Dog Barking Sounds - Decoding your Dog's Woof

Ah, the sound of barking dogs. To some people, it's aYour pet may bark when you leave him alone at
pleasant sound that indicates a dog is feeling happyhome, especially if he tends to suffer from
and active; while to others, it's just a painful noiseseparation anxiety, and he will bark his approval once
that rattles a peaceful and quiet day. If you have ahe senses you approaching the front door after
dog or just simply love these animals, you know thatyou've been away the entire day.
dog barking sounds are just their way of expressingThere are two types of barking-the warning bark
themselves or communicating with other dogs!and the alarm bark.
Dogs may have descended from wolves, but theirThe first starts out as a rumbling, low-pitched growl
means of communicating can differ a lot. While(dog barking sounds which are meant to be playful
wolves also bark every once in a while, howling isand friendly have a higher frequency), which gradually
really their communication method of choice. Dogs, onincreases in volume and intensity as a full-blown howl
the other hand, bark much more often than howl,meant to show dominance and aggression. Dogs use
making the domesticated canine somewhat differentthis when they are in the presence of a perceived
from the wild wolf.threat and a dog may feel the need to fight back
However, wolf cubs do a lot of barking, too. Thisand defend himself and his territory.
fact-along with many other similar physical featuresThe second type, on the other hand, is not hostile
they share with dogs, including habits like theand is simply a dog's way of calling his master's
tendency to be submissive-has led experts toattention to something in particular that needs it,
theorize on neoteny. Neoteny is a condition wheresuch as a ringing phone or a car pulling up in the
adults retain juvenile traits. In this case, dogs anddriveway. And he won't stop barking unless these
young wolves seem to exhibit like behavior.events are taken care of by his master.
Domestication is also touted as an explanation forSometimes, a dog's barking can reach the point
barking as well. When humans and dogs first gotwhere it gets a bit too much to handle and you'll
together in a symbiotic, mutually beneficialwant to know how to get him to stop when his
relationship, the former found in the latter a mostbarking is unnecessary. This is why you should give
convenient and effective alarm system.your puppy the proper training early on. Do not
The barking warned them and prepared them againstreinforce the behavior by petting or soothing him
impending danger from predators, marauders, andwhile he creates a racket. Instead, reward him once
other intruders. Therefore, barking was encouraged,he's settled down and don't forget to praise him
even highly prized, which is why some breeds-suchlavishly. This is reassurance to him that he is doing
as hunting dogs, for example-are considerably louderthe right thing by being quiet and will likely avoid
and more vocal than others.barking too much as he does not wish to displease
The many instances when a dog barks can includeyou.
the expression of an emotion (such as loneliness,Understanding dog barking sounds isn't so complicated
elation, excitement, stress, fear, etc.); when a dog isthat you will find hard to grasp, so knowing what
feeling hungry or neglected; when he hears otherthey mean and how your dog makes them will really
dogs barking or when he hears unusual sounds; andhelp you build a harmonious relationship with your pet.
sometimes, he barks simply because he feels like it.