While some pet owners prefer their dog not to howl, many think it’s fun to teach their pet, and sometimes they’ll howl right along with them.
Also, many expert dog trainers recommend that pet owners with problem howlers have a command that tells the dog when it’s okay to howl and when it isn’t. While that might sound a bit strange, experts say it works when you’re trying to stop your dog from howling!
So, how do you teach your dog to howl? In this article, we’ll give you five tips and tricks to achieve your goal. Remember, teaching your dog to howl is a great bonding experience, especially if you join in.
The 5 Tips & Tricks to Teach Your Dog to Howl
1. Lead by Example
Believe it or not, leading by example is the simplest way to get your furry friend to howl. Once you decide to howl at your dog, it probably won’t be long before the dog is howling right along with you.
It’s essential to have a verbal cue for your dog’s okay to howl so it knows when it’s okay and when it isn’t. Practice howling together at least once a day using the verbal cue you’ve set up for the best results.
2. Watch Videos of Dogs Howling
Everyone has watched YouTube videos with dogs howling, so why not watch them with your furry companion? Your dog will probably want to join in the fun and howl along with the dog on the TV or computer screen.
However, if they don’t join in, try howling at the TV or computer screen yourself. It is imperative to remember that if your dog likes howling at the screen, they might howl every time a dog howls on TV, and you need to have cues to correct the behavior.
3. Listen to Music
Even the music you listen to can help you teach your canine companion to howl if it intrigues and excites them. Test out different genres of music, switching up often until you figure out which one entices your dog to howl.
4. Play Sounds that Trigger Howling
Several online videos feature sounds, such as thunder, rain, wind, and even sounds of crickets and birds chirping. Filter through the videos until you find the sounds that stimulate your pet enough for it to start howling, then enjoy howling together whenever the sounds are played.
5. Musical Instruments Can Trigger Howling
Playing the guitar, drums, violin, or any musical instrument can be the perfect method for teaching your dog to howl. Experiment with different music and harmonies to see which ones your dog responds to; then, you can make beautiful music together.
These are just five of the best ways to teach your dog to howl and have fun together with the task. However, you don’t want your dog to howl constantly.
Unwanted Howling from Your Pet
Now that you’ve taught your dog to howl, it must know when howling is allowed and when it isn’t. It’s pretty easy to discourage this behavior. Don’t praise them when the howling isn’t wanted, and praise them when it is.
If that doesn’t work, put the dog in its kennel for a few minutes when it howls when it’s not supposed to. This will let your dog know that howling isn’t acceptable unless you’ve given the cue.
In Summary
Our howling tips should have your canine singing in no time. Remember, while howling is fun, entertaining, and a great way to bond, you need to establish cues for your furry friend regarding when it’s okay and when it isn’t for the best results.
Featured Image Credit: Lenka Molcanyiova, Shutterstock
