turn around, and lie down comfortably. 
2. Use positive reinforcement tactics to create good associations. Reward your dog when they use their crate appropriately. Crates should be a place to rest, not a place of punishment.
3. Increase crate time slowly. Gradually build up your dog’s tolerance to crate time. They might not like it as a puppy, but adult dogs will appreciate having a space of their own where they can be “off.”

Do Some Dog Breeds Howl More Than Others?

Any dog can howl, but some breeds howl more than others. Vocal breeds include:

• Beagles: Beagles are scent hounds, taught to howl when they pick up on a scent. 
• Alaskan Malamutes: More closely related to wolves than other breeds, Alaskan Malamutes retain howling instincts more than other dogs. They “howl” to talk with their pack. 
• Siberian Huskies: Siberian Huskies are pack dogs that use howling to communicate while on the “job” sledding, and before or after an exciting activity. Not all Siberian Huskies work pulling sleds, but they still retain the instinct to howl. 
• Basset Hounds: Hound dogs are quintessential howlers, and Basset Hounds are the poster children for howling. They will howl when they’ve picked up on a scent, for attention, or because they’re alerting their pack. Their howl is more of a mournful bay, low and long. 
• American Eskimo Dogs: American Eskimo Dogs howl as a form of communication. They can howl when excited, stressed, or seeking attention. 
• Bloodhounds: Bloodhounds are scent hounds and have been bred to howl when they pick up a scent. 
• Dachshunds: Even small dogs can howl. Dachshunds were originally bred as hunting dogs, and howling is how they used to communicate scents, although now they might howl at you just to get your attention.

Remember that every dog is different. You might get a quieter Siberian Husky or a louder Bichon Frise; it all depends on their personalities and behavior.

The Difference Between Barking, Howling, and Growling

Dogs communicate through vocalization, but there are distinct differences between barking, howling, and growling:

• Barking: Barking is a short, sharp sound. Dogs use it to greet, alert, or get your attention. It can express a wide range of emotions from anxiety to excitement.
• Howling: Howling is a long, sustained sound. Wolves used it for long-distance communication, and dogs still retain those instincts. 
• Growling: Growling is a lower-pitched, rumbling sound. If a dog is growling, they are sending you a warning that things might get aggressive. Dogs growl when they feel threatened or are guarding a resource such as food or a prized toy.

Understanding these differences can help you better interpret your dog's noises and respond appropriately.

Conclusion

Howling is an instinctive behavior that dogs have been doing for thousands of years. If you understand why they howl and what they are trying to communicate, you can better respond to their physical and emotional state.

For more expert tips on dog behavior, explore our other understanding dog articles.