Damon Mcknight
Australian Shepherds are part of the herding dog class, and they have a strong residual urge to howl. This is because they use their loud howls to control the movement of the flock. They may also howl to express strong emotions, such as fear or excitement, or to get their owner's attention. Some dogs will howl in response to high-pitched sounds such as alarms, sirens, or their owner's singing voice. If you want to make your Australian Shepherd howl, you can try exposing them to these types of sounds or even try howling yourself!
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What You'll Learn
Try making different noises, like mimicking a siren
Making noises is a great way to encourage your Australian Shepherd to howl. This is because howling is a form of communication for dogs, just like barking and whining. They howl to make contact with others, get attention, signal distress, and announce their presence.
As a herding dog, the Australian Shepherd is known for its strong and loud howl, which it uses to control the movement of its flock. This residual urge to howl may be why your Aussie likes to make noise now and then.
Mimicking a siren is a great way to encourage your dog to howl. Sirens tend to have a similar pitch and volume to a dog's howl, so it's no surprise that many dogs respond to them. You can try making siren noises yourself, or play recordings of sirens to see if your dog reacts.
If your dog doesn't respond to siren noises, don't be discouraged! All dogs are different, and you might need to experiment with different sounds until you find what works for your pup. Try making other loud noises, like singing or playing a musical instrument. You could also try making noises that mimic other animals, such as owls or coyotes, which are known to trigger howling in some dogs.
Remember, some dogs are more prone to howling than others, and it may take some patience and persistence to find the right noise that encourages your Australian Shepherd to howl.
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Play recordings of sirens
There are several reasons why dogs howl at sirens. One theory suggests that howling at sirens is a behaviour inherited from their ancestors, the wolves, who are known for their howling. Wolves use howling as a means of communication and dogs may be doing the same, responding to the sound of a siren or attempting to communicate with other dogs. Dogs have a much sharper sense of hearing than humans and can hear sounds at frequencies that we cannot.
Another theory suggests that dogs who act as protectors or watchdogs for their families may howl at sirens. They may hear a siren in the distance and not know what it is. This new and unfamiliar sound could be a potential threat, and their howling could be a way to express anxiety or alert the "pack" of potential danger.
Some dogs may also howl to gain attention, whether it is to get food, treats, or engagement.
If you want to train your Australian Shepherd to howl on cue, you can try the "Siren Method". First, find a video or audio recording of a siren, such as an ambulance or fire truck siren, on your electronic device. Next, call your dog over to you in a calm location. Keep your device out of sight from your dog and tell your dog to "Howl" while playing the recording. If your dog does not howl, repeat the recording several times in a row, try different recordings of sirens, or turn the volume up gradually, being careful not to frighten your dog. When your dog does howl, praise them enthusiastically and offer a treat. Repeat this process at least thirty times so your dog can learn what the cue means and respond reliably.
If your dog struggles to remember the cue, you can give them hints by playing the recording again until they succeed without the hint. Over time, you can start to use the cue to get them to stop howling at a passing siren or other sound by rewarding them for not reacting.
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Howl yourself to encourage the dog to join in
Australian Shepherds are a herding breed that uses its strong and loud howl to control the movement of the flock. This residual urge to howl may be why your Aussie Shepherd likes to make noise from time to time. To encourage your dog to howl, try howling yourself! Here are some tips on how to do it effectively:
Start by finding the right pitch and tone that your dog responds to. Each dog has a unique preference, so experiment with different sounds until you find the one that piques your dog's interest. Try varying the volume and length of your howls, as well.
Create a stimulating environment by incorporating other noises that may trigger a howl. For example, play sounds of sirens or musical instruments like the harmonica or violin, which are known to evoke howls in some dogs. You can also try howling along with these noises to increase the chances of your Aussie Shepherd joining in.
Be patient and persistent. Some dogs may take more time than others to feel inclined to howl. Keep trying during different times of the day and in various settings to find when and where your dog feels most comfortable expressing themselves. Remember, some dogs are more prone to howling than others, so don't be discouraged if your Aussie Shepherd doesn't howl immediately.
