Pet Care Blog

Why Do Dogs Howl? Unpacking Canine Vocalization

Kaelee Nelson
Senior Content Manager - Pawlicy Advisor
huskies howling on river bank

Dogs have a unique way of expressing themselves, and howling is one of their most distinctive vocalizations. But what does it mean when a dog howls? Is it a sign of happiness, sadness, or something else entirely?

While it can be endearing, perplexing, or even annoying, understanding the reasons behind why dogs howl can provide valuable insights into their behavior and emotional state. If you’re wondering “Why is my dog howling?”, here are some potential causes and what you can do to address the behavior.

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The Science Behind Why Dogs Howl

Dogs howl as a natural way of communicating with humans and other animals. It’s an instinctive, complex behavior rooted in the canine’s evolutionary history that serves various purposes.

A few of the most common reasons why dogs howl include:

  • Social Communication: Dogs may howl to communicate with other dogs, particularly over long distances. This behavior is particularly common in breeds with strong wolf-like instincts, such as Huskies and Malamutes.
  • Attention-Seeking: Vocalization can be a powerful tool for getting your attention. If your dog is bored, lonely, or simply wants something, they may resort to howling to express their needs.
  • Response to Stimuli: Certain sounds can trigger a howling response in your dog. For example, some dogs are known to howl when people sing “Happy Birthday,” while many others may cry out in response to sirens. This is often an instinctive reaction, particularly in breeds with strong prey drives or a heightened sense of awareness.
  • Distress or Discomfort: If your normally quiet dog begins howling, it could be a signal that they're in pain, unwell, or sensing something amiss. In these cases, it's crucial to investigate the cause of their howling, checking for any visible injuries or signs of illness, and consulting with a veterinarian if necessary.
  • Separation Anxiety: The behavior can be a symptom of separation anxiety in dogs, used as a way to express the fear and loneliness they feel when left alone. If you suspect your dog's howling is rooted in anxiety, it's important to seek guidance from a veterinarian or a certified dog trainer who can provide strategies for desensitization and calming techniques.

FAQs on Dog Howling

Why Do Dogs Howl at Sirens?

One of the most intriguing phenomena around canine vocalization is their reaction to sirens. Why would a dog howl in response?

One possibility is that dogs may mistake the siren for the howl of another dog , triggering an instinctual response to answer the call. This could be especially true if the siren has a mournful or wailing quality to it, mimicking the sound of a dog in the distance. Your dog, being a social pack animal, may feel compelled to respond, as if to say, "I'm here, I hear you."

Another theory is that dogs may perceive sirens as a potential threat , triggering a defensive response. By howling, your dog may be trying to alert you to the danger they sense. If the siren passes and the "threat" moves away, your dog may feel that their vocalization was successful in chasing it off, reinforcing the behavior.

Why Do Dogs Howl at Night?

The leading theory behind dogs howling at night is that stems from their nocturnal instincts. Wolves are nocturnal hunters who often howl at night because it's easier for them to hear each other, making it an ideal time to communicate with other pack members in the area. Therefore, your dog might be:

  • Responding to other dogs howling
  • Trying to locate a pack member
  • Warning others of potential danger

Why Do Dogs Howl in Their Sleep?

Dogs may howl in their sleep because they are experiencing dreams. During the REM (Rapid Eye Movement) stage of sleep, their brains are active, and they might be dreaming about scenarios that elicit howling, such as chasing or communicating with other dogs. This behavior is natural and typically not a cause for concern unless accompanied by other signs of distress.

Why Do Dogs Howl When You Howl?

  • Communication and Social Bonding: Dogs are social creatures with a deep-rooted pack mentality. They may perceive your howl as an attempt to join their "pack conversation." By howling back, they're essentially responding to your call and strengthening the bond between you.  
  • Mimicry and Playfulness: Dogs are excellent observers and often learn by mimicking their human companions. When you howl, your dog might interpret it as a fun game or an invitation to join in the activity. They may howl back as a way of imitating you and participating in the "fun."  
  • Attention-Seeking: Some dogs quickly learn that howling back at you gets them attention, even if it's just a surprised laugh or a curious glance. If your dog craves attention, they may howl in response to your howl as a way of saying, "Hey, look at me! I can do that too!"  
  • Instinctual Response: While domesticated, dogs still retain some of their wild instincts. In the wild, wolves howl to communicate with their pack members, and your howl might trigger this instinctual response in your dog.  
  • Emotional Contagion: Dogs are highly attuned to human emotions. If you howl in a playful or excited manner, your dog might pick up on your energy and howl back out of excitement or joy.

