Howling is a natural form of communication for dogs, especially for breeds with a strong instinct to vocalize. While not all dogs howl, many can be encouraged to do so. Whether you're curious to hear your dog join in with some music or want to train them for fun, here are some tips to get your dog to howl.
1. Understand Why Dogs Howl
Before attempting to get your dog to howl, it’s important to understand why they do it. Dogs typically howl for several reasons:
- Communication: Dogs may howl to communicate with other dogs, such as during separation or to alert others of their presence.
- Response to Sounds: Some dogs howl in response to certain sounds like sirens, musical instruments, or even high-pitched noises.
- Attention-seeking: Dogs might howl to get your attention, especially if they want to be noticed or receive affection.
- Boredom or Anxiety: In some cases, dogs may howl due to boredom or anxiety, particularly if left alone for extended periods.
2. Use High-Pitched Sounds
Dogs often howl in response to high-pitched noises, such as sirens, musical instruments, or even squeaky toys. To encourage your dog to howl:
- Play a sound that is known to get dogs howling, like a siren or an audio of a dog howling.
- Use a musical instrument, such as a guitar or harmonica, to create a melody that might inspire your dog to join in.
- Try a dog-specific howl recording to see if it gets your dog to vocalize in response.
3. Encourage Mimicking with Another Howl
If you have another dog who howls, or if you can find recordings of dogs howling, play it around your dog. Many dogs are naturally inclined to mimic the sounds they hear. To do this:
- Play a recording of a dog howling, and watch if your dog responds with their own howl.
- If your dog starts howling in response, offer praise or a treat to encourage the behavior.
4. Play with Squeaky Toys
Squeaky toys can produce a sound that some dogs find exciting and might trigger a howl. Here’s how you can use them:
- Hold a squeaky toy near your dog, making sure it makes noise.
- Some dogs will begin to howl as a response to the squeak. If your dog doesn’t start howling immediately, try different squeaky toys to see if any trigger the desired response.
5. Encourage Howling with Vocalization
If your dog is naturally inclined to vocalize, you might be able to encourage them to howl by making sounds yourself. To try this:
- Start by making a high-pitched noise or howling yourself.
- Watch your dog’s reaction. Some dogs will join in after hearing you.
- Offer a reward when your dog attempts to howl or joins in with the sound. Positive reinforcement can help build the behavior.
6. Use Treats and Positive Reinforcement
While it’s unlikely that every dog will howl on command, some dogs can learn to howl if they associate it with rewards. To do this:
- Make a fun, high-pitched sound and encourage your dog to howl by repeating it.
- If your dog howls, immediately reward them with a treat and praise.
- With enough repetition, your dog may learn to associate the sound with a treat, increasing the likelihood of them howling on cue.
7. Provide Mental Stimulation
Bored dogs are more likely to vocalize, and some may resort to howling out of frustration. To help get your dog howling in a fun, non-destructive way:
- Provide plenty of physical and mental stimulation, such as puzzle toys, interactive playtime, and walks.
- A mentally stimulated dog might start howling in excitement or during play as a way of expressing their energy.
8. Give it Time and Patience
Some dogs may never naturally howl, and that’s okay. It’s important to remember that not all breeds or dogs will howl no matter how hard you try. While it can be fun to try to teach your dog, always be patient and accept your dog’s natural behavior.
Conclusion
If you’re interested in hearing your dog howl, using high-pitched sounds, squeaky toys, or even playing recordings of other dogs howling can be helpful tools. Offering treats and positive reinforcement may also encourage some dogs to vocalize in response. Keep in mind that howling is a natural behavior that some dogs are more inclined to do than others, so be patient and let your dog express themselves in their own unique way!