Types of Dog Barks

Anyone who has spent time around dogs knows they bark for different reasons: to greet you, to express excitement, to ward off strangers. Certain breeds, including beagles and terriers, are known to bark more than others. Before you can treat a barking problem, you must first know why your dog is barking.

Attention-Seekers

Incessant barking could be your dog's way of trying to get your attention. The best way to deal with this problem is to ignore it.

Excited Barkers

Dogs that are excited tend to use short, sharp barks. This can happen during playtime or when you're getting ready to take Fido for a walk or go for a ride in the car. If it gets out of hand, call a timeout.

Territorial Barkers

A low-pitched bark usually indicates that a dog is trying to ward off an intruder. As the stranger gets closer, these barks may become more rapid and may be combined with growling.

Anxious Barkers

Dogs with acute separation anxiety often bark hysterically and at a high pitch when left alone. Behavior modification and, in some cases, medication can be used to treat anxious dogs.

Bored Barkers

Some dogs bark when they're bored. The best way to handle this is to give your dog plenty of exercise and toys.

References

• Barking Problems
• Dog Care Guide Book
• Excessive Barking: A Common Behavior Problem