Why Do Beagles Howl? 6 Common Reasons

The Beagle is a breed with a genetic predisposition to howl. Whether these small hounds are being used for hunting or are strictly house pets, there’s no getting around this trait. They aren’t the only breed infamous for howling, however, and dogs that exhibit this behavior do so for various reasons.

In this article, we discuss why your Beagle may be howling and share helpful tips on managing the behavior it if it has become excessive or disruptive.

The 6 Reasons Why Beagles Howl

1. They Picked Up a Scent or Located Prey

Beagles are born and bred to be hunting dogs and are among the most incredible scent hounds you can find. Those who train their Beagles as hunting dogs will be well aware that howling indicates they have either picked up a scent, are tracking a scent trail, or have located game.

Beagles raised as pets are also likely to exhibit this behavior because it is a breed-related trait. So, if you have a pet-only Beagle that you catch howling every so often, they have likely detected an interesting scent or stimulus, which may or may not include actual prey.

Image Credit: Przemek Iciak, Shutterstock

2. They're Attention-Seeking

Dogs are highly social animals that thrive on love, affection, and time spent with their family. There are many ways that a dog may try to grab your attention, including nudging, whining, bringing you a toy, jumping up at you, barking, and even howling.

Certain breeds are more prone to howling than others, and Beagles are one of them. Other hounds, like Basset Hounds, Dachshunds, and Bloodhounds, are also common howlers, along with Huskies and Alaskan Malamutes.

There is definitely a chance that your Beagle may resort to howling to ensure the focus is put on them. Once they realize their howling has gotten them the attention they desire, it is more likely they will continue this behavior due to reinforcement of the behavior through your response.

3. They're Responding to Certain Sounds

You may have noticed that once one dog begins to howl, others will follow suit. So, if your Beagle were to hear another dog begin to howl, whether they are nearby or off in the distance, chances are that they will take part in it too.

You may also notice your Beagle will howl when they hear high-pitched sounds like sirens. This is a common behavior among many breeds, and the howling typically stops when the sound stops.

Howling in response to noise is a normal way dogs communicate using vocalizations that is influenced by their ancestral canid behavior. Wolves howl to communicate over long distances and signal their presence, and it’s perfectly normal for domesticated dogs to do similar vocalizations.

4. They're Alerting You of Something Suspicious

Most dogs bark to alert their owners if they perceive a potential threat. This typically happens when they hear an unexpected sound or when someone knocks at the door. Since Beagles are howlers by nature, they may howl in addition to or in place of barking to sound the alarm.

5. They Have Separation Anxiety

All dogs are social animals and prefer to have company as opposed to being left alone. If your Beagle is alone for long periods, they may develop separation anxiety, which is triggered when they are not near their family members.

Separation anxiety not only causes the dog a lot of stress, but it can also lead to destructive behaviors and many other signs related to high stress levels. Beagles do best with regular social interaction, which may include other animals or humans, depending on the individual dog.

Having a housemate may help reduce signs of distress in some dogs since they will have company during your absence. This isn’t always possible, though, so if you believe that howling is due to separation anxiety, there are tips and tricks to help manage and modify the behavior. In severe cases, it is recommended that you also speak to a veterinarian or a professional dog trainer for assistance.

6. They're Ill or Injured

While howling is usually not a cause for concern, it could indicate a medical issue, such as an illness or injury. Signs that your dog is in pain can vary, but typically include lethargy, panting, whining, trembling, flattened ears, and reluctance to participate in normal day-to-day activities.

If your Beagle is howling and exhibiting other unusual signs, or they have suddenly begun howling out of nowhere or are howling with more frequency or intensity than usual, it’s a good idea to have them examined to rule out any issues.

The 7 Tips for Getting Control of Excessive Howling

Since Beagles are hound dogs, they are generally more vocal than many other breeds due to their breed-specific traits. This is something that potential owners should consider before bringing home this breed. If you don’t like howling and aren’t prepared for a highly vocal dog, this may not be the right breed for you. There is a reason that Beagles are often not ideal for certain apartment living situations, especially where noise sensitivity is a concern.

