The woof or ruff – These are your typical playful barks intended to greet you or others. Woof barks are short in duration and have a mid- to lower pitch to them. They are your standard bark to say “hello” and “hey.” This comfortable bark means all is well in your dog's world.
The dog word for “hello” is woof (pronounced wuf, wüf, and sometimes wrüf, depending on breed and regional dialect). Facing your dog, say woof in as energetically and friendly a way as possible (tone of voice is very important; the similar-sounding weuf means “Back off!
Woof is the most common onomatopoeia in the English language for this sound. "Bark" is also a verb that describes the sound of many canids.
Dog barks are not words. But although your dog will never tell you about his parents or the weather or the amazing bone he had yesterday, his barks still communicate important information.
English – woof, woof; ruff, ruff; arf, arf (large dogs and also the sound of sea lions); yap, yap; yip, yip (small dogs), bow wow. Afrikaans – blaf, blaf; woef, woef; keff, keff (small dogs)
If your dog is emitting 2-4 barks with pauses in between (frequency & duration) in a low pitch (pitch), this typically means a “Call the pack, there is danger” message from your little one. He notices something strange going on, is playing close attention to it, and is scared that the pack is in danger.
The woof or ruff – These are your typical playful barks intended to greet you or others. Woof barks are short in duration and have a mid- to lower pitch to them. They are your standard bark to say “hello” and “hey.” This comfortable bark means all is well in your dog's world.
High-pitch and repeated – a playful bark usually serves as an invitation. Rapid barks with pauses – something is wrong, i.e. they sense an intruder. Continuous barks lower-pitch – a dog that can sense an imminent problem. Single high-pitched bark – a painful yelp and expression of pain.
How to Speak Dog is a fun, informative, and photographically driven book that helps kids understand what their dog is trying to tell them through body language and behavior. Super-engaging dog photography, along with National Geographic Kids' signature bold and bouncy design, helps illustrate the key canine concepts.
Each time you come home, it is heartwarming to be greeted enthusiastically by your dog at the door. And each dog's greeting ritual is unique—some dogs might wag their tail and lick their owners, and other might jump on their owners or whine or bark at them in greeting.
Your dog's eyes do much of their talking. You can communicate back to them using the same language of eye contact. When a dog gives you long, lingering eye contact, it's a way of saying “I love you.” A recent study shows that oxytocin, the 'love chemical,' goes up in both dogs and humans when they share a kind gaze.
How long your dog's bark continues for can also indicate what they are trying to convey. For instance, a single yelp usually indicates pain whereas a series of these high-pitched, short barks means may suggest that your dog is afraid of something.
Some dogs bark at people or other animals to gain attention or rewards, like food, toys or play. Your dog might be barking in greeting if he barks when he sees people or other dogs and his body is relaxed, he's excited and his tail is wagging. Dogs who bark when greeting people or other animals might also whine.
Dog body language involves a series of unique methods for communicating emotions and intentions. It can be quite different from how humans communicate. A lot of canine communication consists of barks, whines, and growls, so it's important to know what dog sounds mean.
Dogs bark at people for a variety of different reasons, whether because they are excited, frustrated that they can't greet the person, or even worried or uncomfortable about another's presence. If your dog is barking while in your front yard, they may feel protective of their home or be warning others to stay away.
Barking – A dog may bark as a warning, an invitation, a call of distress, or just because it's happy. There are many reasons for the bark, but it always means your dog is communicating something. If your dog is distressed or fearful, it may sound off in a repetitive high-pitched tone.
Howling is one of many forms of vocal communication used by dogs. Dogs howl to attract attention, to make contact with others and to announce their presence. Some dogs also howl in response to high-pitched sounds, such as emergency vehicle sirens or musical instruments.
Basset Hounds and Beagles
Keep in mind this isn't a complete list. Many dogs can have a very loud bark or an excessive barking problem. Dogs like dachshunds, chihuahuas, schnauzers, malamutes, labradors and coonhounds are also worth noting as generally louder breeds.
One of the major reasons why street dogs bark at night is also for dominance & defense. Loud barking, crying or howling are ways in which streeties mark and protect their boundaries against other dogs.