Why Do Dachshunds Howl?
Our dachshund has always barked a lot, something which is known to be a particular common trait of the dachshund breed. Occasionally, we have also noticed he will howl too! While the occasional howling can be quite cute, when this becomes excessive it can become a nuisance, so understanding what is triggering your dachshund is important for you all to live a happy life together.
In this guide, we will delve into the reasons behind why dachshunds will vocalise through howling, exploring some of the different factors that contribute to howling, and provide tips on managing excessive vocalisation.
Understanding the Vocal Nature of Dachshunds
Background of the Dachshund Breed
Dachshunds have a rich history dating back several centuries. Originating in Germany, these dogs were bred with a specific purpose - to hunt prey, particularly badgers. The name "dachshund" actually translates to "badger dog" in German. Their unique elongated bodies, sharp senses, and fearless nature made them ideal for tracking and hunting burrowing animals. This ancestral background plays a significant role in understanding why dachshunds are so vocal.
Dachshunds have inherited their vocal tendencies from their ancestors, the wolves. In the wild, wolves use howling as a means of communication with their pack. Similarly, dachshunds utilise vocalisations like barks and howls to convey messages and express their needs. When hunting prey, dachshunds would alert their human companions through howling, signalling the discovery of burrows or potential danger. This instinctual behaviour has carried over to domesticated dachshunds, making them more prone to vocalisations.
Vocal Communication in Dachshunds
Dachshunds are known for their expressive nature, using various vocalisations to communicate with their owners and other dogs. Barking and howling are primary forms of vocal communication for dachshunds.
Dachshunds are social creatures and enjoy interacting with other dogs. Howling can be a form of communication used to establish contact and convey messages to other canines. By howling, they can initiate social interaction, express their presence, or communicate their intentions.
When it comes to interacting with humans, dachshunds are known for their strong desire for companionship and attention. They may resort to howling or barking to seek your attention or initiate interaction. If they feel ignored or desire your presence, vocalising can be their way of getting noticed and engaging with you. Similarly, when they're thrilled to see you, play, or engage in activities, they may howl or bark joyfully. This form of vocalisation is a way for them to express their positive emotions and share their enthusiasm with you.
Alerting to Potential Danger or Responding to Noises and Triggers
Some dachshunds can have a natural instinct to protect their territory and loved ones. When they sense potential danger, they may howl or bark to alert you and ward off intruders. This behaviour stems from their ancestral role as hunting dogs, where vocalisations were used to communicate the presence of prey or potential threats.
Dachshunds may also howl in response to specific sounds or triggers in their environment. High-pitched sounds like sirens, alarms, or musical instruments can stimulate their vocal tendencies. We have found that our dog is also often triggered by the doorbell, or the sound of car doors outside and also loud sounds like fireworks. Howling in response to triggers is often temporary and subsides once the sound ceases.
Indicating Physical Discomfort, Pain or Anxiety
In some cases, excessive howling may be a sign that your dachshund is experiencing physical discomfort or pain. Dogs may vocalise to communicate their distress and seek assistance. If your dachshund's howling behaviour changes suddenly or persists despite no apparent triggers, it is crucial to consult a veterinarian to rule out any underlying medical issues.
Dachshunds are known for their affectionate and people-loving nature, often forming strong bonds with their owners. This attachment can lead to separation anxiety when they are left alone. Separation anxiety is a behavioural condition where dogs feel extreme distress and anxiety when separated from their owners or primary caregivers. Excessive howling when your Dachshund is left alone can be a prominent sign of separation anxiety. If your neighbours report constant howling or you observe destructive behaviour, house soiling, or signs of distress when you're away, separation anxiety may be the underlying cause.
Managing separation anxiety requires a properly considered approach and is something we have written about previously in our post on how to deal with separation anxiety in dachshunds. If in doubt, always consult with a professional dog trainer or veterinarian if you’re unsure or need further help.
Desensitisation Techniques for Triggered Howling
If your dachshund’s howling is triggered as a response to certain noises or sounds, you can attempt to use desensitisation or counterconditioning behavioural techniques to help modify your dog's responses to specific triggers or stimuli. These techniques aim to change the emotional reactions from fear or anxiety to a more positive or neutral state. Desensitisation involves gradually exposing the dog to the trigger at a low intensity, while counterconditioning focuses on associating the trigger with positive experiences or rewards.
To address triggered howling in dachshunds, it's crucial to identify the specific sound triggers that are causing your dog to respond. By pinpointing the triggers, you can create a desensitisation plan tailored to your dachshund's needs.
Gradually exposing your dachshund to the trigger at a low intensity and increasing the exposure slowly over time can help your dog to understand the sounds are not a threat. For example, if your dachshund howls at the sound of sirens, you can play a low-volume recording of sirens while providing treats or engaging in positive activities. The goal is to create positive associations with the trigger and gradually reduce the intensity of the howling response.
