Some pet owners may not prefer their dog to howl, but many find it enjoyable to teach their pet, sometimes even joining in.
Expert dog trainers suggest that pet owners with dogs that howl excessively should have a command to indicate when it’s okay to howl and when it’s not. This method can help curb unwanted howling.
So, how can you teach your dog to howl? In this article, we’ll provide you with five tips and tricks to help you achieve that goal. Remember, teaching your dog to howl can be a fun bonding experience, especially if you participate.
The 5 Tips & Tricks to Teach Your Dog to Howl
1. Lead by Example
Surprisingly, leading by example is a straightforward way to encourage your dog to howl. Once you start howling at your dog, it won’t be long before your dog joins in.
It’s crucial to have a verbal cue that signals to your dog when it’s acceptable to howl. Practice howling with your dog at least once a day using the established verbal cue for the best results.
2. Watch Videos of Dogs Howling
Many people have seen videos online of dogs howling, so why not watch them with your furry friend? Your dog might want to join in and howl along with the dogs on the screen.
If your dog doesn’t join in, try howling at the screen yourself. Remember, if your dog enjoys howling at the screen, they might start howling whenever a dog on TV does, so you should have cues to correct this behavior.
3. Listen to Music
Even the music you play can help in teaching your dog to howl if it piques their interest. Experiment with different music genres to see which ones make your dog howl.
4. Play Sounds that Trigger Howling
There are online videos featuring sounds like thunder, rain, wind, birds chirping, and more, which can stimulate your dog to start howling. Find the sounds that trigger your dog’s response and enjoy howling together when these sounds play.
5. Musical Instruments Can Trigger Howling
Playing musical instruments like the guitar, drums, or violin can be a great way to teach your dog to howl. Experiment with different melodies to see which ones your dog responds to, and make music together.
These are five effective ways to teach your dog to howl and have fun together. However, it’s important to prevent constant howling.
Unwanted Howling from Your Pet
Once you’ve taught your dog to howl, it’s essential to make clear when howling is allowed and when it’s not. Discouraging unwanted howling is relatively simple – avoid praising the dog when it’s not wanted and praise when it is.
If your dog continues to howl inappropriately, place them in their kennel for a few minutes. This action will help your dog understand that howling is only acceptable when given the cue.
Final Thoughts
Using these howling tips should have your dog singing in no time. Remember, while howling can be fun and a bonding experience, establishing cues for your dog’s behavior regarding when it’s appropriate to howl is crucial for the best results.
Sources
- wikiHow
- Wag!
Featured Image Credit: Lenka Molcanyiova, Shutterstock
