howling

Question
I've owned my dog for 8 years and have never heard a howl come out of his mouth, he is well trained, and a very good dog. however recently he has been howling both inside and outside, whining contently and barley eating no matter what food we buy. my brother and dad left to Iraq just before all this behavior started to occur and they both lived in the same house. they were his buddy and I'm concerned for our family dog.

Answer
your dog is lonely. In a word he is pining for lost loves. He doesn't have the ability to understand why his human friends are gone.  He needs more companionship, human or a similar dog for mental and physical well being.

Regards,
Henry Ruhwiedel
Westwind kennels LLC