Seeking Professional Behavioural or Veterinary Help
Desensitisation and counterconditioning can be complex processes, especially for severe or persistent howling behaviours. It may be worth consulting with a professional animal behaviourist or dog trainer in order to get more in depth guidance and customised plans to help address the specific issues with your dog. In the UK, organisations like the UK Kennel Club can provide guidance on Accredited Instructors and Behaviourists while there are also organisations like the Association of Pet Dog Trainers. We recommend doing your own research to find the best trainer to suit your needs.
In a similar way, while dachshunds' howling is often related to behavioural or environmental factors, it's essential to consider potential medical causes that could be causing your dog’s excessive vocalisation. Dogs may howl if they are experiencing pain, discomfort, or underlying medical conditions. If your dachshund's howling behaviour is sudden, accompanied by other signs of distress, or persists despite behavioural interventions, it's crucial to consult a veterinarian for a thorough examination.
Observing your dachshund for signs of pain or discomfort can help identify potential medical issues. Look for changes in appetite, mobility, behaviour, or signs of physical distress such as limping, whimpering, or reluctance to engage in activities. These signs, combined with excessive howling, may indicate an underlying health problem that requires veterinary attention.
A veterinarian can conduct a comprehensive examination, including physical assessments, diagnostic tests, and medical history evaluation, to identify any medical issues contributing to your dachshund's howling. Treatment options will depend on the specific diagnosis, and addressing the underlying medical condition can often alleviate excessive vocalisation.
Other Strategies For Managing Excessive Howling
Setting Boundaries and Consistent Training
If you have ruled out specific triggers or medical issues that may be causing your dachshund’s howling, you can also try establishing clear boundaries and consistent training to help with managing excessive vocalisation. Teach your Dachshund basic obedience commands like "quiet" or "speak" to promote desired behaviours and discourage excessive howling. Consistency, positive reinforcement, and patience are key to effective training.
Teaching your dachshund the "quiet" command can help redirect their vocalisation and promote calm behaviour. We have preferred to use the word “enough” with our dachshund, but either works. Start by rewarding moments of silence and gradually introduce the command while providing treats or praise. With consistent training, your dachshund will associate the "quiet" command with positive outcomes and learn to reduce excessive howling.
Ensuring Mental Stimulation and Enrichment
Keeping your dachshund mentally and physically stimulated can help reduce excessive vocalisation, as dachshunds are intelligent dogs that thrive on mental stimulation. Incorporate activities like puzzle-solving, scent games, or obedience training into their daily routine. Mental enrichment can provide an outlet for their energy and reduce boredom-related howling.
Engage in regular interactive play sessions, offer puzzle toys or treat-dispensing toys, and provide opportunities for physical exercise. A tired and mentally stimulated dachshund is less likely to engage in excessive howling.
Training Techniques for Howling Behaviour
Positive Reinforcement and Reward-Based Training
Positive reinforcement is a highly effective training technique for addressing howling behaviour in Dachshunds. Reward desired behaviours, such as quietness or calmness, with treats, praise, or play. Consistency, patience, and repetition are key to successful training outcomes.
Teaching Alternative Behaviours
Redirecting your Dachshund's focus from howling to alternative behaviours can help manage excessive vocalisation. Teach them alternative commands or actions, such as fetching a toy or sitting quietly, to replace the instinct to howl. With consistent training, your dachshund will learn acceptable behaviours that replace excessive howling.
Training can take time, consistency, and patience. Be consistent with your training methods, cues, and expectations. Avoid punishing or scolding your dachshund for howling, as this can create confusion and anxiety. Instead, focus on positive reinforcement and redirecting their behaviour towards desirable alternatives.
Creating a Calm Environment for Your Dachshund
Minimising Stressors and Loud Noises
As noted above, some dachshunds can be sensitive to their environment and may become anxious or reactive to loud noises or stressors. It can help to minimise exposure to loud sounds, such as fireworks or thunderstorms, which can trigger excessive howling. If you try to create a calm and secure environment where your dachshund feels safe and protected, this can help to reduce howling.
Providing Comfortable Rest Areas
Most dachshunds enjoy having a dedicated resting area where they can retreat and relax. Provide comfortable bedding, cozy blankets, and a designated space where your dachshund feels secure. A calm and comfortable resting area can help reduce anxiety-related howling. We have crate trained our dachshund from the day we brought him home, which has led him to use that as his “safe space” throughout the day - crate training can definitely help with this, but equally providing a comfortable bed area that your dog can retreat to may be all you need.
Try Using Calming Music or White Noise
Calming music or white noise can help create a soothing atmosphere for your dachshund. Play gentle, relaxing music or use white noise machines to mask external sounds and promote a sense of tranquility. These auditory cues can help minimise triggers for excessive howling. This can be especially useful as a preventative measure if you know that a particular trigger is likely, like fireworks at particular times of year.
By understanding the vocal nature of dachshunds and implementing proper training techniques, you can effectively manage excessive howling and create a calm environment for your dachshund. Remember to provide mental and physical stimulation, establish a strong bond through positive reinforcement, and seek professional guidance when necessary.
