Do Springer Spaniels howl? they can be vocal dogs, but they do not howl (in the traditional sense) as much as other breeds (like Australian Shepherds or Huskies).
They will often only howl when something is bothering them or if they hear other dogs howling.
In this blog post, we will go over everything you need to know about a springer spaniels’ vocal habits!
Why Do Springer Spaniels Howl?
Springer Spaniels, like other dogs, may howl for various reasons. Here are a few possible explanations for why Springer Spaniels howl:
- Communication: Howling is a natural form of communication for dogs. They may howl to express their emotions, communicate with other dogs, or alert their owners to something happening in their surroundings.
- Separation Anxiety: Springer Spaniels are known to be a social breed and can develop separation anxiety when left alone for extended periods. Howling can be a manifestation of their distress or an attempt to seek attention or comfort.
- Response to Sirens or Music: The high-pitched sound of sirens or certain types of music can trigger a dog’s instinct to howl. Springer Spaniels may respond to these sounds by joining in and howling along.
- Expressing Boredom: If a Springer Spaniel is bored or not receiving enough mental and physical stimulation, they may howl as a way to release energy or seek attention from their owners.
- Vocalizing Needs: Howling can be a way for Springer Spaniels to communicate their needs, such as hunger, discomfort, or the need to go outside for a bathroom break.
It’s important to note that excessive or persistent howling may indicate an underlying issue that needs attention. If your Springer Spaniel’s howling becomes excessive, disruptive, or is accompanied by other concerning behaviors, it is recommended to consult with a veterinarian or a professional dog trainer to address the underlying cause and find appropriate solutions.
Can You Stop A Springer Spaniel From Howling?
Yes, you can, but Springer Spaniels can be very persistent when they want something, so training them not to do what they want to do may take time.
To address and reduce excessive howling in a dog, consider the following tips:
- Identify the Cause: Determine the underlying reason behind your dog’s howling. Is it due to separation anxiety, boredom, attention-seeking, or a specific trigger? Understanding the cause will help you tailor the appropriate solution.
- Provide Sufficient Exercise and Mental Stimulation: Ensure your dog receives enough physical exercise and mental stimulation. Engage them in regular play sessions, walks, and provide puzzle toys or interactive games to keep their mind occupied. A tired and stimulated dog is less likely to howl out of boredom.
- Address Separation Anxiety: If your dog’s howling is related to separation anxiety, gradually desensitize them to your departures. Practice short absences and gradually increase the duration over time. Consider using calming techniques, such as leaving them with a comforting item or using anti-anxiety products recommended by a veterinarian.
- Create a Calm Environment: Establish a calm and secure environment for your dog. Provide a comfortable and quiet space where they can retreat and feel safe. Use white noise machines or calming music to mask external noises that may trigger howling.
- Ignore Attention-Seeking Howling: If your dog howls to seek attention, avoid reinforcing the behavior by ignoring the howling. Wait until they are calm and quiet before providing attention or rewards. Reward them for being quiet or engaging in desirable behaviors.
- Counter-Conditioning and Training: Teach your dog an alternative behavior that is incompatible with howling, such as “quiet” or “speak” commands. Reward them for responding to these commands and reinforce quiet behavior.
- Seek Professional Help: If the howling persists despite your efforts, or if you’re unsure about the best approach, consider consulting with a professional dog trainer or a veterinary behaviorist. They can provide tailored guidance and create a behavior modification plan specific to your dog’s needs.
Remember, patience, consistency, and positive reinforcement are key when modifying your dog’s behavior. Be understanding and address any underlying issues to help your dog become calmer and reduce excessive howling.
Why do Springer Spaniels howl?
It’s natural instinct and an effective way of communicating with other canines in the area, including those not related or even members of their pack!
One reason why Springer Spaniels might start to howl is separation anxiety. Dogs become very lonely when left alone for long periods of time away from home due to unfamiliar scents and sounds they may hear while alone at home.
They call out by howling, hoping you’ll come back to them; this behavior usually stems from getting overly excited during greetings and overstimulated play sessions where your pet was unable to calm down on its own before being left again, eventually becoming frustrated until it finally gives up hope and begins to howl.
Is it normal for a Springer Spaniel to howl?
Yes! It is perfectly normal for any dog to howl, but there is usually a cause for it.
Springer Spaniels, like many other breeds of dogs, can be prone to howling at times.
This can be a sign of separation anxiety or boredom, but more often, it is simply the dog’s instinctual reaction to hearing noises in their surroundings – even if those sounds are not related or even members of their pack!
What is the cause of my Springer Spaniel’s excessive Howling and barking?
A Springer Spaniel’s excessive Howling or barking could be the result of several different factors. The most common cause is separation anxiety or boredom in an otherwise healthy dog.
So if your dog is howling, try to find the cause; it could be several things such as:
- A female in season
- A new dog in the area
- Unfamiliar sounds
- Unfamiliar scents
- Separation anxiety
- Boredom
- Loneliness
- Territoriality (a response to strangers on your property)
- Playfulness
- Fear
- Illness or injury
In any case, it is important that you take your dog to the vet if he has been excessively vocal for more than a few days at a time so they can rule out any underlying medical issues which may have caused this reaction.
In addition, checking with other members of your household will help identify what triggers might set off barking episodes outside those related to being left home alone.
My Dog Howls All Day. What Should I Do?
A number of things can cause a Springer Spaniel’s Howling. It might just be their natural sound or communicating with each other, but it could also indicate that they’re feeling some anxiety and need attention from you.
Try to identify the causes for why your dog is howling, as this will help you address the problem more efficiently. If there doesn’t appear to be any medical reason for excessive vocalization, then try these three steps:
- Provide them with plenty of exercise beforehand, so they are tired when left alone at home
- Make sure they have something interesting to do while they wait for you (providing interactive toys and background noise such as a TV or Radio both work well)
- Spend time in another room before leaving your house
we have covered some of the main reasons a springer spaniel may howl and some steps to identify the cause.
Final Thoughts
It is perfectly normal for any dog to howl from time to time if there is a trigger, but you should not let it become a problem as it can be hard to stop in some dogs.
