Not all dog barks are the same: here are 6 types and what they really mean
Dogs have a number of ways that they express themselves to one another and their human companions, one of which is how they bark.
Dogs are amazing creatures that can teach us something new every day. However, we have to be attuned to what they are trying to tell us. Like humans, they have multiple methods of expressing themselves.
They use body language using their eyes, ears, tail and even their hair, as well as their posture. Then there are vocal indicators like growling, howling, whining and of course barking.
6 types of dog barks
While some of the other forms of communication can typically indicate a specific set of emotions or signals what a dog wants to express, not all barks are the same. But they can be narrowed down into six general categories no matter what kind of bark your dog has according to Good Life.
- Alarm barks are used by a dog to indicate that they perceive a threat. Your canine friend will let out a deep, resonant bark usually when a stranger is approaching. The lower the pitch, the more serious your dog perceives the danger.
- Attention-seeking barks, which are higher pitched repeated yaps, are dogs trying to get attention to play with them or that they want something. As well they use them to alert you to do or pay attention to something.
- Anxious barks are a dog’s way of saying that it is in distress, typically due to separation anxiety or fear. Usually these are accompanied by howling or whining.
- Boredom barks are monotone, persistent, and repetitive. These are used when your dog is seeking some mental or physical stimulation.
- Playful barks are enthusiastic higher pitch barks. Dogs will use these when excited either during playtime or when anticipating an activity they enjoy like going for a walk in the park.
- Territorial barks are dogs letting others know that ‘this is my place’. It will often be accompanied by aggressive physical posturing, which along with growling can include “lunging, chasing, snapping and biting,” according to VCA Animal Hospitals.
With time, typically dog owners learn the nuances of their dog’s barks. However, some dogs bark more than others, and if your dog’s barking is a nuisance, the American Kennel Club has some advice.
Each case is different and many times owners fail to address the long-term problem says the AKC while using ineffective methods like “yelling, rewarding bad habits, or inconsistently disciplining.” The key though is for you as the dog owner to find what’s causing your dog to bark excessively so that you can tackle it specifically with patience, affection and positive reinforcement.
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