Why do dogs bark and what do they mean?

One problem I deal with on occasion is excess barking. People generally think their dog is annoying for doing so, however, a lot of the time, the dog is trying to send a message. Because they can't talk, it's good to understand what a bark is and why they do it. I mean, barking is a dogs natural way of communicating and if we expect them to understand our communication, unfortunately, they need us to understand theirs.

Barking is basically a series of short, sharp sounds, that tend to vary little in tone or pitch. A dog's bark can signify territorial protection (Quinn, my Doberman, is a prime example of this), exertion of dominance, or expression of some need (i.e. alerting when having to go potty, wanting to play, expressing anxiety, etc...you get the idea) Typically, barking is "a means of communication triggered by a state of excitement." Being a natural trait, barking is not considered a behavioural problem, unless, as I stated above, it's done excessively.

Here is a list of different barks and what their meaning could be...

• Continuous and fast barking, at a medium pitch: Alert. Problems. Some is entering our territory.
• Continuous and slow barking, at a low pitch: The intruder or danger is close. Prepared to defend itself.
• Fast barking with pauses every 3 or 4: Warning of a problem approaching. Asking you to investigate.
• Long and drawn-out barks at a high pitch, with pauses between each one: I'm alone and need company.
• One or two short high pitched barks: The most normal greeting.
• One bark normal pitch: Curious, alert.
• Short back in a high pitch: Shows surprise. If it's repeated twice it means "Look at this!" If it's longer then it calling. Many dogs use this when they want to go out.
• Brief bark, at medium pitch: Happiness.
• Faltering bark at medium pitch: Asking to play.
• Howl or short bark at a high pitch: "Ouch!" Response to sudden pain.
• Repeated howls and regular intervals: Suffering from extreme pain or something that scares them.
• High pitch or urgent barks that sound desperate, without apparent reason: It is a way some dogs use to let out steam.

I found the above descriptions of dog barks here

Tags: barking, excessive barking