Canine Language and Understanding Your Dogs Communication

Jeff Davis | https://gundogcentral.com

Much like their human counterparts dogs just want to be heard, of course. Dogs bark to communicate with other dogs and with humans. There is the woof, woof-woof, the triple woof with many different ranges and pitches that can make canine speech difficult to decipher. We will start out with the single or double barks that are usually mid-level as you are walking in the door from work to say “hello”. Barking in sequences of three or more and doing this repeatedly often means they sense danger or think someone is near that they do not know or that should not be there. When a canine persistently continues to bark at a low or medium level they are saying please come get me, I am lonely. A short bark that is loud often shows fear or surprise with the dog conveying come check this out.



A high pitched yelp is usually saying this hurts for example if their human steps on their paw. A series of yelps together is I am really hurt bad, come check on me. A single sharp bark usually mid to high range is stop what you are doing now.

The call in the troops or pack bark is usually a continuous multiple bark. The dog is calling for backup to relay someone or something is in our territory and I need backup. The low pitched “rruff” bark come on let’s play (usually at 2:30am with a new puppy). The higher pitched “ruff” is rough and tough playtime, let’s roll in the floor or grass.

It is important that the dog owner understand the basic types of barking so that they know how to react or not react at all. Many dogs bark too much, and require behavior modification training. The annoying barkers that bark for no reason or at other dogs. The annoying barkers that bark for no reason or at other dogs may need more exercise, a structured walk. This walk is about exercise from point a to point b with no distractions. It is about moving and getting the heart rate up whatever that involves including putting the dog on a treadmill. Start out slow as most dogs enjoy the tread mill or play fetch. The point is to make this fun but remember there is a purpose, for example swimming not just one lap or when your pet wants too but as a consistent, effective form of exercise. You may need to start out with 5 minutes and build up to 30 minutes, be attentive to your pet they will let you know when they are fatigued. Compressed air sold in pet stores effectively helps to control barking but you need to be within arm’s length of your pet for this method to work. I always use the word no for every bad behavior. As you activate the compressed air give the command no. Bark collars are also available that vibrate, beep and stimulation if the barking continues. The higher quality collars have sensitivity levels you can set however you may need to try different options for your pet to see what yields the best results.