It's important to note that not all dogs will howl back when you howl. Some dogs might be indifferent to your attempts, while others might find it annoying or even frightening. It ultimately depends on your dog's individual personality, breed, and past experiences.

If your dog seems to enjoy howling along with you, feel free to engage in this playful interaction. It can be a fun way to bond with your furry friend and tap into their natural instincts. However, if your dog seems distressed or uncomfortable, it's best to stop and avoid triggering this behavior.

Why Do Dogs Howl to Music?

  • Instinctual Response to Sounds: Certain sounds and frequencies in music, particularly those produced by wind instruments or high-pitched vocals, can trigger a dog's natural instinct to howl. These sounds may resemble the howls of other dogs or wolves, prompting your dog to respond in kind.  
  • Emotional Contagion: Dogs are incredibly perceptive of human emotions. If you're enjoying the music and feeling happy or excited, your dog might pick up on your energy and express their own excitement through howling.  
  • Attention-Seeking Behavior: Some dogs may learn that howling along to music gets them attention from their owners. If you react to their howling with laughter, praise, or even scolding, you might be inadvertently reinforcing the behavior.  
  • Pack Mentality: In the wild, wolves howl together to strengthen social bonds and communicate within their pack. When your dog hears music with multiple voices or instruments, they may perceive it as a "pack howl" and join in to feel included.  
  • Individual Preferences: Just like humans, dogs have individual preferences for different types of music. Some dogs might be particularly sensitive to certain frequencies or instruments, leading them to howl along to specific songs or genres. 

Why Does My Dog Howl When I Leave?

Your dog may be experiencing separation anxiety upon your departure. If they’ve had negative experiences alone in the past, then it may be triggering fear or insecurity.

With less extreme behavioral disorders, your dog may just be lonely or bored and signaling their need for stimulation and companionship.

Finally, some dogs may howl to announce their presence and warn off potential intruders if they feel like they are guarding the home.

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How to Stop a Dog from Howling in a Crate?

First, make sure you’re following the best crate training practices for your dog.

  • Positive Associations: Make the crate a positive place with comfy bedding, safe toys, and treats.
  • Gradual Introduction: Start with short periods in the crate with the door open, gradually increasing the duration and eventually closing the door.   
  • Never use the crate as punishment: This creates negative associations.

If you suspect separation anxiety might be causing your dog to howl in its crate, here’s how you can address it:

  • Desensitization: Practice your "leaving routine" (grabbing keys, putting on shoes) without actually leaving to reduce anxiety associated with these cues.   
  • Gradual Departures: Start with very short absences and gradually increase the time you're away.
  • Calm Greetings: When you return, avoid overly enthusiastic greetings. Wait for your dog to calm down before interacting.

Another effective strategy to stop dogs howling in crates is to provide enrichment, especially if they may be in there for an extended period of time.

  • Puzzle toys: Keep your dog occupied with interactive toys that dispense treats.   
  • Chew toys: Durable chew toys can help relieve stress and boredom.   
  • Background noise: A radio or TV playing softly can provide comfort and mask outside noises.   

If you plan to crate your dog for several hours, ensure their basic needs are met to prevent them from barking, howling, and suffering while you’re away. They should be given the chance to relieve themselves before crating. Always provide fresh water and, if appropriate, a meal before crating.

If none of these strategies are working, you might consider crate alternatives, such as:

  • Dog-proofed room: If crating isn't working, try confining your dog to a safe, dog-proofed room.
  • Playpen: A playpen provides more space than a crate but still offers a sense of security.

Why Does My Dog Howl All of a Sudden?

If your dog is normally quiet and suddenly starts howling, it could be a big, red flag that something is wrong. Check for immediate signs of illness or injury by looking for bleeding, lethargy, or other symptoms.

It’s best to consult your veterinarian for advice on the best treatment for your dog. They’ll advise you on whether you need to take your pet to the emergency vet as soon as possible, or if they recommend monitoring their condition at home for the time being.

Unexpected accidents can cost over $5,000 at the emergency vet.

Pet insurance provides peace of mind by ensuring you’re always prepared to give your pet the care they need when it matters most.

What Dogs Howl the Most?

While any dog can howl, certain breeds are more prone to this behavior due to their genetics, history, and specific vocal tendencies. These breeds often have a strong connection to their wild ancestors or were bred for roles that required communication over long distances.

