Today, we're going to go over some of the different barks (and other sounds!) your dog could make, and what they mean. Learning your dog's "language" is a very important step in mastering training, especially when some sounds are the biggest clue after body language that your dog can give you. I will be going over universal sounds - the ones that are true no matter the breed. In some cases, there are sounds that specific types of dogs make - like the Beagle howl, or the Husky teeth chatter - these are not included in today's blog.
High or Medium Pitched Fast Bark
This bark is really common on dogs at fence lines, or the shyer personalities at door sounds, or strangers. In essence, this kind of bark highlights the level of awareness, or in other words, the depth and type of anxiety. A medium pitch, fast bark of a collection of five or so barks is a beginning awareness of something causing fear or anxiety. It is a way of your dog saying "Hey, pay attention; I'm not so sure about this." It's a marker that you need to address and correct this fear behaviour, then force your dog to investigate and acclimatize to whatever is causing the unease.
Rapid, Fast, High Pitched Bark, UnrelentingWhen this bark appears, it's sounding the alarm. This is a full fear bark, where the dog is just a few hairs shy of a full blown panic. It is basically your dog going "OH MY GOD PAY ATTENTION HELP HELP HELP". It is typically associated with fear, or high level unstable fear-dominance. It is a way for your dog to order you to deal with whatever the stimulation is - typically strangers, be they human, or dog. Instead of you dealing with the stimulation, leash up your dog, offer proper corrections, and don't relent.
Low, Deep, and Throaty Bark, One or Two
This bark is a warning - one that says "Stop", or "Pay Attention", but in a more authoritative way. Whether that is from assertiveness, dominance, threat response, or simply confidence depends on the body language. Mostly, this kind of bark is a bluff, and isn't indicative of a bite. If your dog is simply drawing your attention to something or is being dominant is up to you (or your trainer...), but in most cases, you'll need to make sure your dog understands they're to give up their attention and let you handle it. If they are barking out of dominance or assertiveness, they will need correcting and redirecting.
Low, Deep, and Throaty Bark, Unrelenting
This is warning that has become a threat. The dog sees whatever it is barking at as a clear and decisive threat, and they are warning action. This is a definite "correct immediately", as it's never coming from a stable, balanced dog. This is a sign your dog needs major intervention.
Medium Pitch Bark
Whether it is once or thirty times, a medium pitch bark usually means happy, energetic, excited, or generally interested in what's going on. Usually, a medium pitch bark that's rather incessant is in relation to play, fun, or interaction. A prime example of this is a dog barking at you while you're preparing to throw his ball; that's "THROW THE BALL THROW THE BALL THROW THE BALL!!!!!!" its usually safe and healthy, just a sign of their energy level.
Soft Growl With Thinner Pupils And Forward Ears
This is a play growl or a "love" growl! Not all growls are automatically negative. A growl like this, especially while playing competitive games like tug, are a good thing! It's a way of your dog saying, "Oooooh yeah!" Even better are the short growls that sounds like "Hawr, hawr!" those are a very gentle and very affectionate growl!"
Soft Growl With No Apparent Body Language
This is a funny one, and often people think its frustration. In a sort, it is - its more of a harumph, or a human groan. "Ugh." Imagine what you'd say when six toddlers want to play with you, or when you just sat and got comfortable and have to pee. Its really harmless and is a simple expression of your dog just not wanting to do whatever it is.
Low, Steady Growl Accompanied By Thick Pupils, But Ears Front
This is an alert warning. Your dog is saying "I really don't like this," or "I don't appreciate that". Its not necessarily a bad thing, but it does mean you should evaluate the situation. Is your dog growling out of frustration? Is he voicing fear or dominance at a stranger? Is he growling at a prey animal, or a dangerous predator?
Low, Steady Growl Accompanied By Thick Pupils, Ears Back
This is past a warning and a perception that you or your dog is in danger. In most cases, this requires fast and immediate response, because as far as your dog is concerned, the threat is real, and they will protect themselves and you.
Dead Silence, Following Barking, Growling, Accompanied By Fear Or Dominance Postures
A lack of sound can be a warning too - a really bad one. Before a dog strikes, they usually stop making sounds. In most cases, unless something is addressed, this has moved past the threat of a strike, and into a promise. Normally, lots of barking or growling does precede an attack, however, it rarely conjoins with it. A dog that's making sound cannot effectively bite or latch on.
Laughing
Yes, dogs laugh! It sounds a lot like a funny panting sound, but it's laughter. Its also usually for the same reasons; something is funny! This sound can also be one of comradery, meaning your dog is feeling close to you.