Now, if you are a Beagle owner who has found yourself in a position where your dog is howling excessively and you need to manage the behavior for the sake of your sanity (and that of others), we have included helpful tips on what you can do to reduce the issue.

1. Get to the Root of the Howling

First and foremost, you need to figure out why your Beagle is howling so much and so often. You can do this by observing what is going on around them when they begin howling. Once you have narrowed down the root cause, you can then implement strategies to help with the issue.

2. Focus on Training

All dogs should be taught basic training and cues starting at a young age. Beagles tend to be independent and scent-driven, and it is very important to put a lot of focus on their training from the get-go.

Since they are such vocal dogs, it’s a good idea to teach them a “be quiet” cue. This is the best way to get control of your dog’s excessive barking and howling. Remember the importance of positive reinforcement training, and remain consistent throughout the process.

3. Eliminate Triggers

One way to combat howling is to identify the triggers and reduce or manage exposure to them where possible. While certain triggers, such as sirens, unexpected noise, and knocks at the door, cannot be avoided, you can still work to reduce certain ones.

If you have visitors coming, have them give you a heads-up when they arrive so you can greet them at the door before they knock. If your Beagle is stimulated by certain prey animals outdoors, try to keep them in an area that has fewer critters running around. If they tend to howl at the window, try shutting the blinds and using curtains that prevent them from seeing out.

4. Provide Enough Exercise and Mental Stimulation

Since Beagles are highly intelligent hunting dogs, they have higher exercise and enrichment needs compared to many companion breeds. Keeping your dog both mentally and physically stimulated is not only great for their overall health but is also beneficial in reducing unwanted behaviors.

Try going for a walk each day or setting aside time for outdoor play. If you need to stay indoors, invest in some puzzle toys or other forms of entertainment to keep them active and engaged. Incorporating scent-based activities, such as sniff walks or simple nose work games, can be especially beneficial for Beagles.

5. Ignore the Howling

If your Beagle howls to capture your attention, you should ignore the howling when it is clearly attention-seeking and not related to distress, fear, or medical issues, to show them that this behavior does not lead to their desired outcome. This can be difficult, especially when you want to shower your dog with the love that they are so desperately seeking, but it’s a necessary step in resolving this issue.

This discourages them from the behavior since the immediate positive reward is not there. Withdraw your attention from them entirely, and either leave the room or look away. Only give them the desired attention when they are not actively howling at you. Beagles are independent and scent-driven, so remember that consistency and patience are the key to success.

6. Resolve Anxiety Issues

If your Beagle howls as a result of separation anxiety, you will want to tackle the root cause. If they do not have an animal companion in the home and are having a difficult time being separated from you, there is hope. Management typically involves gradual desensitization to being alone, environmental enrichment, and, in some cases, medical support under veterinary guidance. Take the necessary steps to help manage and improve separation-related distress, and don’t hesitate to reach out for help if you need it.

7. Seek Professional Help

If you feel that you have tried everything to manage excessive howling but seem to be getting nowhere, reach out for professional help. If you have taken your dog to the veterinarian and ruled out any medical concerns, you can speak to your vet about this behavioral problem to see what kind of advice they provide. You can also request the assistance of a trained animal behaviorist or professional dog trainer. They can work with both you and your Beagle and provide helpful tools to resolve any issues you have.

Conclusion

Beagles are hound dogs that were initially bred for hunting and scent tracking. Howling is a breed-typical vocal behavior and is one of the ways they may communicate in response to scents or environmental stimuli. There are many reasons that Beagles howl, even if they are not used as hunting dogs. There are ways to manage excessive howling if it has become an issue, but Beagle owners should expect this as a normal behavior for the breed as part of their beloved pup.