Animal Kingdom USA’s Ask Critter Chatter

For more information, you may post questions on Facebook at facebook.com/AnimalKingdomUSA. Animal Kingdom USA is located at 100 Independent Way in Brewster. Dear Jamie,

There are several different reasons a dog may be howling. Keep in mind that we can’t say with absolute certainty why the domesticated dog howls. We do have a very good idea why their ancestor, the wolf, howls, and we can bring forth different theories based on the wolf’s behavior.

The wolf primarily uses their howling ability to communicate over long distances with other pack members. It’s similar to making a long distance phone call. When a wolf howls he is sending out a call awaiting the response from another pack member. The pitch of a wolf’s howl can carry for very long distances so if they happen to get separated they can find the exact location of their pack. Pack members are able to distinguish the difference in the howls from their own pack and a rival one. Wolves will also use their howl to show pack cohesion and to ward off rival packs by making their pack seem larger than it really is.

These behaviors continue in a less frequent way with today’s domesticated dog. Some dogs will howl often, while others will never howl. If a dog howls when they are left alone this could be sign of separation anxiety and the dog trying to communicate to get back with their “pack.” Remember, dogs are pack animals and do not like to be left alone, so if they are outside howling, they should be brought inside and they will normally stop.

If a dog begins to howl when someone is singing, it isn’t a comment on their abilities; it’s most likely their desire to join in. Pack howls are quite common. This will happen to show unity and to demonstrate a sense of strength in numbers. They will often respond to high pitched noises such as sirens because sounds similar to another dog howling.

If this becomes a problem with your dog, review when they begin to howl and see if you can see a pattern with any of the behaviors mentioned above. Most often you will find they simply don’t want to be alone. This is a simple fix: Keep them company.

Patrick Yates President/CEO Animal Kingdom USA