Observe your dog's body language and behaviour closely. Dogs are social creatures and often make sounds when greeting each other. Pay attention to your dog's posture, tail position, and ear movements, as these can indicate their level of interest and excitement. If they seem curious or excited, continue your howling efforts, and they may eventually join in.
Remember, howling is a normal behaviour in dogs and is one of their natural instincts leftover from their wolf ancestors. It is a form of communication for them, just like barking and whining. By understanding the underlying reasons for howling and creating the right conditions, you can encourage your Australian Shepherd to express their unique howl.
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Understand the reasons why dogs howl, like signalling distress
Australian Shepherds are a herding breed, first established in the US, and they use their strong howl to control the movement of the flock. This residual urge to howl may be why they sometimes like to make noise. They may also howl in pain if it is severe enough.
Dogs howl for a variety of reasons, and understanding why can help us better communicate with them. Wolves, the ancestors of dogs, howl to communicate with other wolves. Howling is used to assemble the pack, coordinate hunting activities, establish territories, and warn other groups to stay away. Like their ancestors, dogs may howl to communicate with other dogs, especially over long distances. Howling can also be used as a signal to others about a dog's presence or location and as an invitation to interact.
Dogs may also howl in response to something in their environment, such as loud noises like sirens, music, or other dogs howling (a behaviour known as "contagious howling"). They may also howl to announce their territory, which can help ward off potential predators.
Howling can also be a way for dogs to express their emotional state. They may howl when they are excited, upset, stressed, anxious, lonely, or afraid. It can also be a sign of frustration or boredom.
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Learn about the history of the breed and their herding instincts
The Australian Shepherd, also known as the Aussie, is a breed of herding dog that, despite its name, was developed in California in the 19th century. The breed is believed to have originated from sheepdog breeds from northwest Spain, as well as collies imported from Australia and New Zealand. The name "Australian Shepherd" is a misnomer, derived from the trade that brought the dogs to California.
The Australian Shepherd's history can be traced back to the 1500s, when the Spaniards imported their hardy native Churras sheep and herding dogs to tend them in the New World. Some early accounts describe a wolf-like dog, larger than the modern Australian Shepherd, that was more of a guardian than a herder. Over time, the breed evolved and was influenced by various types of herding dogs, including those from Britain and Australia.
In the mid-1800s, the California Gold Rush and the aftermath of the Civil War created a high demand for sheep and wool, leading to an increased need for herding dogs in the American West. This is when the British-derived sheepdogs, often with merle or tricolor coats, became prevalent. These dogs, sometimes called English Shepherds, were the ancestors of the modern Australian Shepherd.
The Australian Shepherd was originally bred as a working dog, herding livestock and working on ranches. They are known for their intelligence, stamina, agility, and strong herding instincts. Their herding instincts drive them to protect the livestock, creating a barrier between the herd and any potential predators. They also help move livestock between grazing sites, exhibiting their natural herding abilities.
Today, the Australian Shepherd is a popular companion dog breed in North America, known for its loyalty, dependability, and easygoing nature. While many are bred as pets, they still retain their strong herding instincts and require ample physical exercise and mental stimulation.
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Frequently asked questions
There are several ways to make your dog howl. You can howl yourself, play them a video of wolves howling, or expose them to high-pitched sounds such as alarms, sirens, or your singing voice.
Australian Shepherds are part of the herding dog class and have a residual urge to howl from their herding origins. They may also howl to express strong emotions, such as fear or excitement, or to get their owner's attention.
Excessive howling may be a sign of pain or discomfort, in which case you should take your dog to the veterinarian as soon as possible. If your dog is howling for attention, you should ignore the behavior and only reward them when they are quiet.
Yes, Australian Shepherds may howl in response to loud or high-pitched noises, or simply because they feel like expressing themselves.
