Why Dogs Bark – A Barking Breakdown
Why Dogs Bark – A Barking Breakdown
Is your pooch a vocal powerhouse? Does their bark resemble an ambulance, train horn or a particularly enthusiastic sea lion? If so, you’re not alone. Welcome to the world of canine karaoke!
Let’s get into why our furry friends feel the need to unleash their inner opera singer.
Why Dogs Bark
Much like humans, dogs have their own language. This language and way of communication come in various forms from sniffing and marking their territory to barking and howling. In the case of barking and howling, this language requires a lot of volume. Here are some potential reasons for your pooch’s symphony:
- Attention: Dogs will bark at their humans to get their attention, maybe because they’re drama queens or to make you aware of them or something they want. These are usually one or two barks which can be quickly quieted by giving them your attention.
- Boredom: Especially if left alone at home for long periods, barking can be a way to pass the time! To avoid this, give them toys, puzzles, interactive toys or feeders or you could possibly consider enrolling them to a doggy daycare!
- Defenses: Notice your dog barking at every person passing your house? They are making themselves known, defending their property and their humans! Desensitisation exercises can help reduce fear-based barking.
- Excitement: Like saying “yay” or “woohoo” for a human, dogs use barking as a joyful exclamation! If it’s accompanied by tail wags and playful antics, your doggo might just be expressing pure bliss!
- Frustration or Anxiety: Some dogs bark out of frustration or anxiety, giving them something calming can aid. If your dog is barking more than usual or has started barking excessively, it’s essential to rule out underlying medical issues.
- Breed: Some breeds just bark, it’s in their genes to vocal! Dogs like Beagles, Dachshunds, Basset Hounds, Huskies, Samoyeds, and Yorkshire Terriers were bred to be more vocal – it aided them in their jobs, and some still do.
Why Dogs Bark – Barking Bad Habits
While barking is normal canine behaviour and shouldn’t really be suppressed, excessive barking can be a challenge for both you and your neighbours. Here are a few tips to help manage the noise:
- Ignore The Bark: If your dog is barking for attention, withholding it might teach them that barking doesn’t get results. This should be combined with positive reinforcement! Smacking them does not teach them, it makes them fear – negative reinforcement causes behavioural issues.
- Desensitisation Training: If your dog barks at specific triggers, like someone knocking at your door or passing your home, gradual exposure can help reduce their fear response.
- Positive Reinforcement: Dogs always learn best with positive reinforcement, so reward your dog for quiet behaviour. This can be a powerful tool in shaping their behaviour. Treats, praise, or playtime can be effective rewards.
- Professional Help: If you’re struggling, consider consulting a professional dog trainer or behaviourist. They can provide tailored advice as well as support.
Remember, every dog is unique! Understanding the reason behind your dog’s barking is the first step to finding a solution if it is a problem.
Barking Fun Facts
- A dog’s bark can reach up to 110 decibels!
- Not all darks bark – the Basenji is famous for its “silent bark”, which is more of a soft mumble.
- Barking is quite the workout – it takes several muscles in a dog’s body to bark.
- You can teach your dog to bark on command!
- You can tell your dog’s emotions from the pitch of their bark! Higher-pitched barks signifies excitement or fear, while lower-pitched bark can indicate aggression or dominance.
Do you have a barking buddy? Share your dog’s vocal talents with us on social media
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