Why do dogs howl, and how can you help them stop?
The reasons dogs howl, from answering sirens to distress at being left alone, how to work out what is causing your dog's howling, and kind, effective ways to reduce it.
The short answer
Dogs howl to communicate. They may be answering sounds like sirens or music, calling for company, letting you know something is happening, or asking for attention. Howling when left alone can be a sign of distress, and new howling in an older dog can be a sign of pain or confusion. To reduce howling, find the cause first, then meet that need. Don't punish your dog, and don't reward howling with attention.
Key considerations
- 01Howling is a normal way for dogs to communicate, and some breeds, such as Huskies and hounds, howl more than others.
- 02Howling only when you are out can be a sign that your dog is distressed when alone.
- 03Sudden new howling, especially in an older dog, is a reason to see a vet.
- 04Punishment makes anxious howling worse. Work on the cause instead.
A howling dog can be charming or worrying, and it can test the patience of your neighbours. The good news is that once you understand why your dog howls, you can usually reduce it.
Why do dogs howl?
Answering a sound
Many dogs howl in response to sirens, other dogs howling, music or certain instruments. It is thought to be a way of joining in or answering a long-distance call. This kind of howling usually stops when the sound does.
Calling for company
Howling carries a long way, which makes it useful for finding other members of the group. A dog that howls when you leave the room or the house may be calling for you.
Distress at being left alone
Dogs that are anxious or frustrated when left alone often howl, bark or whine. Other signs include toileting indoors, chewing or scratching around doors and windows, pacing, and refusing to eat while alone. Distress when alone is a welfare problem, not disobedience.
Asking for attention
If howling has been followed by attention, food or being let out, a dog quickly learns that howling works.
Alerting you
Some dogs howl when they notice something unusual, such as a visitor or a noise outside.
Pain, illness or ageing
Dogs in pain or discomfort may vocalise more. Older dogs can develop cognitive changes, similar to dementia in people, which can cause night-time howling, restlessness and confusion. Sudden new howling is a reason to see your vet.
Breed
Some breeds are more vocal than others. Siberian Huskies and many hounds, including Beagles, are well known for howling and "singing".
How to work out what is causing it
Keep a simple diary for a week. Note when your dog howls, how long for, and what happened just before. If the howling happens when you are out, record your dog with a phone or camera. Look for patterns: does it happen only when the post arrives, at sirens, at night, or a few minutes after you leave?
How to help your dog howl less
Once you know the cause, you can target it.
If your dog howls at sounds
Most sound-triggered howling is brief and harmless. If it bothers you, try playing calm background noise, or teach your dog an alternative, such as coming to you for a treat when the sound starts.
If your dog howls when left alone
- Speak to your vet first to rule out health problems.
- Don't leave your dog alone for longer than they can cope with while you work on it. A dog sitter, a friend or doggy day care can help in the meantime.
- Build up time alone very gradually, starting with seconds, coming back before your dog becomes upset.
- Give your dog a long-lasting chew or a food puzzle when you leave, and make sure they have had a walk and a chance to toilet first.
- Keep your leaving and returning calm and low-key.
Separation problems can take time to resolve. A qualified behaviourist, ideally through a vet referral, can create a plan for your dog.
If your dog howls for attention
Avoid rewarding howling with attention, even by telling them off. Wait for a moment of quiet, then reward calm behaviour with attention or a treat. Make sure your dog's needs for exercise, play and company are met at other times of day, so they don't need to ask.
If your dog is older or the howling is new
Book a vet check. Pain and age-related conditions can often be helped once they are diagnosed.
What not to do
- Don't shout at or punish your dog. It can increase anxiety and make howling worse.
- Don't use bark collars that spray, vibrate or shock. They don't address the cause and can cause fear and distress.
- Don't ignore howling that happens only when your dog is alone. It is likely to be distress, and it rarely goes away on its own.
Before you decide
- When does your dog howl, and what happens just before?
- Have you recorded your dog when they are left alone?
- Has your vet checked for pain or illness if the howling is new?
- Is your dog getting enough exercise, company and things to do?
Questions readers ask
Why does my dog howl when I leave the house?
Howling when you leave is often a sign that your dog is distressed or frustrated at being alone. Look for other signs such as destructiveness or toileting indoors, and speak to your vet or a qualified behaviourist.
Sources: Separation-related behaviour in dogs
Why do dogs howl at sirens?
Dogs may howl at sirens because the sound resembles a howl and they are answering it, or because it is unfamiliar. It is usually harmless and stops when the siren does.
Is it cruel to stop a dog howling?
It isn't cruel to reduce howling by meeting your dog's needs and teaching calm behaviour. Punishment and aversive collars are unkind and can make the problem worse.
Sources: Dog training advice
Which dog breeds howl the most?
Siberian Huskies, Alaskan Malamutes and many hounds, such as Beagles and Basset Hounds, are known for howling. Any dog can howl, though.
Sources and further reading
- Dog behaviour, RSPCA. Accessed
- Separation-related behaviour in dogs, RSPCA. Accessed
- Understanding your dog, Dogs Trust. Accessed
- Dog training advice, Dogs Trust. Accessed
- Siberian Husky: breed information, The Kennel Club. Accessed
- Beagle: breed information, The Kennel Club. Accessed
About this article
- Written by Mypetzilla Editorial Team
- Published
- Updated
This article is general pet advice, not veterinary or legal advice. If your pet is unwell, speak to a vet.
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