Does your dog talk to you? Dogs communicate using barks, yips, howls, and growls. Experts have spent years trying to figure out what dogs are saying to each other and how we can interpret their barking. Let’s delve into the complexity of what every barking dog is actually saying.
Researching Barking Dogs
There has been extensive research into the way dogs communicate, including scent, body language, whines, yips, growls, and barks. Dr. Stanley Coren, author of How to Speak Dog: Mastering the Art of Dog-Human Communication, dives into the complexity of dog communication.
According to Dr. Coren, dogs use barks of varying pitch and length to convey their wants and needs. Dogs bark when excited, frightened, irritated, lonely, and so much more. Just like with people, a dog’s mood also affects what they are trying to say.
The pitch of the bark, the number of barks, or the amount of space between barks will change the meaning of what the dog is trying to say. Excited or happy dogs will have higher-pitched barks whereas more serious dogs will have lower-pitched barks.
Understanding Your Dog’s Barking
As a dog owner, you spend a great deal of time with your dog. If you have had your dog since puppyhood, chances are great that you have learned how to interpret many of your dog’s barks. Each bark has a different meaning: “I’m hungry,” “I’m happy” “I want to go outside,” “Someone’s at the door,” and so much more.
You know from your dog’s vocalizations when something is wrong, and you know when they are happy or excited. They will also use their barks to sound the alarm and let you know if someone is at the door or near your property. Some dog breeds are more vocal than others.
Our dogs talk to us every day and they fully expect you to understand what they are saying. Researchers have spent years dissecting dog barks and learning what dogs’ vocalizations mean and how to be a better dog owner by understanding their communications.
Each bark says something different and depending on the duration and pitch, a bark can be a distress call, a friendly greeting, or an alert.
- Alert barking is generally when a dog is barking rapidly as a warning that someone is approaching their home.
- Nonstop barking can be a huge annoyance, especially if you have close neighbors. Many times, nonstop barking is a sign of separation anxiety, loneliness, or they are bored.
- A few barks when your dog greets you is a way for them to convey how happy they are to see you, or they want you to play. They may also be trying to get your attention if you are ignoring them.
- A single short bark is a way for a dog to tell others to stop. Many times, a dog will do this when you are doing something they do not like, or they are playing with another dog that is getting rough.
Understanding Your Dog’s Yelping
A loud, sharp bark is likely a yelp and can mean your dog is in pain or your dog is scared. Dogs in pain will yelp when you reach for them or touch a tender area. They will also yelp when the pain or injury occurs, such as a bee sting or getting their tail stepped on. A scared yelp will occur when something startles them such as a door slamming or something startling them awake.
Understanding Your Dog’s Whining
The attention-getting whine that dogs do, especially puppies, can really melt your heart. Whining is generally a way to get your attention but can mean they want a treat, want to go for a walk, are stressed, or are upset. Pain can also cause your dog to whine.
Understanding Your Dog’s Howling
Sometimes a dog’s mournful howl can send chills down your spine, but howling is actually a way to send long-range communications. Generally, howls can convey four different messages:
- Guiding you with their voice. A dog may howl when you are away to help guide you back home. Wolves use this to bring the pack back together.
- Keeping other dogs and animals away from their home or territory.
- Howling out of loneliness or anxiousness. Some dogs suffer from separation anxiety and will howl when left alone.
- Reacting to a stimulus such as a siren or another dog howling.
Understanding Your Dog’s Growling
Not all growls mean that a dog is aggressive. Dogs use growling to express their irritation or displeasure but can also “play” growl. Knowing your dog and watching their body language will help you interpret the meaning behind their growls. A growl is usually a warning, meaning the dog is stressed or uncomfortable and wants the activity to stop. A warning growl is usually accompanied by the tensing of their muscles and/or curling of their lips.
Play growling when interacting with another dog is normal. Pay close attention to both dogs’ body language. Hackles raised and bodies tense while staring at each other means that is not a play growl and the dogs need to be separated until they calm down. Relaxed, playful bowing and jumping means they are playing and enjoying each other’s company.
There is not a one-size-fits-all definition for what every barking dog is saying. Dogs, like people, are individuals with their own personalities and vocalizations. As you get to know your dog, you will be able to decipher what some of your dog’s more common barks, whines, yips, and even growls mean. Watch your dog’s body language, such as leaning on you, as you listen to their barks to help determine what they are saying to you.
