As a general rule, the sound that we most associate with dogs is barking. They bark when the doorbell rings, when they are interacting with other dogs, when they greet you when you get home from work... But you have probably noticed that dogs also howl. Although they do it less frequently than barking, howling is a way for dogs to communicate and express certain feelings, so it is important to know the reasons behind this sound.
To know why dogs howl, we have to look at the reasons that motivate their ancestors, wolves, to howl. They do this as a way to call their pack, prepare for hunting, warn of danger or mark their territory. Although domestic dogs do not need to perform any of these actions, their instinct survives and they have adapted howling to everyday situations in their lives among humans. Here are the possible reasons why your dog howls and what he means by it.
As we have already mentioned, wolves use howling to call their pack together. In the case of dogs, they use it when they feel alone and in cases of separation anxiety. If you have a video surveillance camera or neighbors, you will know if your dog spends hours howling when left alone at home. It is also possible that he will greet you with intense high notes as soon as you return.
The reproductive instinct of the dog if it is not sterilized will make it feel attracted to a dog in heat. If you keep them away, the dog may start howling out of frustration and the desire to get closer to the dog.
Wolves howl to mark their territory to other animals or other wolf packs. Thus, dogs can do the same when a delivery person arrives or visits home, or they encounter other dogs that they distrust.
The howl also serves as a complaint about pain or some discomfort in the dog, in this case being a lower and more pitiful sound. It is probably accompanied by moaning and crying sounds.
The dog can start howling to express joy and euphoria. It is the case already mentioned of receiving you when you arrive home, or when meeting again with a human whom you appreciate and have not seen for a long time. They can also howl by imitation, if you show them videos of other dogs or wolves howling, or if they hear the siren of an ambulance. Finally, they can use it as a wake-up call if they feel neglected, want to play, be pampered, or if you have just scolded or punished them for doing something wrong.
