Blog | Calm on the Leash

Why do dogs bark and howl, and what can I do about it?

Short answer: dogs bark and howl to tell us something. They may be excited, worried, bored, lonely or asking for something. Start by noticing when it happens. If your dog has suddenly started barking or howling a lot more than usual, a quick call to your vet comes first, because pain or illness can be behind it.

What's happening right now?

The moment you're in

Why do dogs bark and howl, and what can I do about it?

How do I choose a dog food: dry, wet, raw or grain-free?

How much and how often should I feed my adult dog?

New dog checklist: what to buy, and what to do in the first week

Choosing a dog: breed, lifestyle and what to expect

Sit, stay, lie down: basic commands step by step

Senior dogs: signs of aging and what to feed

What should I expect as my puppy grows, and when should I call the vet?

Spay, neuter, heat and pregnancy: what owners should know

The real cost of owning a dog, and is insurance worth it

Which human foods can my dog eat, and how do I share them safely?

Dog dental care: teeth, bad breath and brushing

Never give your dog human painkillers

Pain and limping: how to tell your dog is hurting

Why do dogs sleep so much, and when is it too much?

Dog body language: happy, stressed and anxious signs

Dog emergencies: symptoms that mean call a vet

Dog vomiting and diarrhea: what to watch and when to call the vet

Why is my dog itching or losing hair, and could it be an allergy?

Fleas, ticks, worms and vaccines: how do I protect my dog all year?

Why do dogs shake or tremble, and when should I call the vet?

Dog separation anxiety: signs, causes and a gradual plan

Which foods are unsafe for dogs, and what should I do if mine ate one?

A puppy is coming home. What gear do I need and what do I train in the first week?

My dog follows my cues but ignores my partner. Is that dominance?

My dog barks when I lie down to exercise. Should I ignore it?

My dog is panting hard on a hot walk but wants to keep going. Should I trust them?

My dog growls when I towel-dry them. Do I have to finish?

Not sure where to start?

My dog panics when the car wipers start. How can we travel in rain?

My dog seems withdrawn after grooming. Is it just a new haircut?

My dog avoids wet grass in the yard. How do they toilet?

My dog asks for petting but yelps when touched. Should visitors stop?

My dog takes other dogs' toys at the park and growls when I reach in. What now?

My dog shakes when my phone alerts sound. Should I keep the ringer on for practice?

My dog drinks from another bowl but avoids their own. Should I worry?

My dog eats only when I hand-feed them. Should I stop?

My dog gets into the car but will not get out. Should I lift them?

My dog hides when I join a video meeting. Is it the laptop?

My dog barely toileted while boarding. What should I check now?

My dog refuses the slow-feeder bowl but eats from a normal bowl. Should I insist?

My dog carries a toy and whines. Should I take it away?

My dog ignores every toy I offer. Are they missing out?

My dog copes alone by day but panics when left in the evening. What changed?

My dog splashes the water bowl empty. How do I keep them hydrated?

My dog panics when it gets windy. Do they need to stay outside to adjust?

My dog keeps licking the floor. Is this just a habit?

My dog freezes in the recovery cone. Can I take it off?

My dog paces when the suitcase comes out. Does that mean separation anxiety?

My dog drinks at home but refuses water on walks. Should we keep going?

My dog refuses to go outside after fireworks. How do they toilet?

My dog pees with the dog walker but waits to poop with me. Should we worry?

I bought my dog a new bed, but they still choose the old one. Should I insist?

My dog keeps eating snow on walks. Is it safe to let them?

My dog hides when we cook. Is the stove frightening them?

My dog accepts the harness but nips when I take it off. What should I change?

My dog is restless when a guest sleeps over. Do they need a new bedtime rule?

My dog skips meals when we travel. Should I keep changing the food?

My dog stays in the crate when I open it in the morning. Should I coax them out?

My dog pees in the new yard but waits for a walk to poop. Is that a problem?

My dog barks and rushes toward people when they sneeze. How do I help?

My dog sleeps in the crate at night but panics when I leave them in it by day. Are they crate trained?

My dog nips only when guests leave. How do we make the exit safe?

My dog refuses a walk in the rain. Do they still need the usual route?

My dog walks with both of us but refuses when only one person goes. What can we try?

My puppy freezes when I clip on the lead. How can we get outside safely?

My puppy scratches at the collar and hides. Should I leave it on until they adjust?

My dog pees when guests arrive. Is it excitement or a toilet-training problem?

My dog toilets in the fenced yard but won't poop on a lead. What can I do?

My dog uses the pet door when the flap is held up but won't push through it. How do I help?

My dog sometimes barks in the crate at bedtime. Should I wait it out?

My dog plays at daycare but refuses to go through the door at drop-off. Should I carry them in?

My dog steals shoes and runs when I try to get them back. What helps?

My dog won't come inside from the yard unless I offer a treat. Am I bribing them?

My dog is suddenly afraid of the ceiling fan. Should I show them it is safe?

We moved house and my dog wakes through the night. Should I tire them out more?

My dog suddenly started barking at night. What should I check before training?

My puppy freezes at the building doorway. Should I carry them through?