Howling like a fool

• 07-07-2008 7:10 PM

  kpwlee Joined on 06-17-2006 North Carolina Posts 3,715 Points 355

  Howling like a fool Reply Contact  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 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.  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

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• 07-07-2008 10:43 PM

  In reply to kpwlee

  CoBuHe Joined on 08-03-2007 Southeast Texas Posts 773 Points 35	Re: Howling like a fool Reply Contact 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.
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• 07-07-2008 11:15 PM

  In reply to kpwlee

  cat0 Joined on 10-05-2007 California Posts 253 Points 45	Re: Howling like a fool Reply Contact 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
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• 07-08-2008 7:59 AM

  In reply to cat0

  kpwlee Joined on 06-17-2006 North Carolina Posts 3,715 Points 355

  Re: Howling like a fool Reply Contact   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

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• 07-08-2008 9:05 AM

  In reply to kpwlee

  KarissaKS Joined on 06-01-2007 La Crosse, WI Posts 602 Points 795

  Re: Howling like a fool Reply Contact Dogs don't tend to have an ear for music.    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 Luke -- Lab/Shepherd (1-1-04) Kaiser -- Alaskan Klee Kai (12-30-07) Sar -- Arabian gelding (4-11-80) Norman -- Percheron/TB gelding (6-18-00)

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• 07-08-2008 5:02 PM

  In reply to KarissaKS

  kpwlee Joined on 06-17-2006 North Carolina Posts 3,715 Points 355	Re: Howling like a fool Reply Contact  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
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• 07-08-2008 6:47 PM

  In reply to kpwlee

  CoBuHe Joined on 08-03-2007 Southeast Texas Posts 773 Points 35	Re: Howling like a fool Reply Contact 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.
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• 07-08-2008 7:03 PM

  In reply to CoBuHe

  kpwlee Joined on 06-17-2006 North Carolina Posts 3,715 Points 355

  Re: Howling like a fool Reply Contact 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

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• 07-12-2008 3:31 PM

  In reply to kpwlee

  espencer Joined on 09-25-2006 St Louis Posts 3,179 Points 300	Re: Howling like a fool Reply Contact  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  "There are not bad dogs, only bad owners"
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