Howling allows dogs to communicate over long distances. It can draw responses from other dogs.
Communication
Some dogs learn that howling brings their human's running to check on them.
Summoning Their People
Dogs may howl due to separation anxiety, confinement anxiety, noise phobias or obsessive compulsive disorders.
Anxiety
Primitive breeds like huskies are more prone to frequent, instinctive howling.
Breed Tendency
Certain sounds like sirens, harmonica, piano, or high-pitched noises can trigger howling.
Triggering Sounds
Some dogs howl for attention or out of boredom. It's important not to inadvertently reinforce attention-seeking howls.
Attention-Seeking
Howling could indicate pain, cognitive dysfunction syndrome or hearing loss in senior dogs. Have your vet check.
Medical Reasons