Nothing is more entertaining for dog owners than hearing your dog’s howl or dog bark. It’s a unique sound that you can’t help but smile when you hear it. Plus, it’s also a sign of joy and happiness for your pup! But how do you make your dog howl? Read on to find out!
How To Get Started
The first step to teaching your pup how to howl is making sure that he has the capacity for it. All dogs have the ability to howl, but some dog breeds have more of an inclination than others in the first place. Breeds like Basset Hounds, Siberian Huskies, Alaskan Malamutes, German Shepherds, and other types of hound breeds are more likely to channel their wolf ancestry with some form of howling. If you’re unsure if your pup has what it takes, it’s a good idea to try playing a video or recording of another dog howling or other loud noises and see if he responds with his own natural instincts for a howl. If he does, then you’re ready to move forward!
If not, don’t worry! There are still some tricks you can use in order to get him started on howling behavior. Start by introducing him to something that produces a similar sound, like an accordion or harmonica (make sure it’s not too loud at first). With enough practice and patience, your pup will eventually learn that when this sound is made, he should respond with his own version of it—a howl!
Once he’s got the idea down, begin associating a verbal command with his action so that eventually, when you say “howl!” he knows exactly what is expected of him. You may want to reward him with a tasty treat or praise whenever he successfully completes the task as well in order to reinforce positive behaviors and make this training a bonding activity.
How To Keep It Up
In order for your pup’s newfound skill set to stick around for good, consistency is key! Make sure that every time you ask him for dog howls, you reward him with treats promptly after so as not to confuse him and cause frustration and avoid destructive behaviors. Additionally, practice this trick regularly so that he doesn’t forget about it over time (at least once per day) until, eventually, it becomes second nature for him. After all, repetition is one of the best ways and easy ways for both people and animals alike when learning new things! Try any of the following techniques and training cues.
Whistle Training
One of the best ways to get your pup to howl is by teaching them to respond to a whistle or other high-pitched sounds or another verbal cue. Start by purchasing a whistle with multiple frequencies, such as an ultrasonic one. During training, blow the whistle at different volumes and tones while praising your pup when they respond. This is a great way to build confidence in responding to changes in frequency. Eventually, they will understand that when they hear the whistle, it’s time to howl!
Playing Music
Another way you can get Fido to join in on the singing is by playing music that has howling elements included in it. This could be anything from blues or jazz music featuring saxophones or even some classic rock songs like Led Zeppelin’s “Immigrant Song” or AC/DC’s “Back In Black.” Just make sure the volume isn’t too loud so as not to scare your pup away from trying out its own barky melody!
Vocal Cues
You can also encourage your pup to join in on the fun by making vocal sounds yourself. Try gently humming a tune with long notes and see if they respond with a few barks or howls of their own. If they don’t seem interested right away, try changing up the pitch until you hit one that captures their attention. Soon enough, they’ll be joining in on the fun with you!
Conversations & Playtime
Last but not least, why not encourage your pup’s inner singer during playtime and conversations? Dogs are social creatures and love talking back (in their own way!) when we talk directly at them. So why not give it a try? See if making conversation with them helps them find their inner voice – chances are they’ll surprise you with some amazing tunes!
Whether you’re looking for entertainment or just want to see what kind of noise Fido can make, getting them to howl is easy once you know what methods work best for them. With some patience and practice, soon enough, you’ll have an adorable howler as part of your family! And if all else fails – there are always YouTube videos for backup.