Two goals in as many second half minutes from Lewis Grabban and Marc Pugh earned the Dorset side only their second win of the season.
Howe was presented to the crowd before kick off after quitting as Burnley manager to take charge of the Cherries for the second time.
Howe, who put his Turf Moor exit down to 'personal reasons', said: "It has been a difficult week but walking through those doors today felt like I have never been away. I leave Burnley hopefully a better club for the spell I was in charge and I was sad to leave"
Caretaker manager Dennis Rofe took charge of the game and said the players should take credit for the victory.
Rofe said: "The players have put the effort in on the training ground. They put a great shift in last week and have done it for me again today. What pleased me is they can finally leave this stadium with their heads held high. Finally they have got that monkey off their back over getting a home win."
