OK, it's time for one of Mary's dog questions...

[Mary Plummer]

What is it, do you think, that periodically makes dogs howl? For the last two nights in a row, I've taken Mr. Blue out for his last patrol of the yard, and pee duty before bed. On Friday, we heard what sounded like two small animals fighting, and he barked. Midway through his bark, it changed into a howl. He did the same thing last night. We didn't hear (or at least I didn't) any other animals. I was wondering if it's his way of communicating something to other canines, something other than whatever is communicated by his bark. My childhood dog used to howl every time she heard a siren. Mr. Blue doesn't do that at all. I of course praised him for his lovely singing voice, and then took him in so our neighbors wouldn't have to hear his vocalizations for too long Anyway, your thoughts on this will be greatly appreciated! It's a bit embarrassing; his howl song sounds much nicer than any of my off-key attempts!

[Marty]

Winnie bayed at the moon as a puppy, or when left outside by herself. Now they howl when they spot someone walking by, or when they want something...like Mom, I haven't had a treat in a couple hours and I want one NOW. Biscotti howls at squeaky stuffies too. New guy Joe is really quite a talker, and sounds even different...now Java (non-Basset) has such a piercing voice that I wish I could turn her into a melodic Basset...she already thinks like one! I know...this doesn't answer the question, but might spark someone to come out of this silence!

[k9Karen]

IMO - he's a hound and hounds don't need a reason to howl or bay at the moon - it's just part of the job of being a hound!

[ShelbysMom]

My Doberman howls pathetically when she hears a child crying. My daughter used to immediately stop crying whenever she heard it. It was an instant cure for a temper tantrum.

[TheSkeptic]

Just as a side note. This may or may not be relevant, but I read that Wolves bark as puppies, rarely as Adults. Adults communicate with howls, growls and whines. . .....