'Howls In Especially Heinous': Golden Retriever Jamming To Law & Order Theme Song Is So Relatable

If you've ever bobbed your head while sitting on the couch when your favorite show's theme song came on, then you know the power of music. That power is not lost on pets, either, with dogs sometimes joining in on the vocalizing, just like this golden retriever who waits every week for his family to turn on his favorite tune, the "Law & Order: Special Victims Unit" theme song. Yup!

@emnm03 ♬ original sound – Em

Even if you've never watched the popular procedural show, it's been on so long that you probably recognize its gritty, suspense-driven instrumental theme that features saxophone and electric guitar — as does this dog on TikTok. "My dog does this every time he hears the law and order theme song," reads the caption, before showing the pooch walk up to the TV mesmerized, intently watching as the opening credits roll. As soon as the high-pitched sax kicks in, the dog howls at hearing the music, looking straight at the screen, before proudly walking away when the song comes to an end.

"Howls in especially heinous," one viewer wrote, while another ran to the comments to call it "😂😂😂 Paw & Order 🐾 👮‍♀️." A third viewer jumping in to say, "Dropped his toy to show how serious he is." Meanwhile, one commenter among several pointed out, "It's something with the saxophone 🎷 my dog howls only for music like this too 😆." And here we thought he was singing his praises over their addictive detective skills!

So, you have a dog that "sings," maybe you even trained them to do it, but what exactly does it mean? A dog's howl is one of its most recognizable vocalizations, rooted in instincts that predate domestication. While modern dogs no longer rely on howling for survival the way their wild ancestors did, the behavior still remains an important part of how dogs communicate.

Dogs may howl to announce their presence, respond to unfamiliar noises, or express strong emotions. Sirens, musical notes, and other high-pitched sounds can easily trigger a howl because they resemble the long-distance calls canines have used for generations. This is why some dogs join in when they hear someone sing or play certain musical instruments (a la a saxophone), treating the commotion as a cue to respond.

Sometimes, howling can also serve as an emotional outlet, with dogs using it when excited, seeking attention, or reacting to changes in the environment. In many cases, it's simply their way of making themselves heard, a doggy "serenade," if you will!