Nobody knows for sure, but there are a few good guesses.
It’s how dogs call out
Wolves howl to find each other from far away. Dogs still have that habit. A long sound like a bell or a siren can sound like another dog calling, so they answer.
Bells sound a bit like a howl
A bell rings long and steady, a lot like a howl does. Most other noises are short. That long note is what sets many dogs off.
It becomes a habit
The bell rings, the dog howls, the bell stops. From the dog’s side, it worked. Bruno has never let a bell go unanswered.
Does it hurt their ears?
Usually not. A dog bothered by a noise tends to hide or run away. A dog who walks toward it and tips his head back is joining in. If your dog seems scared, ask a vet.
Hear it for yourself: his last howl is on the home page.
