Barking – what’s my dog saying?

I’ve had many people ask me – my dog’s always barking, what’s my dog saying? A dog that continually barks can be difficult to live with. Your neighbours will also find the constant barking annoying to say the least. So why do our dogs bark and what does it mean?

Barking is self rewarding

First of all, barking is self rewarding for a dog and can be difficult to eradicate unless you approach the problem with a little give and take. Believe it or not, there are many variations of a bark which our dogs use to communicate his feelings to you and to other dogs he may be conversing with. Also, the pitch of a bark, how long it lasts and how often it is repeated, has a bearing on the language of barking.

The pitch of the bark

This will give an instant clue as to whether the dog is feeling threatened or likely to be aggressive. Whereas high pitched barking usually indicates the dog is less likely to be threatening. An example is one or two quick sharp barks, high to midrange (often depending on breed). Many dogs greet a dog this way. A human interpretation could be –  “hello there, how are you”  This is usually how our dog Jazz greets a new prospective playmate in the park.

Some think this is a threat

Unfortunately, many owners may consider this could be a threat from the dog coming toward them. I have had owners pick up their dogs to protect them from my ‘vicious dog’. This is a prime example of us humans not having a clue what our dogs are trying to communicate.

Repetition of barking

Strings of barking repeated at a fast rate, can indicate excitement and a sense of urgency. On the other hand the odd bark here and there and not necessarily repeated indicates a lower level of excitement. If the barking is in continual regular bursts, it could mean the dog thinks there is a potential threat.

The duration

This is more evident when a dog is growling. This could be a low, long and sustained growl which warns the dog means business and will stand his ground. Shorter duration growls could indicate a dog is fearful and anxious.

There are many variables

Suffice to say, there will be many variations with these barks and growls and of course, the pitch will depend on the breed of dog. We all know that small dogs such as Yorkshire Terriers and Chihuahuas will normally have a higher pitched bark compared with a Labrador or St. Bernard. This further complicates trying to decipher what your dog’s barking means. But knowing your dog and the normal pitch of his bark will give you a starting point. So, we can try and interpret their barks as follows:

Positive barking, relaxed friendly dog

1. One or two, sharp barks high to midrange pitch = “hello there, how are you!”
   A friendly greeting and/or acknowledging arrival of a familiar person. If on a walk, the dog will often stop to send his greeting.
2. A two tone bark, ie. a short happy growl ending in a bark = “Let’s play chase!”
   This is quite often with a play bow ie. front legs flat on the ground with rear in the air.
3. A bark rising in pitch = “I’m having fun, let’s go!” Play barking showing excitement and anticipation whilst playing with other dogs or their humans.

Neutral barking

1. A single deliberate bark midrange area of pitch = “let me in” or “I want water”
   This is a deliberate communication for something the dog wants from his owner, such as being let indoors or asking for food or water.
2. Higher pitched, short sharp single bark = “what was that?” or “Huh?” This is the bark of surprise when being startled.
3. Lower midrange pitch, short sharp single bark = “stop it!” or “don’t do that!”
   A bark of annoyance ie. if a child pulls his tail or hair or if he is woken up suddenly.

Negative barking, anxious and alerting

1. A string of solitary barking, with a short pause between barks = “where are you?” or “is anyone there?” or “I’m lonely, come home!” This is often punctuated with howling and whining and is typical of separation anxiety.
2. Strings of rapid 3 to 4 barks midrange pitch = “there’s something here” or “come and check this out” This is a bark alerting something of interest.
3. Rapid barking midrange pitch = “someone’s coming” or “call the pack” This suggests the dog is interested as opposed to anxious but it is a warning that someone is nearby or there is a possible problem.
4. Continuous lower pitch but slower barking = “there’s an intruder!” or “danger is close!” or “defend yourself!” This is alarm barking indicating an imminent threat or danger. The barking dog is worried or anxious.

Generally…

Generally, lower pitched barking or growling indicates a more threatening situation or dominant animal. On the other hand, higher pitched barking can be interpreted as anxiety, insecurity or fearfulness.

Dogs don’t lie!

It is a good idea to check out the body language of a dog that’s barking. How is his tail, are his ears back or forward pointing? Is his mouth open and relaxed or does his mouth look tense? Is he staring at what he’s barking at? Does his body lean forwards, has he a front leg raised?

So many signals!

There are so many signals from his body language that will help you to decide what your dog is communicating with his barking. Remember, dogs don’t lie! The dog in this image is crouched down, ears flat to a low head. This dog is fearful and he’s saying he will attack if forced to do so. If we could see the rest of this dog, his tail would be low or even between his legs, his hackles maybe up and his back arched with his back legs low to the ground such as in this image.

And if you meet this dog?

Now you know what he’s saying, back off without looking at the dog and ignore, slowly walking away at right angles. Stand tall, don’t rush or run! You are then saying to him. “I don’t want any trouble, I’m leaving you alone, no need to fear me”.