Anyone got a lab that howls? Twice today Welly hs howled...he's 10 months old and this is the very first time he's ever done this. He's usually a very quiet dog, doesn't really bark or whine or anything. If he's frustrated he makes a whimpering/high pitched yapping noise, but this is the very first time I've ever seen him howl. First time was this morning as I was drinking my tea before taking him out, and I wondered if it was because he was frustrated to be out. Now he's howling in the garden, with me sitting next too him. Any thoughts on why he might be doing this, I seem to remember being told wolves howl in greeting and to bring the pack together. Welly and I are in the garden, everyone else is in the house...do you think he's trying to call to them? Any thoughts on what I should do, so far I'm ignoring it so as not to reinforce it but is that right. As you might imagine I'm not keen to encourage this if I can help it Nb he doesn't seem distressed in any way, can't detect any calming signals and now he's chewing on a stick! So he seems happy enough Thoughts much appreciated, Lisa
Re: Howling? Perhaps it's just a noise he's discovered he can make so has been trying it out, I tjink I would just ignore it.
Re: Howling? Thanks I think you might be right...the first time he was definitely trying it out, it was kinda of funny and sweet as he tried to yoddle away. Will see how it goes and continue to hide my sniggering and ignore.
Re: Howling? Ralph, my cousins rescue dog, howls when he hears a siren or ice cream van. I can understand why he'd want to call the ice cream van but not the police car. We're there any other noises when Welly howled ?
Re: Howling? Jen thanks but no it was very quiet, no noises at all. No further repeats today but will continue to monitor to see if I can figure out what might trigger it. Thanks Lisa
Re: Howling? My two have recently (last couple of months) have been raising their heads and howling in the back of the car when we are going on a particular walk. They start about half a mile from our destination and stop about 500yds before we get there. They sound just like wolves! I thought it was amusing at first (they didn't know I thought that!) but now I find it annoying. What does howling mean, are they calling to other dogs?
Re: Howling? Murphy has never howled, but my nans old dog Duke a springer spaniel who is no longer with us, used to bark at opera music. I have a video of him howling away at some music on the telly. He also used to howl when I played my flute to my nan and grandad and my grandad said he was singing along with me and used to encourage him! He only ever did it when there was music!
Re: Howling? Pippa writes an article (can't remember which one) where she says the it's been 14,000 years since wolves and dogs were related so that chances are it's nothing to do with wolf-like behaviour, although it does sound very wolfish! Did the howl come out of nowhere or did Welly crescendo up to it from whimpers and cries? Bonnie used to do that when she wanted to go for a walk and I wasn't ready. So I'd say firmly ignore it but keep an eye on it. You might have to train him out of it. When Bonnie discovered her deep, imposing bark she loved it and overused it enormously! Much to my neighbour's annoyance, I'm sure. I had to install a "quiet" command but I'm sure ignoring it is the best advice for now. There could be an association with the garden / being outside and going for walkies, so it's possible he was just thinking, "We're outside, that's the first step, now what's the hold up!?" ;D I remember B being a bit fazed by being outside but not going anywhere. I guess everything's new to them as each season brings new delights!
