My dogs recent howling

Question
Hi
  My dog has just turned 9 on 10/26/05, and I walk him about 3 times a week-these walks are 45 minutes to an hour long.
Just recently he has begun to look into the air and howl for about two minutes, he seems to be okay, no pain etc and then he stops.
Why is he doing this?
I am more curious than concerned.
Is he trying to tell me something?

Answer
Hi Joseph,

Thank you for writing to me.  I find your question to be fascinating as I have come across dogs in my boarding experience that have done the same thing.  Moreover, I had two Samoyeds that used to sometimes howl for no apparent reason.  They sounded mysteriously joyful to me and I enjoyed it emensely.

I have no answer to your question, but I wanted to tell you that I have had the same experience and if your vet has given your dog a clean bill of health, I would say, just sit back and enjoy it.

Another idea, which I did with my female Samoyed, was to give a command and treat when she howled.  The command was, (her name) and "sing!"  Eventually she sang on command and delighted thousands of people over her lifetime.  She was even  seen/heard on TV and one time was invited to sing on a radio program.  

Best regards,
Shelley Davis
www.bednbiscuit.com