Dog Community

Howling like a fool

Posted : 7/7/2008 6:10:33 PM

I have begun to play trumpet again as I am doing some private teaching to supplement my income. The problem is that Bugsy, the dog that doesn't bark, howls constantly while I play. LOUD. REALLY LOUD. He will stop as soon as I do and has realized that when I am about to begin I inhale so he starts with me. His timing is impeccable Geeked

I have tried to teach him to be quiet, he lays down and howls and groans more quietly for a bit then lets loose again. When DH tried to keep him quiet he went into a high pitched bark. Tongue Tied

I have tried to show him that it is me making the sounds and that it's OK - and he will lick my face or the trumpet.

I just can't figure what the problem is - he isn't afraid of it that is clear. I fear he is trying to communicate with it.

I really do need to be able to play without his howling - so my behavioral experts bring it on Wink

CoBuHe

Posted : 7/7/2008 9:43:55 PM

If he's in the same room...don't you think it could be hurting his ears? Not the way you play...lol. But the sound of the instrument in general.

Maybe he goes outside while you are playing. Or into another room with a fun filled kong. Smile

cat0

Posted : 7/7/2008 10:15:55 PM

I really don't know how to fix it, but I think before you do, you should get this up on YouTube so we all can take a look Big Smile

kpwlee

Posted : 7/8/2008 6:59:05 AM

cat0
you should get this up on YouTube so we all can take a look

I was thinking that yesterday I mean it is hysterical.

Co - I've tried closing my door and having him on another floor with no luck. No toy or food has worked either. I initially thought it might be hurting his ears but sirens don't and he is impervious to loud noises. Bizarre dog. I am completely shocked at how loud it is

KarissaKS

Posted : 7/8/2008 8:05:15 AM

Dogs don't tend to have an ear for music. Stick out tongue Luke HATES my tenor sax & flute. He would always go to the furthest point away possible when I got them out. Lucky for him I haven't played in a while....

I do think that it's uncomfortable for their ears. Trumpets are not exactly a quiet instrument, you know -- and I'm sure they create quite a bit of vibration in the dogs' ears. He's not trying to offend you; he's just saying he's not comfortable. lol

kpwlee

Posted : 7/8/2008 4:02:24 PM

the thing is he doesn't move away from it he stays right outside the doorway

AND we have some construction going on and he could care less, me on the other hand can't believe that this is only day 1 Tongue Tied

CoBuHe

Posted : 7/8/2008 5:47:38 PM

I would wager that some dogs can't put 2 & 2 together...you know what I mean? Maybe he cant process: uncomfortable noise means I should move away or outside. You might have to remove him, maybe kennel him during the times you play.

Poor Bugsy...maybe he's competing for the solo. Music

kpwlee

Posted : 7/8/2008 6:03:11 PM

CoBuHe
Poor Bugsy...maybe he's competing for the solo.

knowing my boy the way I do I would think that is it - I know several people that have dogs and play trumpet none have this problem. I honestly struggle to see how my trumpet playing (or trombone) at medium levels could be more painful than say a siren whizzing by or the pneumatic nail gun all day long.

But hey I will try putting him in a separate place and see if that helps - something must or my eardrums will burst

espencer

Posted : 7/12/2008 2:31:34 PM

I have a video about the exactly same problem but in this one the guy uses a guitar, the behaviorist explains what to do:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FOE9VdWIfwE