Humans, specially pet owners, want to understand dogs as much as they can. This, because understanding dogs will lead to a more harmonious relationship between humans and dogs, and better care for our furry companions.
Carina Woudenberg, in her article “Why Do Dogs Bark?” examines the various reasons for dogs’ barking, emphasizing that it as a complex form of communication. This concept is humorously illustrated in a Far Side cartoon, where a researcher interprets dog barks as simply saying “Hey.” The humor in this depiction reflects a deeper truth: similar to human speech, a dog’s bark communicates a diverse array of meanings, influenced by tone, body language, and context.
Linda Simon, a veterinary surgeon based in London, England, draws a parallel between a dog’s bark and human speech, emphasizing that both are intricate forms of communication. Simon notes that studies show people, even non-dog owners, are remarkably good at matching a dog’s bark to its cause. This suggests an inherent ability to understand canine vocalizations, akin to recognizing emotions in human voices.
However, as Russell Hartstein, a certified dog behaviorist and trainer from Los Angeles, points out, interpreting a dog’s bark is not always straightforward. He asserts that “all behavior is situational and contextual,” meaning that each dog’s bark can vary depending on the individual dog and the specific situation. Hartstein encourages “pet parents” to learn the subtleties in pitch, rhythm, and tone to better understand their dog’s unique vocalizations.
Charli Burbidge, an animal behavior expert based in Manchester, England, explains that certain barks can be linked to specific situations. For instance, a low-pitch bark might occur when a package is delivered, signaling that an unfamiliar presence is approaching. Over time, as Amber LaRock, a veterinary technician from Chiang Mai, Thailand, suggests, pet owners can become adept at deciphering these tones. She explains that a playful bark may sound soft and cheerful, while an alert bark at an approaching mailman is likely to be strong and assertive.
Body language plays a crucial role in understanding a dog’s barking. Burbidge notes that a dog pacing or scurrying around the house might be signaling a need for exercise or a change in environment.
Sarah Wooten, a veterinarian based in Greeley, Colorado, adds that fear-induced barking can be identified through additional body language cues, such as a tucked tail, pinned ears, panting, retracted lips, or showing the whites of the eyes.
Territorial defense is another common trigger for barking, with dogs often vocalizing to protect their home, yard, or car from perceived intruders.
Interestingly, certain breeds are more prone to barking due to their historical roles. Corinne Wigfall, a veterinarian from Auckland, New Zealand, points out that working or hunting dogs, like collies and beagles, have been bred to use their bark to herd animals or alert their owners to prey. This breed-specific behavior underscores the importance of understanding the genetic and evolutionary factors that influence barking.
The evolution of barking itself offers fascinating insights into canine behavior. Jonathan Roberts, a veterinarian based in Cape Town, South Africa, references the work of Brian Hare and Vanessa Woods in their book “The Genius of Dogs: How Dogs are Smarter Than You Think.” They highlight that while wolves, from which dogs descend, rarely bark, domesticated dogs were selected for their tendency to bark when aroused. This trait was likely favored because it provided an early warning system for humans. Roberts explains that barking in dogs can vary in amplitude, timing, and pitch to communicate different emotional states, a complexity that might be more easily understood by other dogs than by humans.
Research discussed by Hare and Woods involved playing back recordings of dogs barking in different contexts. The findings revealed that dogs could discern the emotional state of the barking dog and recognize familiar barks, similar to how humans identify known voices. This demonstrates the sophisticated nature of canine communication and their ability to interpret vocal cues.
While barking is a natural behavior, excessive barking can sometimes indicate underlying health issues. Wigfall advises pet owners to first rule out any medical conditions that might be causing the barking. A thorough health check by a veterinarian can help determine if there are neurological or health reasons behind the barking. If no medical issues are found, the barking is likely a behavioral response to specific scenarios.
Understanding why dogs bark is essential for pet owners to foster better communication and strengthen the bond with their canine companions. By paying attention to the nuances of bark tone, rhythm, and body language, and considering the individual dog’s breed and context, owners can gain deeper insights into what their dogs are trying to convey. As Woudenberg’s article illustrates, barking is far more than a simple noise; it is a rich, complex language that reflects the emotional and social world of our beloved pets.
The intricacies of a dog’s bark offer a window into their thoughts and feelings. By understanding these vocalizations, we can better meet our dogs’ needs and ensure they live happy, fulfilling lives. The exploration of this topic sheds light on the depth of canine communication, reminding us that our dogs are constantly talking to us, and with a little effort, we can learn to listen and understand them better.
About the Author: Mariana Burgos is a freelance artist, writer, and tutor. She has been a solo parent for 17 years now because she is the wife of Jonas Burgos, a Filipino desaparecido. She and her daughter are animal lovers and are active in advocating not only human rights but the rights of animals as well.
