Many people are pestered by the howling of the dog that leaves them awake all night. Dogs have the inclination to play follow the leader. Once a dog barks, others will follow suit. You would think that you are suddenly transported to a horror movie scene if the howling that was started by one dog will make other dogs howl as well. Many people would associate the howling of the dog to something ominous. These folk tales have no scientific basis but it is understandable for a person to be nervous if the howling of the dog is heard especially on a silent and rainy moonless night.
Howling is a behavior that was inherited by modern day dogs from the wolves. It seems that howling is the favored means of communication of wolves. In the vast wilderness, a resounding howl will have far reaching effects. Wolves that were separated from the pack can communicate with other wolves by howling. Dog owners would always want to have the pet around thus, modern day dogs don't need to howl as there will be no need to find the pack members. Every now and then dogs will still be heard howling.
Modern day dogs have descended from wolves and howling is believed to be a carry-over trait. Studies have noted that dogs living inside the house with the family and dogs that are receiving sufficient care and attentions from the loving owners are seldom heard howling. On the other hand, outside dogs that are often left alone for the major part of the day would howl to get the family's attention. Being social animals the dog would always need interaction with the family and the howling is an indication that the dog is suffering from separation anxiety.
Dogs will be heard howling at passing ambulance and fire trucks. Although old folks associate this kind of behavior to an ominous event, dog experts assert that the howling in this case is the dog's instinctive response. This will be the same as a howl that is answered by other wolves. The dog may interpret the wailing siren of the fire truck and the ambulance as the howl of another dog.
Howling can be the dog's way of getting the owner's attention. The howling of the dog can be caused by a medical concern. The owner may be annoyed by the dog's howling but in this case, the pet is howling because of pain. Would you disregard the howling of the pet or would you take time to know the reason why the dog is howling?
Howling is a behavior that was inherited by modern day dogs from the wolves. It seems that howling is the favored means of communication of wolves. In the vast wilderness, a resounding howl will have far reaching effects. Wolves that were separated from the pack can communicate with other wolves by howling. Dog owners would always want to have the pet around thus, modern day dogs don't need to howl as there will be no need to find the pack members. Every now and then dogs will still be heard howling.
Modern day dogs have descended from wolves and howling is believed to be a carry-over trait. Studies have noted that dogs living inside the house with the family and dogs that are receiving sufficient care and attentions from the loving owners are seldom heard howling. On the other hand, outside dogs that are often left alone for the major part of the day would howl to get the family's attention. Being social animals the dog would always need interaction with the family and the howling is an indication that the dog is suffering from separation anxiety.
Dogs will be heard howling at passing ambulance and fire trucks. Although old folks associate this kind of behavior to an ominous event, dog experts assert that the howling in this case is the dog's instinctive response. This will be the same as a howl that is answered by other wolves. The dog may interpret the wailing siren of the fire truck and the ambulance as the howl of another dog.
Howling can be the dog's way of getting the owner's attention. The howling of the dog can be caused by a medical concern. The owner may be annoyed by the dog's howling but in this case, the pet is howling because of pain. Would you disregard the howling of the pet or would you take time to know the reason why the dog is howling?
About the Author:
Find out more about why dogs howl as well as information on dog first aid at Sarah's Dogs.
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