Different Dog Barks

Just as a baby's cry alerts its parents as to whether it is hungry, tired, in pain or in need of a diaper change, a dog's bark alerts its owners to its wants and needs. In addition to an indication of the dog's well-being, its bark also serves as a warning system for danger or as a way of announcing its territory -- or simply a way of letting off steam.

  1. Pitch

    • The pitch of a dog's bark tells a lot about the dog's frame of mind. If the pitch is low, your dog is likely not very happy about something. The dog is likely showing dominance or a stay-away attitude. A low-pitched bark is a warning or a show of dominance. A high-pitched bark, on the other hand, shows fear, insecurity or excitement. A mid-range pitch is usually a warning or alert. The dog is letting you know that your attention is needed over here, and quick. Your dog is asking for something -- such as a snack or a drink of water -- when its bark starts out lower, like a whine, and then rises in pitch.

    Frequency

    • Whether your dog barks once or twice or nonstop is another indication of what it is trying to tell you. One or two barks could simply mean hello. A single bark could also indicate that the dog is in pain or startled, such as when its tail is pulled by a child or its foot it stepped on during a walk. A single sharp bark could also be your dog's way of telling a stranger or another dog to back off.

    Pauses

    • A string of barks followed by a long pause is your dog's way of letting you know it is lonely. It is calling out, asking if anyone is there, then waiting for a response. What it gets no response, it calls out again, and then waits. The dog will do this over and over again. Your dog is telling you that it needs attention or companionship from its owners.

    Growling

    • Dogs growl when they are afraid, when they are defending their territory or when they are showing aggression. Just because the growl is quiet doesn't mean the situation is not dangerous. A growl from a frightened dog might precede an attack. A dog might growl protectively over its food bowl or a favorite toy if it thinks you are getting too close and might take away its prize. If pushed, a growling dog might turn into a dog that is spoiling for a fight.