shelties and howling

Question
My sheltie will start howling for no apparent reason either inside or outdoors. Is this something that they do as part of their nature and how can I control it?

Answer
Hi Anita,

I have never heard this one before.  Here are my suggestions/observations:

Possibly there is something she can hear that bothers her that you can't? Such as an emergency vehicle in the distance or perhaps the "Dog telegraph" as seen in 101 Dalmatians?

Maybe there is something wrong with her that we don't have any other symptoms of?  

Most likely the howling happens when she is lonely or bored.  Shelties are social creatures and need lots of attention or to be with you- even if it means just sitting in the same room in his/her crate.

I hope this helps.

Dave