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.

  1. 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.