Your daily dose of doggy goodness!
Every day, we celebrate our shared love of dogs and hopefully brighten your day. Enjoy!
Dog of the Day: Barbie!
Meme of the day: How can you resist?
Understanding Your Pup’s Inner Wolf
If you’ve ever heard your dog throw their head back and let out a long, soulful howl, you might have wondered why they do that. While howling can sound dramatic, even eerie, it’s actually a natural and deeply ingrained behavior. Your furry friend isn’t just making noise for the fun of it—there’s meaning behind those howls.
A Link to Their Ancestry
Dogs are descendants of wolves, and howling is one of their most ancient forms of communication. In the wild, wolves howl to call their pack members, warn others of danger, or even mark their territory. Even though your pup has traded the wilderness for belly rubs and cozy naps, that instinct to howl still lingers.
Responding to Sounds
Have you noticed your dog howls when it hears sirens, music, or other high-pitched noises? Certain sounds can trigger its natural response to communicate. For example, the long, drawn-out sound of a siren or a musical note might resemble a distant howl to it, prompting it to “answer back.”
Seeking Attention
Some dogs learn that howling gets them noticed. If your pup howls and you rush over every time to check on them, they may use it as a tool to get your attention—especially if they’re feeling lonely or bored. Dogs are social creatures, and sometimes a howl is simply their way of saying, “Hey, don’t forget about me!”
Expressing Anxiety or Distress
If your dog howls excessively when you leave the house, it could be a sign of separation anxiety. Howling, in this case, is a way of expressing distress and trying to call you back home. If this sounds like your pup, consider working on separation training or speaking with a trainer to help them feel more secure when alone.
Medical Issues
Sometimes, a sudden increase in howling can be a sign of discomfort or pain. If your dog starts howling more than usual, especially if it’s paired with other changes in behavior, it might be worth a vet visit to rule out any underlying issues.
How Should You Respond?
Understanding why your dog is howling is key to responding appropriately. If it’s just their way of communicating or reacting to sounds, it’s usually nothing to worry about. However, it may be time to dig deeper if the howling seems excessive, anxious, or out of character.
At the end of the day, howling is just one of the many ways your dog expresses themselves. Whether it’s their inner wolf shining through or just a call for attention, listening to them can help strengthen your bond—and maybe even lead to some adorable howling duets!
Family Photo of the Day: Bella and Starr!
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Sources:
Dog of the day: IG frenchiebarbieuk
Meme of the day: IG idogsplanet