Howling is a typical means of communication among dogs. Dogs generally don't howl to interact with humans, but they can be taught to do so. If you want to teach your dog to howl on command, you'll need to incentivize the behavior. Just keep in mind, once your dog starts howling, it can be challenging to stop!
Steps to Encourage Your Dog to Howl
Encouraging Your Dog to Howl
Wait for your dog to naturally howl so you can reinforce the behavior. It's difficult to prompt your dog to howl before it's trained. Initially, you may need to wait for your dog to howl on its own, perhaps triggered by nearby barking or specific sounds like sirens passing by. If your dog isn't inclined to howl, try socializing it at a dog park where interaction with other dogs might stimulate the behavior.
If waiting doesn't trigger howling, experiment with sounds that may prompt your dog to howl. Try playing different types of music or musical instruments around the house to see if your dog responds.
If music fails, try playing online videos of howling dogs. Search for 'dogs howling' on YouTube and play the videos for your dog. Your dog might join in, feeling like it's communicating with real dogs.
Try mimicking a dog's howl yourself. If your dog doesn't respond to music, attempt to howl in the same room. Dogs often mimic their owners' behaviors or might simply get excited by your howling.
Training Your Dog to Howl on Command
Give your dog a treat whenever you say 'howl.' This reinforces the behavior and associates it with your command. Continue this reinforcement over days or weeks. You may still need to prompt the dog to howl occasionally with music, videos, or your voice.
Use a nonverbal signal if you prefer. Train your dog to respond to a cue other than verbal commands. You can teach your dog to howl in response to a specific gesture, like clapping or snapping fingers, just like you would with verbal cues.
Gradually reduce treat rewards. Once your dog understands the connection between the 'howl' command and howling, decrease the frequency of treats. Start by giving treats half the time, then gradually reduce to a quarter, and eventually stop altogether. Alternatively, use the 'quiet' command to control excessive barking.
Helpful Tips
Some breeds that often howl include Beagles, Dachshunds, Coonhounds, Foxhounds, Hounds, and Huskies. However, not all breeds howl, so if your dog never howls, it might not be in their nature. Consult your vet for confirmation on your dog's breed.