These initial studies show that growls and barks do carry meaning that other dogs and, in some cases, people can recognize. This complexity comes as a surprise. Of course, our dogs have known all along—just ask Chocolate and Cina. Still, we know very little about the vocal behavior of dogs.
There are certain barks that are aggressive, others that are inquisitive, while other bark tones may indicate fear, and so on. Therefore, your dog may not understand what you are saying (and let's face it, neither would you, given that there is no specific bark for specific words and phrases).
Barking. Studies show there are thousands of different barks that dogs use to communicate. Different pitches and volume indicates the level of emotion in the dog. So all in all, your dog is communicating with other dogs all the time!
Social. While some dogs bark because they haven't been socialized, others bark to socialize! Some dogs will chime in with a few barks when they hear other dogs barking in the neighborhood or park. They don't even need to see the other dogs to socially greet them with a bark.
Do dogs get annoyed by barking? Probably not as annoyed as we do. “Just like humans dogs are individuals,” Rossman explains, their reaction to another dog barking is going to be different on a case by case basis. Their genetics and the way they were socialized can play into this behavior.
Dogs do not get tired of barking. The act of barking actually makes your dog want to bark more. Barking is a self-reinforcing dog behavior, which means that the act of barking makes your best friend feel good. Other self-reinforcing behaviors, where the reward is the behavior itself, are chewing and chasing.
Dogs can act this way out of excitement, frustration, fear, pain, and sometimes out of aggression. There is a much greater chance of improving our dogs behavior when it is predictable.
Pheromones, glandular secretions, barks, whines, yips, growls, body postures, etc., all serve as effective means of communication between dogs. Unlike in people, canine body postures and olfactory (scent) cues are significant components of dog language and vocal communications are less significant.
Although dogs can't identify themselves in the mirror, they still have some level of self-awareness and ace other self-recognition tests. They can recognize their own odor, and recall memories of specific events, Earth.com reports.
Licking is a natural and instinctive behaviour to dogs. For them it's a way of grooming, bonding, and expressing themselves. Your dog may lick you to say they love you, to get your attention, to help soothe themselves if they're stressed, to show empathy or because you taste good to them!
In their wolf ancestors, staring is considered threatening and rude. Some dogs still retain that attitude. That's why you should never stare down strange dogs or hold dogs still to stare into their eyes. If a dog gives you a hard stare, with unblinking eyes and a stiff posture, back away and don't make eye contact.
No, dogs do not think in English or barks. Dogs understand some basic commands and cues that are taught to them by their owners, but they cannot comprehend language like humans do. Dogs communicate with each other through body language and vocalizations such as barking and whining.
Because howling is a form of communication, dogs may also respond to a human's howl. If your dog howls back at you, you should know it is acknowledging the noise you are making and replying with its own howl. According to Not a Bully, dogs may howl with their owners to mirror their behavior and reinforce social bonds.
Following you very closely can be a sign that they're bored, they want something, they're feeling scared or are just being nosy. It is also part of their natural social behaviour, to watch and follow what you are doing to help maintain a good relationship with you.
Try to notice the point at which your dog becomes alert—freezing and staring are subtle communications that often precede barking and lunging. If your dog reacts to dogs even when they are far away, he may be experiencing anxiety about a potential interaction.
To keep your dog calm around other dogs keep exposing them to dogs from a distance, when at the vet, and allow them meet other emotionally healthy dogs. Correct over excited behavior by calmly redirecting them and praising them for being a good dog. Clearly let your dog know what is and isn't acceptable behavior.
Do not force the dogs to interact. Once the dogs are able to view each other at a close proximity, allow one dog to walk behind the other, and then switch. If the dogs remain comfortable, allow them to walk side by side. Finally, let the dogs interact under close supervision.
Don't Respond to Barking Dogs
Many dogs will bark to get your attention, ask for food, or to tell you to open the door or let them out of the crate. Don't respond. Wait until your dog is quiet to give them what they want.
Plus, they spend hours alone while we go off to work or to run errands. So, do dogs get bored? Absolutely! Doggy boredom can lead to problem behaviors, but more importantly an unhappy dog.
During your puppy's socialization period, which lasts from about 6 to12 weeks of age, she may bark at anything unfamiliar, including people and noises. Your puppy may repeat this behavior at a later period, starting at about four to six months of age.