In an effort to become part of the “pack” or your family, they may howl to bond with you, because of their ancestry, as a reward for their behavior (sometimes negative), as a reaction to your emotions. They want you to know they are on your side!
If you know dogs, they are always eager to receive attention from the humans that they love and are also ready to give it back as well. Dogs are very loyal animals, and howling is a form of communication in which they can signal many things.
This article will explain several reasons as to why your dog may decide to howl with you or at you. It can be that your friend is trying to tell you something or that he just wants to let you know, “I’m here!!”
So, What Would Be Reasons That My Dog Howls With Me?
Dog Howling Is a Bonding Tool
As mentioned above, some dogs will howl with you to show you that you are a part of its pack. This is incredibly important for your dog. Being able to bond with your dog relieves a great deal of stress and lets him know that he is a welcome member of your family. If your dog howls, and it is a friendly howl, and you are used to it, respond to that howl.
If you howl and your dog is not with you, chances are he will come running to see what’s up! So, if you don’t mind the sound of your dog sharing a howl or two with you and your family, then get everyone involved. Your dog will thank you!
Dog Howling Is In The Dogs DNA
Dogs are a direct descendant of the wolf, who used howling to signal many things. In the wild, wolves and dogs howl when they are separated from the pack and want the others to know where they are. If your dog is a howler, you know that they can be heard for miles!
Also, if a dog hears another dog howling, chances are he will start howling as well. Since all dogs are sensitive to high-pitched noises, even a human howling, music, or a siren wailing from a fire truck or police car will make your dog howl.
Dog Howling Can Be a Result of Rewarding Behavior
This is not necessarily a good reason that your dog would be howling and depending on the behavior being rewarded. As you know, dogs are reasonably intelligent animals. If you give a treat to your dog for howling, it will then replicate that behavior to get more treats.
Pavlov anyone?
You do not want to get into this vicious cycle because it will think that if it does anything close to howling, he will get a treat. You certainly do not want to have to deal with a howling dog at all hours of the day and night, and you could also end up with a very overweight dog!
Your Emotions
Dogs are very in tune with their owner’s emotions. Why do you think after you have had a bad day, they love to sit with you and allow you to pet them? Not only does it provide you comfort, but your dog as well. Just think, if you have had a bad day, are hurt, or are just emotional, your dog may howl as a way of saying, “Hey, I get you.”
With that said, he also might not understand why you are anxious or upset and will howl as a response. He just wants you to know that he senses your discomfort and wants to comfort you.
Your Fluffy Friends State of Mind
Not only are dogs very sensitive to the needs of their owners, but they are also in touch with their own emotions and feelings. If your dog is upset or some animal is in his domain, they may howl to show you they are not doing well or are anxious.
It is then up to you to figure out why they are stressed. If the pitch of the howl is too high, he might not be having that much fun. With that said, if you have had your dog long enough, you should be able to spot when your pride and joy are stressed.
When He Is Howling, Pay Attention To Your Dogs Body Language
Although howling may provide some comic relief for you and your family, it is always important to make sure that it isn’t causing your dog any stress. What might seem like innocent fun to you might be causing your furry family member anxiety. If your dog is stressed, look for the hair on his back to stand up. He may also take a defensive posture with you if he is injured.
Dog Howling Can Be A Sign Of Sickness Or Injury
Knowing your dog is crucial. In his attempt to let you know that he is ill or has been injured, he may howl. Howling back at this point will not be enjoyable, and he should be seen by a vet.
Are You Looking For A Howler?
If you currently do not own a dog and you are looking for one who has the propensity to howl or speak, then check out the list below for dogs that are eager to communicate with their owners. In order to help folks choose a dog that may be equal partners in communicating with you and your family, click on one (or all) of the dogs below and see what you find. Happy Hunting!
- Alaskan Malamute
- American Eskimo Dogs
- American Foxhound
- Basset Hound
- Beagles
- Bloodhound
- Dachshunds
- English Foxhounds
- Siberian Husky
Although this is not an exhaustive list of dogs that howl, it is an excellent start. So, if you are in the market for a dog that howls at the moon, you can certainly start by looking here.
Final Thoughts on Howling
Owning a dog can be an exhilarating, if not incredibly joyful, experience. Communicating with your dog serves several functions. It lets you know how they are feeling, helps you bond with them, and provides entertainment for your whole family. We all know that dogs love physical affection, but they can also derive a great deal of pleasure from “talking” to you.
