We have completed maintenance on DiscoverMagazine.com and action may be required on your account. Learn More

Why Dogs Howl: The Scientific Reasons Behind this Contagious Behavior

A dog's howl is either cute or startling. Reasons why they're howling may be because they are lonely, have anxiety or it's just a primal instinct.

By Emilie Le Beau Lucchesi
Sep 11, 2023 1:00 PM
Labrador puppy howling outside in the grass
(Credit:otsphoto/Shutterstock)

Newsletter

Sign up for our email newsletter for the latest science news
 

When the garbage truck drives up to my house every week, my three little dogs can barely contain their excitement. They bark and race from one window to the next. At one point, my chihuahua mix will throw back her head and release a dramatic howl.

It seems ridiculous to howl at a garbage collector. However, animal behavior researchers have learned howling is a vital form of communication among wolf packs. This behavior lingers among some domesticated dogs, and scientists are learning that dogs howl for many reasons. 

Why Do Wolves Howl?   

(Credit:Alexander Sviridov/Shutterstock)

Wolves have many reasons for howling, and researchers have observed wolf packs happily howling in each other’s faces as a way to reinforce their group membership. In this sense, howling as a group is a team-building exercise.

0 free articles left
Want More? Get unlimited access for as low as $1.99/month

Already a subscriber?

Register or Log In

0 free articlesSubscribe
Discover Magazine Logo
Want more?

Keep reading for as low as $1.99!

Subscribe

Already a subscriber?

Register or Log In

Stay Curious

Sign up for our weekly newsletter and unlock one more article for free.

 

View our Privacy Policy


Want more?
Keep reading for as low as $1.99!


Log In or Register

Already a subscriber?
Find my Subscription

More From Discover
Recommendations From Our Store
Shop Now
Stay Curious
Join
Our List

Sign up for our weekly science updates.

 
Subscribe
To The Magazine

Save up to 40% off the cover price when you subscribe to Discover magazine.

Copyright © 2024 Kalmbach Media Co.