Top 3 Reasons Why Your Dog Is Barking

Have you ever wondered why your dog may be barking too much or why dogs bark in general? The answer can be for many different reasons. Dogs don't have the same range and communication control as humans, so they cannot correctly express themselves verbally. This means they have fewer vocal expressions when compared to even a human infant. However, this doesn't mean that a dog is entirely unable to communicate with you, and that's where barking comes in.

A happy and healthy house dog doesn't usually bark too often since doing so is typically reserved for extreme emotions or to ward off danger when necessary. In this article, we'll explore the top three reasons why dogs bark and how to ultimately determine if it's happening too much to be a concern.

Emotion

Yes, you read that right. Dogs have emotions and personalities, just like we do. They can feel sadness, depression, happiness, and joy. If a dog expresses emotion, it usually means it's exciting. Have you ever wondered why a dog will start barking and wagging its tail when it sees a stranger? That means the dog has been appropriately trained and has a sense of safety around other humans, so they become highly excited.

 Another example is when they hear certain words, including "walk." It's not uncommon for them to wait at the door while you put them on the leash, anxiously waiting to get outside and explore nature. They may also bark at you if they have been sleeping or sitting still for the entire day without any playtime because they need to be mentally and physically stimulated throughout the day. Otherwise, they'll become bored and restless.

 It becomes an issue if your dog constantly barks about any small activity or jumps up on guests and family members. This may mean it's time to train your dog further, or you may not understand what they're trying to say. Dogs will usually give you hints, such as tugging on their leash if they want to go outside or throwing one of their toys at your feet to play. If your dog throws the toy and gets jittery, it usually wants to play fetch. If it brings the toy in your lap and stays there, they may want to play tug of war.

Need

Other than emotion, dogs also have different needs. If they have been potty trained well since their puppy days, they'll bark at you if you ignore them when they need to go out. Most owners don't have this issue because they set regular times for bathroom walks outside or at a designated place. However, even the best of us forget sometimes, in which case the dog gently and occasionally loudly reminds us that it's time to go.

 Dogs can also communicate that they're hungry and thirsty in this way. An iconic flag is when they bring their food bowl near you and sit on their bum, appearing to wait and then barking if you aren't looking at them.

Lastly, your canine companion can also bark if it gets hurt. Usually, an unhealthy or injured dog will be tranquil, which is a sign that there may be something wrong with it. However, if they're barking and whimpering but still somewhat able to walk, they may be experiencing some physical pain. Examples include having a thorn stuck in their paw, a burn from walking on hot concrete, or a small cut on their body.

Danger and Inspection

A dog will also bark if there is a perceived danger, such as loud noises, other dogs, or unfamiliar people that may seem "off" to them. This is why dogs bark at ambulances, dogs, and humans passing by the house or if they perceive their territory to be in danger.

Does My Dog Bark Too Much?

If your dog is constantly barking at things it shouldn't be or is acting aggressively towards friendly strangers, members of the family, and other dogs, then they may need some further training. You can tell if the barking is excessive when the dog is barking for no apparent reason or if a small problem overstimulates it. It's normal for a dog to bark a healthy amount, but if the barking never stops, you'll need to find a solution. Dog bark collars are some of the best ways to control the volume and frequency of your dog's bark.

 Dogs communicate through their bark, and you can tell a lot about your dog's needs by paying attention to the sounds it makes. However, too much barking can be a problem. If your dog barks more than it should, you'll need to give it some more training or invest in a dog bark collar to help correct the behavior. Get in touch with us today for more information!