Here are some breeds known for howling:

  1. Siberian Husky - Huskies are highly vocal and are often known to be big “talkers”. So, why do Huskies howl? Their distinctive form of vocalization comes from their strong pack instincts passed down from their wolf ancestors.
  2. Alaskan Malamute - Like Huskies, Malamutes howl as part of their natural communication and to express themselves. They also have a strong connection to their pack mentality.
  3. Beagle - These dogs are scent hounds with a distinctive wail, often referred to as a "bay." Beagles use howling when they detect scents and to alert their handlers.
  4. Basset Hound - Known for their deep, mournful howls, Basset Hounds vocalize when they're excited, seeking attention, or following a scent trail.
  5. Bloodhound - Bloodhounds are renowned for their loud howls, which they use while tracking scents or when they are left alone.
  6. American Eskimo Dog - This breed can be quite vocal and is prone to howling, often to express excitement or demand attention.
  7. Dachshund - Dachshunds are known for their howling when excited or to express joy. They may also wail when they are left alone, anxious, or bored.
  8. Coonhounds - Coonhounds, such as the Bluetick or Black and Tan Coonhound, are known for their loud, resonant howls, which they let out while hunting or tracking.
  9. Samoyed - This breed may howl when excited or seeking to communicate with their owners, showing their expressive nature.
  10. Chow Chow - Although Chows aren’t usually thought of as a highly vocal breed, these dogs howl under certain circumstances. exhibiting strong vocal tendencies inherited from their wolf lineage.

Compared to ancient breeds like Siberian Huskies more modern breeds — such as Golden Retrievers and Labradors — may rely more on barking and other forms of vocalization to communicate.

Interestingly, research1 has also suggested that age may play a role in howling behavior, with older dogs from ancient breeds tending to howl more frequently than their younger counterparts. 

This could be due to a combination of factors, including:

  • Increased confidence
  • A stronger connection to instinctual behaviors
  • A response to hearing loss, which can make high-pitched sounds more noticeable.

Which dog breed is known for yodeling?

Although Basenjis are referred to as the “barkless dog”, the breed is actually quite vocal and capable of producing a variety of sounds including a howl or “yodel”, which is believed to be closer to a wolf’s cry than a traditional bark.

The reasons why Basenjis yodel versus bark could be related to their history as hunting dogs in the African forests. It also enables them to communicate with their human partners over long distances.

When to Seek Veterinary Advice

While howling is a natural and generally harmless behavior for dogs, there are times when it warrants investigation from a veterinary perspective. If your dog's howling is sudden, persistent, or accompanied by other signs of distress like panting, pacing, or whining, it's important to have them checked out by a veterinarian to rule out any underlying medical issues.

Your pet's health is priceless — let's protect it together.

Additionally, if your dog is excessively howling and causing problems — either due to the frequency or volume or because it's disrupting your quality of life or your relationship with your dog — it's a good idea to seek professional help.

A veterinarian or a certified dog trainer can help you understand the source of this behavioral condition and provide guidance on how to address it by managing its underlying cause.

Final Thoughts

Understanding the reasons behind your dog's howling can deepen your bond with your furry friend. By being attentive to their needs and seeking professional advice when necessary, you can ensure that your dog's howling remains a natural and enjoyable part of their personality.

Key Takeaways

  • Howling is a deeply ingrained behavior for dogs, a natural mode of expression that serves multiple purposes.
  • At its core, howling is a way for dogs to convey emotions, needs, and information to both their human caregivers and other animals.
  • Howling can also indicate a dog's state of health or distress.
  • Some dog breeds howl more than others.

References:

  1. Nature.com

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Kaelee Nelson

Kaelee Nelson
Senior Content Manager - Pawlicy Advisor

Kaelee Nelson is a die-hard dog mom, part-time dog trainer, and ultimate pet enthusiast. She recently rescued a puppy named Zoey who went from the streets of Mexico to the big lights in L.A. after Kaelee helped her become officially studio-trained for production work, with the goal of strengthen her dog's confidence as well as the bond they share. Kaelee remains passionate about pets in her role as Content Marketing Manager by helping owners prepare for the financial burden that often comes with giving our furry BFFs the best care possible. Enrolling Zoey in a pet insurance policy was a no-brainer for Kaelee, as it enabled her to get reimbursed for vet costs like spaying, vaccinations, routine care, and more.

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