Why is my dog howling?

Updated 16/09/2024

We’ve all heard a howling dog - it can be funny if it’s in response to an alarm sound, but it can be rather frustrating if it’s suddenly at 3 am. So, why is my dog howling? The occasional awoo or two can be harmless enough, but excessive howling can be a sign of different canine behavior problems and even underlying medical issues.

Let’s raise our heads up to find out what dog howling is all about, whether it can be prevented, and if some pups are more prone to pouting than others. 

Why do dogs howl?

There are lots of reasons why dogs howl, but it all comes down to their ancestors, wolves. Packs of wolves will use howling and similar high-pitched sounds to communicate with each other over long distances. For example, if a few run ahead of the pack to find food and spot a tasty caribou, they’ll howl to let the rest of the gang know the chase it on.

They use the howl to communicate and express themselves, which is why wolves are known to howl back to humans who make a similar noise. But, pups aren’t predators anymore, why the fluff do they feel the need to keep up these shrill shenanigans? Well, why indeed…

Why is my dog howling?

Hearing sounds that make dogs howl

Pups are perceptive and like to make sure they’re part of the pack. Some sound like emergency vehicle sirens, alarms, human singing (particularly opera), and crying can cause a dog to howl when they hear. Some pups are triggered by bizarre sounds including ice cream truck music, train horns, and even songs by Adele! If you want to learn how to make a dog howl, just put on ‘Someone Like You’ and listen to your pup’s special secret chorus.

Often, the howling stops when the sound does. But you can reward quiet behavior to help deter howling in the future.

Separation anxiety and loneliness

Since the pandemic, there’s been a sharp rise in pet parents seeking help for their fur family’s separation anxiety. Doggos, like wolves, will howl to express themselves, especially when they’re feeling lonely or suffering from separation anxiety. In their furry heads, it’s a way to try and reconnect with their ruff roots as a form of comfort.

Dogs are sociable souls and some hate to be away from their humans. Talk to your vet if you’re worried they have separation anxiety or if they’re lonely, particularly if you have neighbors complaining of howling during the day when you’re away.

Dogs howl to communicate

Just as dogs will bark at other dogs to communicate, they will also share a howl together. As well as to express emotions, dog howling is also another way to greet or bond with another pup. It’s basically them saying, ‘Hello, I am dog. How are awoo?’ This is why they sometimes join in if their humans make a howling sound, they think you’re keeping the pack together.

It’s an attention-seeking dog behavior

Dog’s seeking attention? It’s unheard of! Terrible jokes aside, howling in response to a lack of attention is a classic canine trick. While this could be a sign of loneliness, it could be they’ve learned you’re likely to give them attention if they make this sound. Not feeding them table scraps? A howl for you! Stopped rubbing their belly to do chores? Have another howl, human!

Pay attention to what you were doing before your dog’s howling started, especially if you only left the same room as them for a minute. They’re not as innocent as they like us to believe…

Possible medical issues

As howling is a form of dog communication, a howling dog could also be a pup that’s asking for help. Not all pain or sickness is visible and as no pup has learned to speak human (yet) this is their only other option. Notice when your dog is howling, if it’s in response to sounds around the house or outside if they’re calling to other dogs, or if they’ve heard something from afar. If not, you should talk to your vet to ask what they think is happening.

Do all dogs howl?

If your dog has a voicebox (which most do) it’s physically capable of howling. Wolves howl for pretty much the same reasons, which makes sense as they’re not too distantly related. However, some breeds are far more prone to calling the moon than others. Siberian Huskies, Alaskan Malamutes, and Chow Chows are known to be vocally expressive doggos and have a soft spot for howling.

For pet parents who would prefer a more reserved pup, breeds like Golden Retrievers and Labradors are less likely to strike a chord if triggered by a sound or intense emotion. However, this never completely rules out a howl or two at some point in their lives.

Dog behavior training is the key to preventing dog howling, especially if it’s excessive howling. Find a certified professional dog trainer who specializes in this type of canine behavior. Or else do your research to create your own training plan to understand how to reward quiet behaviors and stop any accidental negative attention. Remember, if your dog suddenly starts howling, it’s likely there’s something wrong so you shouldn’t ignore their attempt to communicate.

Meet our veterinary expert, Emma

This article has been checked by veterinarian Emma Chandley, BVetMed MRCVS PGCertSAS. Emma graduated from the Royal Vet College in London in 2011. She has a keen interest in surgery and went on to do a postgraduate certificate in small animal surgery and was then awarded advanced practitioner status in the same discipline.

If you’ve recently introduced a new bark baby into your family, check out our tips and tricks on puppy training to help kick-start your pup’s canine behavior traits (and prevent those pesky howls). Or else head to our Community Forum to connect with other dog lovers and pup parents to find out what’s worked best for them.