Dogs are without a doubt one of the most loyal companions a human can have. Have you ever stopped to think what goes through your dog’s head? While we are unable to have coherent discussions with our furry friends, paying close attention to the tone of their barks can help us understand what they are trying to communicate to us.
Dog Barks: Pitch, Duration and Frequency
One of the experts has suggested that observing a dog’s vocal expressions requires the scrutiny of frequency, pitch and duration. All of these attributes contain important information about a dog’s emotions and intentions.
Pitch: The Emotional Index
Low Pitch: Means a dog is somewhere on the defensive side of things. A deep and low growl indicates just that. It’s likely your dog is protective, thinking, “Stay away!” or “Do not come near my family!”
High Pitch: In opposite scenario, a friendly disposition is bound to elicit a happy high-pitched bark, a sign of excitement. Perhaps your dog is just saying: “I am so happy!” or “Come play with me!”
Duration: The Length of Barks Indicating the Message
A barking dog that keeps saying a word for lower proportion of time is going to end with pet barking in mid sentence, this is called a long duration bark. This can also signal that the dog is likely to defend itself or its territory. This should not be taken lightly.
Short Duration: Short, high-crying sounds could convey fear, pain, or discomfort. A sudden and sharp yelp translates as “I’m hurt” or “I’m scared.”
Frequency: The Level of Arousal
Rapid Barks: A series of barks (rapid-fire barking) suggests hightened arousal or excitement. This can stem from anything like a threat or the happiness of seeing someone familiar.
Sporadic Barks: Scarce and more spaced-apart barks suggests a state of relaxness or curiosity. For example, a dog might effortlessly bark at faint sounds which shows some interest but not an immediate concern.
Bark Types and Their Meanings
Knowing these vocal characteristics can enable you to understand the particular messages your dog may be trying to communicate:
The “I Want to Play” Bark: The bark is usually diverse in pitch and is abruptly high. This bark means your dog is ready for fun. This bark is your dog’s way of exclaiming, “come on lets play.”
The “I’m All Alone” bark: If your dog barks often with intervals in the middle of each bark, it could be showing signs of aloofness or desperately seeking attention. With the right response, this appeal can easily be quelled by giving them some love.
The “Danger Alert” Bark: Issued In A Low Pitch: Usually, a ‘Danger Alert’ bark, as it is commonly known, consists of 2-4 barks given with pauses in between. This type of barking often denotes that your dog is noticing something out of the ordinary that, in the dog’s mind, appears to be dangerous. It is their way of alerting you to be cautious! Their intentions are clear in this barking sequence: “Something’s not right, be careful!”
Emotional Complexity: barking beyond barks
Dogs, like all beings, undergo quite a lot of emotions – a complex interplay of sorts. One of the leading experts Dr. Stanley Coren explains it well in his book: How to speak dog: mastering the art of dog-human communication. He argues that a dog’s bark has a range which can be attributed to complex reasons. Factors like fear, excitement, irritation or even loneliness can lead to change in bark sound.
Take for instance a stranger’s approach. A dog’s warning bark of that nature would be deep and prolonged indicating protective instincts. On the other end of the spectrum, when returning home, a dog’s bark would be higher and off-pitch.
The gap of communication
Considering your dog’s bark nuances can improve your bonding overall. For instance, pitch, duration, frequency could allow you to ascertain whether your pet is relieved, scared or in a state of alert.
As research indicates, even people who do not own dogs can understand dog barks to some degree. It is indeed intriguing and fulfilling to learn how to communicate with your dog. So when your pet barks next time, try to pay attention. You may find out just how much you can actually comprehend.
Enjoyed this blog?
You’ll also love our post on why cats are obsessed with boxes—check it out HERE to learn more!
And don’t forget—download the Pawrpose App to access more tips, track your pet’s health, and stay connected to a community that puts animal care first.
Available now on iOS & Android.
