They are louder, drier, combined with grunts or even moans. There are barks of various kinds, each with a different meaning.
This sound, so easy to recognize but sometimes difficult to understand, is the voice of the dog; his way of communicating with us and with those of his own kind. In this article we will see what are the reasons that can make you bark more frequently.
Barking, a form of communication
Dogs have, like their ancestors, a complex and organized social structure. For this they need a communication system. In this way, they can express their feelings and intentions and, in addition, know those of the rest of their peers.
To communicate, a dog mainly uses three senses: sight, smell and hearing. In the natural environment, the sound message is very useful and is key when other routes are not possible. But not only do dogs bark at each other, it is also their way of talking to humans.
One or two short, mid-tone barks when you see us is their way of saying “hello.” On the other hand, if it is very fast, it may be alerting us to the presence of a stranger. What, in short, is what we most often communicate through barking? Let’s see.
Reasons why a dog barks
The furry can bark for endless reasons, external or internal. Among the most common are the following:
- Anxiety. By barking dogs release stress. Therefore, it is common for them to do so if they are exposed to situations that cause this state of mental fatigue.
For example, dogs that have undergone very hard training, that are undergoing a move, or that feel lonely. When this behavior is constant there is a problem, because it is a sign that the furry does not feel well psychologically, suffers stress.
- Boredom. A dog that does not know what to do, that is without company and without toys, can end up destroying things or barking with boredom. The problem is that many times their caregivers do not realize that this is happening, because they are obviously not there.
It is also a bark that can end up “catching” all over the neighborhood. Therefore, it is important that you do not leave your furry too many hours alone at home and, above all, without any form of entertainment. Otherwise, you could end up with anxiety issues.
- Frustration. When a dog wants to achieve something but cannot, this feeling is generated in him. So the way many have to show such discontent is by barking. Frustration is also closely related to loneliness and stress.
- Emotion. If a dog is excited or excited, it is common to bark. This has to do with his vitality, his desire to play and to carry out activities that stimulate him. However, when this behavior is too constant we must redirect it to make it feel calmer and serene.
- Bad habits. Some caregivers unintentionally encourage the furry to bark. The dog learns that when it barks it attracts attention, receives food or manages to go outside, which reinforces this behavior.
- Notice. Barking can also be an alert to an external stimulus that causes fear or suspicion.
Often they are things that we do not even notice: a person who passes through the other side of the door, the wind moving the leaves, the presence of another animal nearby …
- Vision or hearing problems. With age, your senses may be affected and you may become more frightened. So if an elderly dog begins to bark abnormally, it is best to take him to the vet for a checkup.
- Heritage. Genetics also explains why one dog is more barking than another. There are dogs that, simply by their own nature, feel a greater need to do so. For example, hunting dogs that follow the trails.
As you can see, there are many reasons that can make a dog bark. In fact, many times it is not only due to a single cause. There are a set of factors that can influence this behavior.
Therefore, the best way to understand what is happening to him is by knowing his personality well and paying close attention to him in order to translate that doggy bark into the language of humans.