Have you ever been walking your dog when a fire truck or ambulance passed by? If so, there’s a good chance that your pup started howling along with the siren. It’s a common misconception that dogs are howling because they’re afraid of the sound. However, the truth is quite the opposite. As it turns out, it’s typically the humans who become afraid when they hear their furry friends howling. So why does this happen? Well, there are several reasons why this might happen.
Howling Is A Form Of Communication For Dogs
When your dog starts howling, they are actually trying to communicate something. In many cases, their howling is an indication that they are seeking help. This could be because they need help finding a toy or because they need help making it back to the house. In these cases, their howling is a way for them to get your attention. They do this by howling in a way that mimics the sounds that they’re hearing. If you have a siren playing, then they’ll start howling in a way that mimics that sound.
Howling Indicates A Change In Pack Status
Another common reason that a dog might start to howl is to indicate a change in pack status. This might occur if another animal is encroaching on their personal space or if they are approaching a stranger. For example, if another animal is sniffing around where your dog is laying, then they might begin to howl. This will usually signify to that animal that they’ve invaded their space. The same concept applies to strangers. If a strange person approaches you when you’re with your pup, then you might notice them starting to howl. This will usually indicate that they are uncomfortable and are trying to let you know that they need more space.
Howling In Response To High-Pitched Noises
While it’s not as common as the first two reasons, some dogs will howl as a response to high-pitched noises. This could include the sound of a smoke alarm or the sound of a musical instrument. If they hear the sound, then they might start to howl. This is especially true if they are unable to determine the source of the sound. This will typically happen if your pup is outside and hears a noise from inside the house.
Bottom Line
While it might seem odd to some people, the fact that dogs are able to mimic the sounds that we hear is fascinating. Even more interesting is the fact that they are able to learn to mimic these sounds at a very early age. As such, it can sometimes be difficult to tell if they are mimicking the sound or just responding to it. However, once you become aware of what different sounds mean, you’ll be able to tell which sound they are mimicking.
