Dogs howl for a variety of reasons.Many dogs howl because of separation anxiety, others due to an environmental noise.Others just howl to get attention.If your dog is howling, you can try to reduce their anxiety by using counterconditioning techniques.
Step 1: Ignore the dog howling.
Some dogs howl in order to get your attention.To prevent this kind of howling behavior, you need to show your dog that howling is not a way to get your attention.Your dog may find this kind of attention rewarding, so don't scold or punish it when it howls.Speak or look at your dog when they howls to get your attention.Some dogs will find howling self-rewarding, meaning ignoring the behavior might not deter it as it might for other attention-seeking behaviors.Ignoring the howling will prevent you from accidentally reinforcing it.
Step 2: Reward your dog for being quiet.
When your dog is quiet, you can condition them to stop howling excessively.Don't give your dog anything unless you have a supply of treats or toys.They have been quiet for at least five seconds.Your dog will associate being quiet with getting a reward.Ignore howls from your dog until they are quiet for at least five seconds.When your dog is being quiet, give them treats at random times.Good behavior will be reinforced with the unexpected treat.
Step 3: Train your dog to be quiet.
You can teach a dog to stop making noise when you give them a command.Say "speak!" and try to get your dog to make noise by clapping your hands, just give the command to "hush" whenever they start to howl.Give your dog a treat when they make noise.This teaches your dog how to make noise.The dog will be less likely to howl in the absence of a cue.Wait for your dog to stop making noise and then praise them and give them a treat.These steps are repeated many times.You can try to shorten the amount of time your dog needs to be silent before you give them a treat.
Step 4: The behavior needs to be recognized.
Separation anxiety may be the cause of your dog's howling when you are away.Howling caused by anxiety separation is usually accompanied by other behavior patterns.
Step 5: Counterconditioning is something to try.
You will have to help your dog if they have anxiety separation.Counterconditioning is getting your dog to associate good things with separation.This may be enough to end the howling behavior in dogs with moderate anxiety separation.If you leave home, give your dog a toy.There are toys that can be stuffed with food for your dog to enjoy for a long time, and they are the best choices.These toys can be found at pet supply stores.When you return home, take the toy away so that your dog doesn't associate it with times when you are gone.Over time, your dog's separation anxiety should disappear if you repeat the steps consistently.If you want to stop your dog's howling, you can try crate training and counterconditioning.Do not punish your dog for separation anxiety.This will only make your dog more anxious.
Step 6: If your dog is having separation anxiety and howling, you should seek professional assistance.
If your dog has a more severe case of separation anxiety, they may need more extensive counterconditioning and desensitizing.To discuss training techniques, possible medications, and other options, talk to a vet, animal behaviorist, or certified professional dog trainer.If you seek the help of a CPDT, make sure they have been trained in counterconditioning and desensitization techniques, as education in these areas is not required for certification.
Step 7: Enjoy time with your dog.
If dogs have to be left alone for extended periods, they need a lot of attention from their humans.It is possible to reduce separation anxiety and howling behavior by playing with your dog.Set aside time for games, treats and exercise with your dog.Frequent play will benefit your dog if he is healthy.At least one half-hour walk per day is required.Discuss your dog's activity level with your vet, as they may have more specific exercise recommendations for older dogs.
Step 8: Determine if your dog is making a noise.
Many dogs respond to external stimuli with howls.Pay attention when your dog howls.Once the environmental triggering goes away or ends, your dog's howling will stop.If the occasional howl doesn't pose a problem, you may want to let your dog be.
Step 9: Change the way your dog reacts.
If the howling caused by an environmentaltrigger is excessive or needs to be controlled, then you may need to change your dog's behavior using desensitization and counterconditioning techniques.Desensitizing your dog to the environmentaltrigger is possible if it can be controlled.If your dog howls at the sound of your dryer, try to keep them calm by giving them a treat.If your dog is calm, increase the amount of time the dryer is on.Your dog will become desensitized to the gun and not howl.Counterconditioning can be used to stop your dog from howling.You can download a sound effects album with scary noise.Reward the dog when they are calm in the presence of the unpleasant sound by playing it at a low volume.As your dog becomes more tolerant, slowly increase the volume.Do this consistently, and you may be able to convince your canine to get a reward instead of howl.
Step 10: If your dog is sick or hurt, you should care for them.
If you can't determine the cause of your dog's howling, then it may be related to health issues.If your dog is howling because of illness or injury, you should have them examined by a vet.