Translating Different Dog Barks
Bark! Woof? Growl?! Do you know what all these “dog language” words mean? Whether your furry friend is leaping through pet doors for dinner or trying to alert you to a dreaded squirrel in the yard, he has his own language, too. Savvy companions often grow to inherently know their dog’s barks and what they mean, but, as it turns out, your dog’s barks really do have different and identifiable meanings.
Let’s paw at the truth and get to know our pups a little bit better with this translation guide.
Repeated Mid-Range Barks
The repeated, mid-range bark is your dog’s way of saying, “Hey human! Pay attention. Something’s happening.” It’s the bark you’re most likely to hear when they’re chasing squirrels, telling another dog off through the window, or watching the postman walk up the drive. This is your dog’s most effective way to get your attention when he feels something isn’t right or is immensely interesting.
The Arrrr-Ruff
If you hear an Arr-Ruff bark (especially with a slight inflection on the last syllable), your dog isn’t upset; he’s probably trying to tell you he wants attention. This is a common play instigation bark, but some dogs also use it to indicate when they want to go for walks or play outside.
The Repeated Arr-Ruff!
On the other hand, if your dog makes this type of bark repeatedly and successively, and if it’s high-pitched, he’s likely having an immense amount of fun. This is the most common bark to hear when two friendly dogs are wrestle-playing and chasing each other about.
High-Pitched Whine-Barks
A quiet, high-pitched whine followed by a short bark typically indicates unhappiness or anxiety. This type of bark happens often in dogs with separation anxiety, but can also indicate pain, tiredness in puppies, or just plain grumpiness in older dogs. It can sometimes also indicate that your dog really wants something, like a tasty treat on the table.
Your dog’s barks are as varied as he is. As his companion, it’s you who truly knows him best. If you’ve always wondered, “What does it mean when a dog barks at nothing?” or you’re not sure what your dog is trying to say, stop for a moment.
Assess his surroundings; is he hungry? Is the dog door stuck? Does he need comfort? Is he in pain? If you really can’t find a solution, a vet visit doesn’t hurt; it can rule out physical health issues. At the end of the day, some dogs just “talk” more than others—just like humans.
