How to Stop a Dog From Howling

Howling is a natural canine behavior brought on by loneliness, the need to communicate with other dogs, or even excitement. Howling can be cute at first but can quickly become an annoying behavior. Some breeds of dog are more inclined to howl than others, but using positive training methods and a kind, patient approach, you can teach any type of dog to stop howling.

Things You'll Need

  • Treats
  • Bike
  • Tennis balls
  • Puzzle toys
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Instructions

    • 1

      Determine the cause of the howling. If your dog only howls when you leave, then he may have a case of separation anxiety. For this case, contact a professional animal behaviorist. Howling while being ignored is an attention-seeking behavior. Howling at dinner or walk time is likely caused by excitement and stimulation.

    • 2

      Teach your dog to "speak." Wait until he howls, tell him "good speak" and give him a treat. Repeat this as many times as it takes for your dog to understand that howling is the behavior he is being rewarded for. Ask him to "speak" and treat him when he howls. Repeat until he understands the meaning of the command "speak."

    • 3

      Teach your dog to be "quiet." Wait for a second of quiet during the howling and say "good quiet." Reward her immediately with a treat. Gradually increase the amount of quiet time before she gets the treat to allow her to understand why she is earning the treat. When she is howling, tell her "quiet" and treat her. Repeat until she understands that "quiet" means to stop howling.

    • 4

      Ignore your dog's attention-seeking howling. Paying attention to him when he is howling reinforces the idea that howling is the way to get noticed. Ignore him for long enough and he will stop howling for attention.

    • 5

      Act calmly around exciting times such as dinner or walk time. Refrain from working your dog up in a frenzy. Calm behavior causes your dog to calm down. Calm dogs are less likely to howl than pent-up pups. If she starts howling, take a break from getting dinner ready or leashing her up. Make your dog realize that exciting things do not happen to hyperactive, out-of-control, howling dogs, but to calm, quiet dogs.

    • 6

      Tire your dog out through physical exercise and mental stimulation. Take him for a run or a bike ride before or after work. Provide him with puzzle toys that can be found at your local pet store. A tired dog is a good, and quiet, dog.