Top 3 Reasons Why Dogs Howl When You Leave

Howling is one way for dogs to communicate and it’s a common experience among dog owners to hear their dogs howl whenever they leave them. Here are the most common reasons for this behavior.

1. Your dog has separation anxiety

This is usually the most common reason. The level of separation anxiety can range from mild to severe. Dogs that suffer badly from separation anxiety may even howl when their owners move to a different room. Aside from howling, other common characteristics of separation anxiety include self-injury due to panic attacks, urinating in the wrong place, and refusal to eat and drink while you are away.

2. Your dog wants something

Some dogs may howl because they are trying to tell you they need something before you leave. Perhaps you didn’t leave enough food behind. Or the dog might not have access to his favorite toys. If the dog is being left alone for an extended period of time, it’s important to try and keep your dog preoccupied by filling the room with interactive toys.

3. Your dog is sick

It might not be due to you leaving them. Some dogs may howl because they are sick or injured. You should take the dog to the vet, especially if you notice anything unusual with their body movements. For example, some dogs may start to jump or pace around whenever you leave. These specific movements may cause discomfort and pain due to some kind of injury.

How to stop a dog from howling when you leave

Separation anxiety is usually the main reason for dogs that howl whenever their owners leave them on their own. Separation anxiety is not a behavioral issue that can be fixed overnight. It takes time and effort and requires the right methods for dogs to feel comfortable being alone.

In addition to behavioral training, there are accessories that may help reduce the amount of howling. Anti-anxiety dog coats, for example, may create a calming effort by applying pressure to the dog’s torso.