Dachshunds are famous for their big personalities and unique appearance. But one characteristic of them that often surprise their owner is their tendency to howl. While barking is common in dogs and often dachshunds bark a lot howling is a trait that is usually associated with wolves and some large breed dogs.SO owners often get puzzled when a small dog like a dachshund does so much howling. So why do dachshunds do so much howling? So let’s explore the reason behind this behavior and what it tells us about our furry friend.
The Genetic Link: A Hound’s Instinct
Dachshunds are dogs that belong to the hound group means they were originally bred for hunting. The ancestors of these dogs were designed to track and chase prey and howling is an essential part of communication in the wild. It has many purposes like:
- Locating Pack Members: Wild dogs and wolves howl to let their packs know their location. This behavior is passed to domestic dogs which also include dachshunds.
- Alerting Others: Howling is also a way to warn other dogs about the danger.
- Claiming Territory: It could also be a signal to show the ownership of any specific area or claim the territory.
Dachshunds now adapted to be life companions, but these instincts are intact in their DNA. Their howling is part of the hunting heritage.
Reasons Why Dachshunds Howl
Although it is part of their genetics still some triggers can be the reason behind dachshund howling. If you understand these triggers it will help you address the behavior and and how to manage it.
1. Response to High-Pitched Sounds
One of the common reasons that dachshunds howl is their response to high-pitched sounds. If there are musical instruments, sirens, or if a person is signing it will set the howling in dachshunds. They show this behavior because of their sensitive learning and their response to mimicking the sound.
2. Separation Anxiety
Dachshunds are also famous because of their strong bond with their owners and when they are left alone they experience separation anxiety which will result in howling. It is their way of expressing distress and a way to call their owner back.
Some of the common signs of separation anxiety include:
- Pacing or destructive behavior
- Attempts to escape confinement
- Excessive barking or howling
3. Seeking Attention
Dachshunds are very intelligent dogs and they can become very manipulative to get what they want. If they find out that howling is what gives them attention whether it's good for them or not they will use it as a tool to get attention. Even if you scold a dachshund it will reinforce the behavior because dogs think it is attention.
4. Expressing Pain or Discomfort
Sometimes howling can be a sign that your dog is in pain or discomfort. If your dachshund howling is persistent and sudden and is accompanied by other signs like limping, lethargy, and refusal to eat it is time to consult a vet.
5. Reacting to Other Dogs
Dachshunds are very social and howling is a way for them to communicate with other dogs. If your dachshund hears a dog in the neighborhood or outside in the street, he might howl to communicate with them.
6. Boredom or Excess Energy
Dachshunds are very energetic and curious dogs and if they are not getting enough physical and mental stimulation they will start howling out of boredom. However regular exercise and play time will curb this behavior.
7. Genetic Variations
While all of the dachshunds have the potential to howl the individual temperament and genetic predisposition can influence the intensity and frequency. Some dachshunds are more vocal than others.
How to Manage Excessive Howling
While occasional howling is not a problem and is harmless excessive howling can be problematic for neighbors and the owners. Here are some strategies that can help you manage this behavior.
1. Identify the Trigger
Identifying and understanding the trigger behind your dachshund's howl is the first step in addressing their behavior. You should pay attention to the howling episodes and understand are reacting to sound feeling lonely or just wanting attention.
2. Provide Adequate Exercise and Mental Stimulation
You may have heard before a tired dog is a happy dog so regular playtime, walks, and playing with toys will help in reducing the boredom and howling. If you are planning to leave your dachshund for a long time consider giving them a Crab toy to play with.
It is made of durable material and it has smart motion sensors that can sense small obstacles and it changes direction. It can also withstand even the hardest bite of your furry companion.
3. Use Positive Reinforcement
Reward your pup if they stay calm. If they stay quiet in situations where they can howl praise them and give treats. This will reinforce the idea that if they stay quiet it will give them rewards.
4. Desensitize Them to Triggers
If your pup is howling because of any specific sound then gradually expose them to that sound at lower volumes and then desensitize them. Try to pair that sound with a positive experience like playtime or add any positive association to that.
5. Avoid Reinforcing Attention-Seeking Howling
If your dog only howls to get attention then avoid responding to it. Wait until your pup stops howling and stops giving them attention or addressing their needs.
6. Address Separation Anxiety
If your dachshund has separation anxiety create a comfortable environment for him. Consider giving them puzzle feeders, toys, or any items that smell like you. If you do gradual desensitization it will reduce their anxiety.
7. Consult a Professional
If all of your effort there is still a lot of howling then consulting a vet or a dog trainer will give additional insight and strategies.
Conclusion
If you understand why your dachshund howl and what are the issues behind it you can create a harmonious relationship with your pup. Whether they howl due to any distant siren or a playful response to signing your dachshund howling reminds you of their their rich history and great personality.