Mini Dachshund's Howling Lessons With Golden Retriever Sibling Are Pure Gold
Everyone has to start somewhere, even when it comes to animals. If you've ever owned multiple pets, you know that one dog or cat often learns tricks from the other. Just take this TikTok doggy duo, for example, as a golden retriever seemingly shows its much smaller mini dachshund housemate how to howl — and the dogs' owner isn't quite sure how to handle the little one's newfound voice!
@winniexbailey Does anyone else's dachshund howl??😅
Captured on a doggy cam while no one's around, the two dogs are seen sitting by an oversized window, barking at the outside world. But as the goldie named Bailey begins to howl, the mini doxie named Winnie thinks it's time to step up her game, finding her own inner howl in no time. "Please enjoy my golden teaching my dachshund how to howl 😅," notes the TikTok creator as the two dogs bark and howl in unison, before asking if anyone else's dachshund vocalizes like that.
"Stoppp so cute," says one viewer, while another one empathizes, "Had 2 Bassett Hounds & [dachshund]...they all howled!" Of course, anyone who has owned a dachshund knows that the tiny breed finding their bark is a real milestone, just like this dapple dachshund pup channeling the "Lion King."
Dachshunds are notoriously vocal dogs
Dachshunds are known for displaying big dog attitude despite their pint-size bodies, often coming across as defiant and bossy. They use a variety of howling, yipping, whining, and growling to get their point across, frequently vocalizing for attention or out of excitement, and for territorial alerts or even to convey boredom.
These traits stem from originally being bred as tenacious hunting dogs who sought out animals like rabbits, badgers, and foxes with a fearless attitude, often confronting animals much larger than themselves without hesitation. The loud, incessant barking served as a way for the breed to alert their human companion of the location of prey, with sound intensity often reaching some of the highest decibel levels of a barking dog.
These days, it's mainly a quirky trait that dachshund owners must get used to or try to manage. Early, consistent training and socialization are often key to keeping barking under control. Beyond that, taking daily walks and providing toys can help reduce boredom barking, while minimizing environmental triggers by closing curtains or moving to a calmer, quieter room can decrease barking because of over-stimulation or territorialism. In the end, though, it's best to understand and embrace that it's just part of a dachshund's personality.