Barking Dog? Always Pay Attention in These 5 Scenarios!
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Barking is a natural form of K9 communication. As such, barking is not always a bad thing. But when should you pay attention to your barking dog?
Learn the five scenarios where you should pay attention – and address – your dog’s barking.
Barking Is a Natural Response
Dogs communicate non-verbally (through ancient body language) and then through vocalizations including barking.
Did you know that some dogs (and breeds) vocalize more than others? For example:
- Beagles are one of the most vocal dogs with barking, baying and howling.
- Siberian Huskies chatter and talk.
- Bloodhounds are known for baying; and
- Rottweilers are known to purr (known as grumbling)
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With practice, you can learn what your dog’s barking means. When deciphering your dog’s barking also take into consideration your dog’s pitch, body language and tail position for the most accurate interpretation
When Dogs Growl – Is It Always Bad?
K9 Barking: What It May Mean
Barking is not one-size-fits-all. But when your dog does bark it may indicate:
- Happiness.
- Fear.
- Loneliness.
- Excitement.
- Anger or irritation.
- Surprise.
- Danger.
- Pain.
Since barking is a vital part of your dog’s communication, you should not discourage all barking. But there are situations where you should not ignore your dog’s barking! Let’s take a closer look at the 5 situations where your dog’s barking warrants a closer look!
Is your dog is barking JUST to get your attention?
Completely ignore them until they stop and then reward creating a positive association between no barking and a highly-valuable treat!
- Territorial barking.
- Address with proactive avoidance (exercise, closing the blinds or using an isolated room) and a calm, yet firm, “Quiet” command.
2. Barking with leash reactivity.
3. Barking from fear or anxiety.
- Again, calmly remove the dog from the triggering situation to relieve the perceived threat. Slowly work with desensitizing your dog to the feared object or sound at a distance and reinforcing all positive reactions.
4. Barking from pain, illness or injury.
- Get to your regular veterinarian immediately and in the meantime, make them as comfortable as possible.
5. Stranger Danger Alerts.
- First, ascertain the cause of the alert from your dog. Create the scenario (or trigger) causing the alert (ringing doorbell, dogs going by the house or visitors). 1) Acknowledge the alert from your dog, 2) let him know it’s “ok” and then 3) train the “Quiet” command to stop his barking on cue.
Finally, 4 Things NOT to Do When Your Dog Barks!
- Do not yell or punish them.
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- Do not reward your dog with attention while he’s barking. Wait until he is quiet to give attention.
- Do not be inconsistent when addressing barking behavior. Consistent training makes it easier for your dog to understand.
- Do not address your dog’s barking with frustration or impatience. Remember, behaviors do not change overnight!
Unsure how to properly address your dog’s unwanted barking?
Reach out to an expert dog trainer like
East Valley K9 Services near Phoenix, Arizona.
Do You Need Help with Your Dog’s
Non-Stop Barking?
Your dog can learn to control his barking and we’re
here to help! Learn how to properly address
your dog’s barking (P.S. it’s not by yelling at them!)
and enjoy a quiet, more peaceful home!
Call 480-382-0144 or send us an email to schedule.
Serving Chandler, Gilbert, Tempe and East Valley areas of Arizona.
