Harjun evening trumpet makes dogs howl

A nightly trumpet recording played from Vesilinnanmäki hill in Jyväskylä prompts some dogs to howl along, according to local residents and researchers.

The minute-long melody, a summer tradition in the city, has notably triggered howling from Anna Hörman’s 7-year-old bichon frisé, Kaapo. Hörman said Kaapo began howling during his first summer near the hill, reacting only to this specific tune. She believes the dog enjoys the music.

Tiia Salminen’s late coton de tuléar, Hilma, also howled along to the evening trumpet. Salminen described Hilma as calming down and joining in whenever the melody played, distinguishing it from other sounds that might distress her.

Saara Junttila, a researcher at the University of Helsinki, said the high-frequency sound resembles the howling of a wolf or another dog, prompting some breeds—particularly those genetically close to wolves—to respond. Dogs farther from wolves genetically, like Kaapo, may still howl due to learned behavior or personal preference.

Junttila noted that howling can signal either enjoyment or fear. Owners should observe their dog’s body language: signs of distress, such as whining or retreat, may indicate fear. While interpreting canine behavior takes time, she encouraged owners to study animal communication and observe their pets in different situations.

Such musical responses are rare in the animal kingdom, though some parrots are known to react to music, often by dancing.