Dog howls

Question
Hello,
My 2 year old pit bull, (female), howls when we come home.
It is usually just one howl that begins in the "bowing" position.
She also howls when she sees a person that she has not seen for awhile, (my mother or a friend)  

Answer
Hi Susan,

It is interesting that your dog gives a single howl in the "bowing" position when you return home, or a howl (you did not mention the associated bowing) when she see's a person after a period of time.

Without a more detailed history, I will offer you my best educated guess.

I feel it is probably a greeting, anxious moment--for whatever reason on her part, or possibly submission. I don't feel there is more to it than mentioned.

Do you recall when this first started if you thought it was novel and cute, and encouraged it when you returned home? If so, and it was a continuing practice with whomever, it could have transferred into a habit.

Also, if you praise her after her "greeting", she may "perform" for the praise.

I hope this may put a little light on your issue. Should there be further concern, please follow-up.

Harry