Greeting/Play: Dogs often bark when greeting people or other animals. It's usually a happy bark, accompanied with tail wags and sometimes jumping. Attention Seeking: Dogs often bark when they want something, such as going outside, playing, or getting a treat.
Leave “activities” to keep your dog occupied. Examples include a safe chew toy, or an interactive game where your dog works to get a treat out of a puzzle. Provide training while you're home. Leave the dog for a few seconds, come back into the house, and reward him for quiet, calm behavior.
Threat or Fear
For example, some dogs may suddenly growl when there are strangers or new people in your home because they may feel threatened and are being territorial. Another example is dog growling when they are in an unfamiliar place or when they hear scary sounds such as thunderstorms.
With such excellent hearing, dogs will often hear someone approach the door before the bell rings, and almost certainly before you hear them. By barking, your dog is calling you to action to answer the door, as they know that that's the quickest and most effective way to get your attention.
If you believe your dog is barking simply to get your attention, try to ignore them. Regular exercise and the use of puzzle toys can keep your dog occupied during a work call or when you're watching TV.
This is known as demand barking. Generally, this behavior is a result of your dog trying to get attention or another need met. If your dog is barking at you excessively, ignore your dog's barking and reward what you do want – the quiet moments between barking, engaging with toys etc.
Dogs don't just bark when they are excited, although it can seem that way when they are trying to get your attention. They bark when they are frightened, lonely, surprised, irritated, and more.
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.
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.
Your barking dog could be acting as a guard dog.
Our pets become very protective of their space, their homes and their pack (that's you!). The fourth, and potentially most common, reason for a barking dog is to protect her owner and her territory.
If your dog gets overly excited when a guest is in your home, give him a time out. Put him in his crate in a back room away from the noise and confusion. Give him something to chew on, or at least a few treats, when you put him in his crate. This time out is not punishment; he's done nothing wrong.
There is a possibility that your pet considers your husband as a resource. Seeing you (or anybody for that matter) near your husband may make your dog feel insecure or uncomfortable, as they might think that their precious resource might just get exhausted or is under threat.
Growling during play does not mean your dog is aggressive. It simply means they're having a great time. Your dog might even growl during a particularly pleasing cuddle or patting session. Many dogs growl talk to communicate contentment or as a greeting.
Showing submission.
Your dog may show its teeth when smiling at you while letting you know it accepts that you're the leader. It's a sign of respect, not of aggression. You can typically tell the difference by looking at your dog's posture. If it is relaxed, then there's nothing for you to worry about.
If his growl doesn't mean a bite is imminent, stop what you're doing but stay where you are. Wait until he relaxes, then move away, so you're rewarding the relaxed behavior rather than the growl.
Signs of separation anxiety
Repeated barking, or other vocalizations when being left alone, such as whining or howling, is one of the most common and immediately obvious indicators of separation anxiety. Other signs include: Destructive behavior (chewing furniture, digging, scratching floors or carpets)
Unfortunately, dogs do not get tired of barking. This is typical behavior. It may seem like it would take a significant amount of energy to make them stop, but it doesn't. Barking is a dog's form of communication.
Direct your dog to the mat or room, ignore the doorbell, and go with your dog to his place. Have another big treat party when your dog stops barking. Ignore if he barks, but give lots of praise and treats when quiet in place.
This ancient breed is a favorite for people who want a non-barking dog. After all, the Basenji is the only dog unable to bark. However, a Basenji can't be considered “silent.” Many of them yodel and, although they don't bark, they don't have a problem getting their point across.
In greeting barking, dogs bark when they see people or other dogs, but they are excited, have relaxed bodies and wagging tails, and might also whine.
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.