You’ve just stepped out the door, ready to take on the day, and out comes a howl that could rival a werewolf in a horror movie. You stop right there with that familiar pang of guilt as your dog’s mournful cry echoes down the hallway. My dog howls when I leave the house every time. The first time it happen I couldn’t believe my dog could howl like that.
Sound familiar?
If your dog howls when you leave home, the behavior is extremely stressful, to you and to your neighbors, who likely don’t appreciate daily canine serenades.
But beyond noise complaints and concerned glances from passersby, your dog’s howling is a sign they’re grappling with something much deeper—separation anxiety. Let’s dive into why your dog is howling, and what you can do to help them.
Why Does My Dog Howl When I Leave Home?
Let’s get inside your dog’s head for a minute. Dogs are social animals, and from their point of view, you’re the pack leader. Now, when you leave, their whole world turns upside down. When they howl, it’s like they’re saying, “Hey, where are you going? Come back! I need you!”
Separation anxiety in dogs may make them howl when their owners are away. Your dog may feel abandoned or have a fear of your not returning. It’s their way of articulating distress, but it’s hard on the ears, and the emotions of their owners and people within earshot. You must understand your dog doesn’t do this intentionally to get on your nerves; it’s because they’re in a state of real distress.
Let’s dig a little deeper into this. By nature, dogs are pack animals, hardwired to stay with their family, whether it’s other dogs or you, their human. Any dog, or wolf, on his own in the wild without his pack, is vulnerable and exposed. Your home is far removed from the wild, but your dog still has its pack instinct.
Your dog doesn’t know whether or when, or if, you’re coming back. That uncertainty can trigger an anxiety response and howling as a way to express distress. Much like a wolf’s howl would pinpoint their position to pack members, your dog’s howl is their version of this long-distance call, hoping to bring you back as quickly as possible.
That’s Why My Dog Howls When I Leave
Howling doesn’t always need to be driven by anxiety; it can signify boredom. Dogs need mental and physical stimulation. If you leave them all alone with no activity, they may howl out of plain boredom. This might be the case for high-energy breeds or dogs that aren’t getting enough exercise.
The other possible cause of howling is learned behavior. Your dog may have howled before, and you returned or rewarded them with attention. Hence, your pet may learn that howling is a way of getting their desired outcome. In this case, howling becomes a reinforced behavior wherein your dog knows their cries will bring you back or at least get your attention.
First and foremost, it’s necessary to understand why your dog is howling. Is it anxiety, boredom, or learned behavior? Maybe a combination of all three? Observe when and how your dog howls. For instance, if they begin howling right after you pick up the keys, then most likely, the reason is anxiety. If howling happens a few hours later after you have left, they might be feeling bored.
Separation Anxiety and Its Impact on Your Furry Friend
Separation anxiety can be a nightmare for you, the owner, as much as it is for your dog. Nobody enjoys that feeling when their pup is sad or freaked out because they’ve left the house for the day. Howling causes severe problems: from noise complaints by neighbors to damage to your home.
But it’s not only about the immediate inconvenience. In due time, separation anxiety can take a real toll on your dog’s well-being. Chronic anxiety can result in digestive problems like gut imbalance, weakened immune response, and skin conditions from excessive nervous licking or scratching. The constant state of stress which your dog experiences on your exit wears them down physically, emotionally, and mentally.
Let’s talk about your neighbors for a second. If you live in an apartment or a townhouse with shared walls, your dog’s howling might not be confined to your living space. Your neighbors might get the daily dose of howling too. While they may love dogs, a howling concert at 7 a.m. when they’re trying to sleep in probably won’t win any favors. Noise complaints can blow up in your face, killing the vibe with your neighbors or creating a possible problem with your landlord.
There may also be an emotional toll on you. It’s hard to get through the day if you’re constantly worrying about your dog. If you know from experience how distressed your poor pup gets when you leave, and that guilt might become overwhelming. You might find yourself starting to avoid going out or rushing back home to console your pup. This behavior could start impinging on your social life and mental health.
In the worst case, a dog with really bad separation anxiety starts acting destructively. It might chew up furnishings or scratch doors and windows, maybe even try to leave the house. These are annoying and dangerous behaviors.
The good news is that separation anxiety can be treated. There are strategies to help your dog feel more secure when you’re away. It’s all about time and patience. With the proper approach, you’ll lessen your dog’s anxiety, nip the howling in the bud, and get peace and quiet back into your home.
Remember: Your dog isn’t howling because he’s trying to be a pain; he’s howling because he needs your help. With your help, they can understand that being alone is nothing to be afraid of.
Don’t Punish the Howling
Keep in mind that the howling is a symptom of anxiety and not vice versa. Punishing your dog for howling might escalate the problem by increasing their stress level. Instead, use positive reinforcement and patience. Reward calm behavior with your dog, and gradually reduce their anxiety. With consistent practice over time, your dog will know that being left alone doesn’t mean it’s the end of the world.
Wrapping It Up: The Value of Online Dog Training
Bringing up a howling dog can be tricky, even more so if you’re a first-time owner. Online dog-training sites offer loads of advice from experts, step-by-step interactive training guides to get your dog through separation anxiety in a breeze.
Online training provides professional guidance from the comfort of your home. It’s an on-demand service where you progress at your own pace. From positive association techniques to gradual desensitization on cues for departure, these platforms equip you with tools and knowledge that give your dog a sense of self-assurance and security when you’re not around.