The Meaning of the Different Types of Dog Barking

There has been a lot of discussion over why dogs bark and what different sounds of barking mean.Just  as humans, dogs communicate too. Whereas humans communicate through speech and body language, dogs also use both sound and body language to communicate.  Humans have language that is explicable, but the question that most dog lovers often ponder on is whether dogs have a language that humans do not understand.

Research on dog barking has shown that there are different types of dog barking. These can be classified as under:

• A warning bark – This is a low and quiet bark, but the noticeable growl increases in intensity and ultimately turns into a howling growl. Dogs use this to signify a potential danger, and therefore it is normally associated with territorial intrusion. The dog will continue to bark and may also bare his teeth if an immediate threat is perceived.
• An alarm bark - This type of bark involves short barks at a time. Barking of this nature may continue until the dog sees that some action is being taken. Such barks ensue generally from what dogs can hear but are unable to see, like a car parking nearby or a doorbell ringing.
• Prolonged barking - Uninterrupted barking is the dog’s way to communicate that he is alone and lonely. It is a kind of plea for company or attention.
• Yelps - A single or a series of yelps generally emanates out of pain, depending on its severity.
• Stutter bark - Although it is out of place to ascribe the prefix ‘stutter’ to a dog’s bark, it is the only way to describe this type of barking. A bark that sounds like a halting bark in a low pitch normally conveys that the dog wants to play. A rising pitched stutter bark is a sign of excitement.