What Does “Woof” Mean?
Dogs bark for a variety of reasons such as
Recognizing Distressed vs. Non-Distressed Barking
If a dog is barking excessively, understanding why will help to determine how to curb or eliminate the barking. Having covered the signs of anxiety and rising stress levels, below are some ways to identify distressed versus non-distressed barking
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Repetition
If a dog is repeatedly barking at something, it can signal excitement or anxiousness. Dogs that bark over and over may also be trying to get attention. If there are no pauses between your dog’s bark, it’s a sign that they are trying to alert you to something – whether it’s danger or that they’re feeling distressed. Incessant barking can also mean your beloved pet is bored and in need of exercise or mental stimulation. Find out whether the repetitive barking is also accompanied by other things such as urination or destructive behavior. -
Pitch
Like humans, dogs’ barks carry a pitch that can suggest danger, frustration, anxiety or excitement. Low-pitched growling or barking can signify a threat while a higher pitched one (especially if it’s repetitive) can mean anxiety. Dogs can also bark if they’re demanding something. While the pitch may be difficult to read here, you may be able to tell if it occurs at specific times such as feeding times. -
Standard Barks
While every dog will have its own unique tone, range and pitch, short barks that are not repetitive (say 1 or 2 barks) and in a mid-range pitch is usually a standard greeting and doesn’t suggest distress.
Some breeds have a tendency to bark more than others, such as Corgis and Shetland Sheepdogs.