What’s in a Bark?

Dogs bark—some more than others—but I’ve yet to meet a dog that doesn’t let out a bark or two! Their barking can tell us a lot, depending on the situation. Because there is a lot of misunderstanding over why dogs bark, I feel like it is time for me to explore the eight circumstances that can get those barks rolling!

Excitement (Let’s gooooooooo…)
Ah, the moments of pure joy! Every dog owner knows that delightful feeling when their pup gets super excited about something fun on the horizon, like a walk! You’ll see tails wagging, little paws dancing, and maybe even some happy barks mixed in with all that wiggle energy!

Alert (Something is happening)
This is often the surprise bark. At Sunnyside, we sometimes jump when a dog suddenly barks out of nowhere! They’ve caught onto something we can’t hear, alerting us and their furry friends. Although our ears might not be too fond of it, we appreciate their keen senses!

Warning (Stop right there)
This kind of bark has a deeper tone and is slower-paced. If you step a little closer, you’ll hear a bark that says, “Hey there, hold up!” It’s their way of telling you to think twice before moving forward.

Uncertain (I don’t know)
Sometimes this bark gets mixed up with warning barks. When a stranger approaches, many folks think the dog is being protective. However, it’s often just the pup feeling unsure about what’s happening! Along with a little paw lift, this bark is just their way of coping.

Attention (Hey, I’m here!!!)
This bark is a classic! My pups, Jessie and Mijne, have it down to an art. When they want my attention—be it for playtime, potty breaks, or just some love—they’ll let out a short, flat bark to grab my focus!

Go Away (Go, go, go)
This bark can be loud, high-pitched, and sometimes a bit fierce! It’s their way of saying to passersby, “Keep moving along!” Dogs often think this bark works because many times, the object of their barking makes a hasty exit. So the next time someone walks by, you can bet that bark is coming out again!

Disagree (You’re wrong)
Since welcoming Evie into our home, I’ve experienced her “talking” back whenever she disagrees with me. Whether it’s something I want her to do or not do, she expresses her feelings through barks. While the other dogs might stay quiet, Evie is not shy about sharing her thoughts!

Unload Tension (Pffff….bark)
This one might resonate with some of you! When there’s a lot of energy swirling around among the pack, a couple of pups might start barking just to release that energy. It can be excitement bubbling over, and barking becomes their way of letting it all out!

As you can see, there are plenty of reasons dogs bark! Once they realize that barking gets results, it can become quite the habit that’s tricky to unlearn.