Howling Hounds
My dogs typically have a howling session twice a day; I’m sure our neighbors are appreciative of the chorus echoing along the river. A friend once told me, “it’s the call of the wild,” and I accepted that explanation. There are numerous speculations regarding the cause, none definitive.
High Pitched Sounds
We’ve all experienced the sound of dogs howling when they hear a siren. High-pitched musical instruments will also trigger a “join in the fun” moment. The howling generally stops when they can no longer hear the offending soun
Announcing Their Location
This communication can be directed towards other animals or to ensure you know they’re in the backyard upon arriving home. Towards other animals, it can be a territorial claim to their space. When signaling their humans, it’s more likely a call for attention.
Separation Anxiety
This pattern of howling can continue for the duration of your absence and requires some special attention to redirect their focus. It’s essential to train the puppy at a young age that alone time is good. I like to offer a “high value” chew during daylight crate time. For instance, a cow hoof is a disgusting thing on your carpet but a great reward inside the crate. A Kong toy stuffed with peanut butter and frozen is another excellent choice. The goal is to find something to keep them busy for an extended period. Remember, never give any attention upon your return while they’re howling or barking. Wait for silence; only then open the door of the crate.
If you’ve already reached adulthood and distraction isn’t working, you may want to consider a doggy daycare
At Hone Exam
Here are some things you can check at home between your doodle’s annual or semi-annual vet exam.
- Skin – as you’re petting your Dood, feel for lumps, scabs, anything that doesn’t feel right. Ask your groomer to do the same when bathing. Bring any to their attention to avoid an accidental knick. My vet removes little lumps during teeth cleaning for less than a separate procedure.
- Ears – should be clean and odor free. If they’re itchy, smell bad, or have a discharge, they need vet attention – not a cleaner from the pet store.
- Mouth – gums should be pink. White or dark red is a possible sign of something that warrants a vet call. I don’t think dog breath smells great, but foul indicates it may be time for teeth cleaning.
- Eyes – look for discharge or discoloration.
- Nose- frequent pawing or discharge is a sign a vet is needed. Warm or cold doesn’t mean anything – it can fluctuate based on recent activity and air temperature.
- Feet – check between toes and foot pads for hair mats and irritation.
- Weight – remember to compare their ribs to your knuckles for a guide. The hand closed – those knuckles are prominent. If their ribs feel like that, they’re too thin. Hand open. Feel the palm side – ribs like those are too fat. Hand open,, feel knuckles – ribs like that are just right. You can feel them, but there’s a layer of padding.
Meet our new standard poodle guy, Old Mill’s Magic Max, and future sire at OMD. He arrived in April and lives in the house with Winston, Tula, Jack…and me.