Dog Barking Sounds – Cracking the Canine Code

Dog barking sounds have a variety of meaning, but they are all meant as a way for dogs to communicate and express themselves. Dog owners may find it easier to interpret what their pets are trying to say, but those who don’t share a fondness for these animals may simply find the sound intrusive. Nevertheless, intrusive or not, dog barking sounds are the main way for dogs to get their masters’ attention.

So why do dogs bark? There hasn’t been a clear explanation for this, in the same way that it isn’t entirely clear why their form of communication varies from that of the wolf. Wolves periodically feel the need to bark, but they much prefer howling. Dogs, on the other hand, bark a lot more often and howl even less.

It is the wolf cubs who happen to utilize barking more often. This fact—along with many other similar physical features they share with dogs, as well as habits like the tendency to be submissive—has led experts to theorize on neoteny. Neoteny is a condition where adults retain juvenile traits. In this case, dogs and young wolves seem to exhibit like behavior and preference for barking.

Also, domestication may be one of the keys as to why dogs favor barking. Dogs have proven to be an efficient alarm system, a fact that humans found out when they engaged dogs in a symbiotic relationship.

The barking warned them and prepared them against impending danger from predators, marauders, and other intruders. And so the barking was encouraged, even highly prized, which is why some breeds—like hunting dogs, for example—are significantly louder and more vocal than others.

The many instances when a dog barks can include the expression of an emotion (loneliness, elation, excitement, stress, fear, etc.); when a dog is feeling hungry or neglected; when he hears other dogs barking or when he hears strange sounds he is unaccustomed to; and sometimes, he barks simply because he feels like it.

Another reason why your dog may bark is because he doesn’t like being left, especially if he suffers from separation anxiety. He will bark his approval once he senses you approaching the front door after you’ve been gone the whole day.

There are two types of barking—the warning bark and the alarm bark.

The first starts out as a rumbling, low-pitched growl (playful dog barking sounds have a higher frequency), which gradually increases in volume and intensity as a full-blown howl meant to show dominance and aggression. It is usually employed when in the presence of a perceived threat and a dog may feel the need to fight back and defend himself and his territory.

The second type, on the other hand, is not hostile and is simply a dog’s way of calling his master’s attention to something in particular that needs it, such as a ringing phone or a car pulling up in the driveway. And he won’t stop barking unless these events are taken care of by his master.

Sometimes, a dog’s barking can get a bit too much to handle and you’ll want to know how to get him to stop when his barking is unnecessary. Give your puppy the proper training early on. Do not reinforce the behavior by petting or soothing him while he makes a racket. Instead, reward him once he’s settled down and don’t forget to praise him lavishly. This is reassurance to him that he is doing the right thing by being quiet and will likely avoid barking too much as he does not wish to displease you.

Now that you have a better understanding of dog barking sounds, you can also say you understand your pet dog much better, too. The next time your furry companion starts barking again, take the time to understand why, and you may just learn something new about him, too!

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