What is your Dog Saying?
Did you know that wild adult dogs do not bark? It means that the early humans that bred dogs designed them to include barking as an essential mode of communication. However, if you live with or near a barking dog, then you know that it can be a huge nuisance. Also, dog owners with barking dogs can be evicted from certain apartments, while other municipal ordinances prohibit nuisance barking
While each dog is unique, you can quickly silence most nuisance barking habits with regular training for up to three weeks. You can even use dedicated devices like a bark collar that startles the dog into silence. Nevertheless, that doesn’t mean that your dog must never bark as it is one of the ways that these furry creatures communicate. Barks may mean everything from hunger and pleading for playtime to alerting their owners to potential intruders or security threats.
Here are a few interpretations of familiar dog barks to help you better understand your dog:
Mid-range rapid barking continuously
This bark means that the dog can see a possible threat. It could be someone is trying to enter the house or what the dog perceives to be their territory.
Rapid barking with pauses in between
When you hear this type of bark, then it means that the dog suspects that there could be an intruder or an issue near the home and is merely alerting you to investigate further.
Incessant or prolonged barking, with long to moderate intervals
The dog here wants some companionship. The dog may be feeling lonely and is seeking to get some attention.
Sharp short mid-range barks
Dogs may utter one to two short barks when they are excited. It could also mean that they are saying hi to their owners.
A single short and sharp bark delivered at a low pitch
If you hear this bark, then you are likely doing something that the dog doesn’t like. The literal interpretation is that you should immediately stop what you are doing.
A single short and high pitched bark
This bark represents a surprised or startled reaction. It is designed to alert others to new events.
Very short yelp at a high pitch
This bark is the “ouch” response to sudden, unanticipated pain.
A variety of yelps
This bark means that the dog is scared or is hurting. It signifies severe pain and fear.
Stutter barks
These barks communicate that the dog wants to play.
Elevating bark
Dogs will use this rising bark during playtime to communicate that they are having a good time.
You should now understand why your dog is barking and work towards controlling it to improve your relationship.
References Pet Safe, WebMD, Pet helpful
Copyright: Local Value
