When Rex get’s excited to see someone he hasn’t seen in a while, he talks to them. Yes, I said he talks to them. It is a series of sounds that I wish I could understand. His pitch changes and I know he’s trying to communicate something. I’m so glad to see you. You look great. Just what is it he’s trying to say? I wish I knew.
This led me to wonder – just what is it the dog’s are saying when they bark. Are they actually trying to communicate with us OR do they just like to make noise. As luck would have it, K9 Magazine recently described the Top 10 barks and what they mean. Below is an edited list and if you want to read more, just click on this link. http://www.k9magazine.com/why-do-dogs-bark-10-dog-barks-translated/
1. Continuous rapid barking at a mid-range pitch: Danger Danger. There is a potential problem here. Someone is coming into our space. Be afraid – be very afraid. Or maybe just be a little cautious.
2. Barking in rapid strings with a few pauses at a mid-range pitch: We might have a problem here and I think someone (that would be you) should investigate it – NOW.
3. Prolonged or incessant barking, with moderate to long intervals between each utterance: Hello! Is there anybody out there? I’m here. I’m lonely and I need someone to come and be with me. I’m tired of being alone.
4. One or two sharp short barks at a mid-range pitch: Hi. Nice to see you.
5. Single sharp short bark at a lower mid-range pitch: You’d better stop that.
6. Single sharp short bark at a higher mid-range: “What’s this?” or “Huh?” This is a startled or surprised sound. If it is repeated two or three times it’s meaning changes to “Come look at this!” alerting you to a novel event.
7. Single yelp or very short high-pitched bark: “Ouch!” I have a sudden unexpected pain
8. Series of yelps: “I’m hurting!” “I’m really scared” This is usually in response to severe fear and pain.
9. Stutter-bark at a mid-range pitch: If a dog’s bark were spelled “ruff,” the stutter-bark would be spelled “ar-ruff.” It means “Let’s play!” and is used to initiate playing behavior.
10. Rising bark – almost a yelp, though not quite that high: Used during a rough-and-tough tumble play time, it means “This is fun”
Understanding just WHAT your dog is saying may help remove some of the strain excessive barking may have put on your relationship. If not, as you’ve seen if you’ve visited us in the morning, a good pair of headphones can help J