Why do dogs bark

However, excessive dog barking is a nuisance and can be considered a behavior problem. There could be several reasons why your dog is barking too much. Although excessive barking is often a behavioral concern, it's always important to rule out health concerns first. Some dogs bark because they're in pain or have another health issue. Check to see whether your dog has a tender spot somewhere; it may bark if that area is touched.

You should have your dog evaluated by your veterinarian as some dogs are good at hiding symptoms of pain, even when you touch them, and sometimes the pain can be in hard to assess areas like their ears or mouth. As dogs age, it's quite common for them to begin to bark more and make more noise in general. Some aging dogs can begin to excessively bark; some may bark for hours on end, completely unaware of what they are doing.

Besides canine cognitive dysfunction , which is similar to Alzheimer's disease, aging dogs can have vision impairments, deafness, or body aches and pains that can lead to barking. If your dog is fearful, they may voice this concern via barking. This could take place at home or away and refers to anything that frightens your dog. It could be a person, a loud noise like fireworks, or a strange or new situation.

Dogs can become territorial if a new person or dog comes into what they consider their territory. They feel possessive of their area and want to protect it.

A dog's territory could range from their home, their yard, or even their bed. If a dog only barks at this situation, this is likely the cause. Dogs are naturally pack animals, meaning they prefer the company of others. If they're alone for excessive amounts of time, they may bark as a sign of unhappiness. A dog may also long for human company and not just another dog's company.

A bored dog or one that isn't getting enough stimulation both mental and physical , can also bark excessively. A greeting bark is usually a friendly bark.

It can become a lot when the greeting is given to everyone the dog meets. Excessive barking can signal the dog is hungry, needs to go out, or just wants some attention. Dogs that do not like to be left alone could be suffering from separation anxiety. In addition to repeated barking, dogs with this condition will usually exhibit other compulsive behaviors such as chewing or scratching furniture, walls, and doors.

The best way to prevent barking in the first place is to try and remove any potential sources of the behavior. You should also avoid inadvertently encouraging the barking and give your dog better things to do. To be a good canine citizen, your dog needs to know when to bark and when to be quiet. Part of your job as a dog owner means teaching this to your canine. This communicates to their pack to come to their aid or to indicate that a certain behavior is causing pain and they want it to stop.

The bark may sound higher pitched and often has a staccato quality, or trails off as the bark goes on. If your dog barks like this when you touch or pet them, something may be hurting or they may be anticipating pain from being touched. This is often a singular bark, but it can be followed by more barking. It is also typically higher in pitch to reflect surprise. When some dogs get older, they will bark at night or at something that does not appear to be there. This may be a sign of cognitive dysfunction in an older animal.

If you notice your older dog barking into a corner or at a wall during the night, make an appointment with your veterinarian to see if there are steps you can take to make them more comfortable. In some cases, unwanted barking can be avoided by just understanding why they are barking and making simple adjustments around the house or in your routine. Home Dog Care Center. Why Do Dogs Bark? Published: January 08, Excitement Barks Does your dog bark when you come home, or start barking when they hear the familiar sound of you getting their leash?

Attention- and Food-Seeking Barks When a dog wants to get your attention, they may bark at you. Depending on the dog and the situation, they may be asking you to go for a walk or to feed them. Barking From Boredom When dogs are bored, they may bark to get your attention or to try to engage you in playtime.

Fear, Anxiety, or Territorial Barking Defensive barking is often heard when there is a clear stimulus—such as a strange person approaching the home, another dog being nearby, or being trapped in a position with no clear escape route.

Pain Barking Dogs will bark when they are in pain. Reactive or Surprise Barking This is often a singular bark, but it can be followed by more barking. And according to Dr. Barks made in different situations sound different and likely have different meanings. They bark when they are frightened, lonely, surprised, irritated, and more.

That means there are different barks for different moods, as well. In terms of pitch, the lower the bark, the more serious the dog.

For example, a dog enjoying playtime will tend to have a higher-pitched bark than one that is warning off intruders or disciplining a rude companion. Consider the barks your dog makes when a stranger is coming up the front walk compared to those he makes when you walk in the door. A lonely dog will also make higher-pitched barks to request companionship, sometimes rising in tone to sound almost like a plaintive yelp.

In addition, the more barks in a row, the more aroused the dog is.