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How to Stop Your Dog From Howling at Night
Dogs can howl at night for a variety of reasons, from boredom to anxiety. It can be difficult to know how to stop your dog from howling, especially if you don’t know why they’re doing it in the first place. In this article, we’ll explore the most common reasons why dogs howl at night and how to stop them from doing so.
Why Do Dogs Howl at Night?
Your dog howling at night could be caused by a variety of reasons, including:
- Boredom – If your dog is not getting enough exercise or mental stimulation during the day, they may howl out of boredom.
- Separation Anxiety – This is a common issue for dogs that have been adopted or rehomed. Dogs with separation anxiety will howl out of distress when left alone.
- Noise Sensitivity – Some dogs are sensitive to sounds, such as fireworks or thunder, and may howl in response to these noises.
- Health Issues – If your dog is in pain or has an ear infection, they may howl out of discomfort.
It’s important to first determine why your dog is howling at night before you can address the issue.
How to Stop Your Dog From Howling at Night
Once you’ve identified the reason why your dog is howling at night, you can take steps to stop them from doing so. Here are some tips:
Exercise and Mental Stimulation
If your dog is howling due to boredom or lack of exercise, it’s important to give them plenty of physical and mental stimulation during the day. Try taking them for a long walk, playing fetch, or teaching them new tricks.
Create a Calm Environment
Create a calm, quiet environment for your dog at night. Keep the lights low and the noise level low. This will help your dog relax and prevent them from howling.
Desensitize Your Dog
If your dog is howling due to noise sensitivity, it’s important to desensitize them to the noise. Start by playing a recording of the noise at a low volume, and gradually increase the volume over time. This will help your dog become accustomed to the noise and will reduce the likelihood of them howling.
Seek Professional Help
If your dog is howling due to separation anxiety or another behavioral issue, it’s best to seek professional help. A veterinary behaviorist or a certified dog trainer can help you address the underlying issue and teach your dog how to cope with their anxiety.
Conclusion
It can be difficult to know how to stop your dog howling at night, especially if you don’t know why they’re doing it in the first place. By determining the cause of the howling, you can take steps to address the issue and stop your dog from howling. If your dog’s howling is due to a behavioral issue, it’s best to seek professional help to address the issue. With patience and consistency, you can help your dog stop howling at night.
