Whether because of the joy of seeing you again, out of fear or pain – your dog’s barking can have many reasons – and only if you know them can you properly address the needs of your four-legged friend. Your animal world explains why your dog barks.
Your dog is happy to see you
The most obvious reason: Your dog simply greets you with his bark and is happy that you are back home. This is a form of contact for your bello.
In some situations, however, this can be undesirable: For example, with scared postmen, sensitive neighbors or when you come home from partying at night. Fortunately, there is an option to teach your dog a different greeting instead. Instead of barking, you could train him to bring you his favorite toy, which you can then play with together.
Your dog wants your attention
Speaking of play, another reason your dog may bark can be boredom. Maybe he is feeling under-challenged at the moment – and by barking he is demanding your attention.
However, you shouldn’t go into it right away – otherwise your dog will quickly learn that you dance to his tune. Instead, you should make sure from the outset that your dog gets enough play and exercise. You should give the incentive to play together, not the other way around. If your dog barks at you because he wants to play, the best thing to do is to send him to his basket. A few minutes later you can start a game with him on your own.
Some dogs bark a lot when visitors come. No wonder: suddenly they have to share your attention with other living beings. If your dog gets frustrated and feels neglected, he’ll express it by barking loudly. Again, you can take preventive action and keep your dog busy regularly so that he is or remains balanced in general.
Your dog defends you (or himself)
Sometimes your dog may bark while walking when he sees other dogs. With this he goes into defense and shows his strength in situations in which he feels insecure.
Your dog is barking in fear
Barking goes in a similar direction in fearful situations: Often the yapping is then accompanied by panic running back and forth. For example, some dogs react to stressful situations such as fireworks, thunderstorms or when they have to go to the vet. Sometimes the insecurity of their owners rubs off on their four-legged friends – they can feel exactly when you feel threatened in a situation. Presumably they then react fearfully and show this by barking hysterically.
Your dog is barking in pain
Is it not immediately apparent to you why your dog is barking? He may then show that he is not doing well. Because even with chronic or acute pain, four-legged friends react loudly.
And that makes perfect sense: this is how you make it clear to your master or mistress that something is wrong. If your dog barks for no apparent reason, it’s better to take him to the vet for a thorough examination.
Your dog is disappointed
Sometimes dogs react very humanly: For example, when they look forward to going for a walk, when you put your shoes on – and then are disappointed when you just go shopping. Even then, your dog may bark at you to vent this disappointment.
No matter why your dog is barking, dismissing his behavior as disobedience and punishing him for it is dangerous. You should try to read your dog’s signals.
You can only fix it if you know the cause of his barking.
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