Like many canine behaviors, howling has ancestral roots. In the wild, safety-conscious wolves in the woods bellowed to announce their location to other members of their pack family. Brave wolves howled to warn other wild animals to stay away from their territory. Your dog may not howl to pinpoint their whereabouts or keep intruders at bay, but now, as in generations past, dogs howl as a form of communication. Since dogs are part of their human families, it is important to understand what dogs are trying to communicate when they howl, so you can respond appropriately.
Howl
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In the wild, part of the canine pack stays home while other members scout the area for food. Howling is a form of communication that helps members of the pack find each other. Dogs that remain behind vocalize to signal the location of home base and guide scouting members back to safety. After being left home alone, a dog may howl when they hear you drive up to your house or when they spot you climbing the steps in an attempt to guide you safely back to them.
On the flip side, an approaching dog may howl to alert residing dogs that they are coming. This vocal announcement prevents an incoming dog from startling current inhabitants of an area. Howling alerts surrounding dogs that their environment is about to change.
You are the world to your dog.. They focus on your activities, and make a big deal of your arrivals and departures. They are sometimes so centered on you that they become very anxious when you are not with them. If your dog suffers from separation anxiety, he may howl when left alone. Howling due to separation anxiety only occurs when the dog is separated from his owner, so as soon as you come home, the howling stops. Dogs with separation anxiety may exhibit other behaviors such inappropriate eliminations, constant pacing, destruction of furniture and flooring, or self-mutilation. Often dogs with separation anxiety respond well to distractions such as chew toys, music or television, but other dogs need behavior medications and counseling sessions that teach both dog and owner how to handle the situation (see article Separation Anxiety in Dogs).
Howling can actually be a cheer. Dogs in the wild howl when they corner prey, and domestic hunting dogs are often trained to mimic their ancestors. Your dog may not be a hunter, but he may get excited when he finds a new treasure in his backyard. Whatever the prize, howling lets you know your dog is proud of a new discovery.
Get ready for a howling good time at The Living Desert Zoo and Gardens' annual Howl-O-Ween event, Saturday, October 29th and Sunday, October 30th, from 9:00am - 3:00pm. This event is free for members or with paid park admission. Book your Zoo tickets today! 2ff7e9595c
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