Barking Up the Wrong Tree?

Just like humans, dogs do talk but in a different language. Dogs express their thoughts and feelings through whining, whimpering, yelping, growling, snarling, howling and most commonly barking.

* Fun Fact: Puppies do not bark. They begin barking at about the age of 8 weeks old.

Here are examples of barks and what they may mean:

- Continuous and fast barking, at a medium pitch: Alert. Problems. Some is entering our territory.
- Continuous and slow barking, at a low pitch: The intruder or danger is close. Prepared to defend itself.
- Fast barking with pauses every 3 or 4: Warning of a problem approaching. Asking you to investigate.
- Long and drawn-out barks at a high pitch, with pauses between each one: I'm alone and need company.
- One or two short high pitched barks: The most normal greeting.
- One bark normal pitch: Curious, alert.
- Short back in a high pitch: Shows surprise. If it's repeated twice it means "Look at this!" If it's longer then it calling. Many dogs use this when they want to go out.
- Brief bark, at medium pitch: Happiness.
- Faltering bark at medium pitch: Asking to play.
- Howl or short bark at a high pitch: "Ouch!" Response to sudden pain.
- Repeated howls and regular intervals: Suffering from extreme pain or something that scares them.
- High pitch or urgent barks that sound desperate, without apparent reason: It is a way some dogs use to let out steam.

Fact: Some breeds, i.e. terrier group, are supreme barkers. Dachshunds and Chihuahuas are also known to be pretty vocal :)

I’m wondering today: How does your pet communicate wordlessly to you?

Alice England
Makingstuffwithlove.etsy.com