Understanding Dog Behavior: Why Do Dogs Bark?

You're certainly not alone in wondering why dogs bark. Of all the behaviors dogs developed as they became human companions thousands of years ago, barking is perhaps the most annoying to humans.

But this ear-shattering dog behavior does serve a purpose. Understanding dog communication can make it a little more bearable and manageable.

So, the other day, I tended to my winter garden, trimming some of the larger kale and cabbage leaves for a stir fry. All of a sudden, I heard a chorus of barking, echoing through the neighborhood.

It all started with my terrier, Pixie, who'd never met a squirrel she didn't think she could coerce out of the tree by barking. And soon, my other two pups joined in. Then, we had a neighborhood of moral support from furry friends for blocks around.

It seems an unproductive and exhausting behavior. I mean, the last thing that squirrel will do is come when my terrier calls. But the behavior persists until I calm her with basic commands like "sit" or "stay". So, let's dig into understanding dog communication and how to stop excessive barking in dogs.

Why Do Dogs Bark?

Barking is a form of dog communication. It's part of their language—and sometimes their megaphone. Unlike cats, who meow to speak exclusively with people, dogs bark at and with each other and their humans because they have something to say.

Sometimes, it's just, “Hey, pay attention to me!” Other times, it's "Look, I found something," and other times, it's "I heard something. It could be trouble."

Understanding what different types of bark mean can improve how you respond to barking and even stop excessive barking.

Types of Barking

Alert Barking

I have 3 dogs with whom I spend a lot of time. But when my lab mix Bruno hears the mail carrier creeping down the neighborhood street toward our mailbox, he's the first to tell us, "Mail's here. And they may have delivered meaty dog bones or treats."

This is alert barking—dogs letting their humans know about something unusual or new in their environment. It’s their way of saying, “Hey, something’s up!”

For Bruno, it often sounds like a quick, high-pitched bark that becomes rapid-fire woofing if he thinks I didn't hear him the first time.

Attention-Seeking Barking

This one is my terrier Pixie's specialty. When I'm sipping my morning coffee and trying to get a couple of straight hours of work in on the computer before a "fetch" break, sometimes Pixie will run up behind my chair and let out sharp barks as playtime approaches.

I hear it as, "Look at the time! Did you forget? Throw the ball already!”

Fear or Alarm Barking

This is distinctly different from the bark when the mail carrier is coming. Dogs bark like this when they hear an unexpected noise outside.

A few months back, the raccoons in our neighborhood were fighting over a burned pepperoni pizza I'd thrown into the outdoor trash can earlier in the evening. Bruno woke me up in the middle of the night—which he rarely does—to let me know his distant relatives were prowling outside.

Fear barks are usually a little higher pitched but sound a lot like alert barking—rapid fire followed by slower "woofing".

Territorial Barking

If you have more than one dog (or cats), you've probably heard this one. When I first brought Pixie home from the shelter, she made the honest mistake of falling asleep on Bruno's pillow. Of course, he wanted to lay down the law quickly with our newest adoptee, so with a bark, he said, "That's mine, Buddy. Move it!"

This type of barking is very loud and aggressive. Bruno bared his teeth with a stiff posture, raised fur and intent gaze on the intruder. I had to diffuse the situation with the "come" command before promptly moving Pixie and finding her another spot. When they were calm again, they both got a marrow-filled dog bone.

Excitement Barking / Playful Barking

When the leash comes out, Pixie knows we're going for a walk. Her tail starts wagging like crazy, and she starts with an adorable "yip" and "yap" barking pattern.

She also does this when she and Bruno are playing in the backyard.

If a dog hears its favorite people pulling into the driveway, it may also start barking with excitement rather than alert barking because it has been looking forward to their arrival.

Boredom Barking / Separation Anxiety Barking

Dogs are social creatures. When left alone (or worse, tied up outside) for long periods, they may let out long, mournful barks followed by a long pause. That break allows them to do this for hours.

Dogs who miss their human may do this for 2-3 hours after the people leave the home. But as with all of these barking patterns, you can learn how to stop excessive barking with some basic strategies.

But first...

Why Do Dogs Bark So Much?

While some barking is just part of adopting a dog, excessive barking isn't normal. It usually means something is wrong.

For example, if a dog excessively barks at outside noises, it doesn't mean that you live in a lively neighborhood. It can mean that the dog is anxious or bored and looking for "some action." This "anxiety" or boredom is totally addressable. Start by assessing the environment, routine, and triggers.

How to Stop Excessive Barking in Dogs

1. Positive Reinforcement Dog Training

Reward your dog when they stop barking. Use high value dog training treats. These are both irresistible and super nutritious.

But beware of positively reinforcing the wrong thing.

Don't give them a treat when they are barking to calm them down. They will think you want them to bark more because they get treats.

The same goes for yelling at them to stop.

Hey, you're barking too! Let's bark together.

2. Provide Mental Stimulation

Bored dogs bark at everything because they're hoping for some action. It's vital to give them something they can do by themselves a few times a week.

Marrow-filled dog bones are great for this. It's like a dog puzzle. They chew, lick, and paw at the bone, trying to get the nutrient-dense bone marrow out. A little comes out at a time.

You can then freeze the bone in between uses and give it back a few times a week. This allows bones to last a long time and provide hours of mental stimulation for dogs.

3. Meet Exercise Needs

It's good for you and them. Most dogs need to walk or play 3-4 times a day, and that's not just a quick trip to the backyard. Aim for 3-4 activity sessions (which often include time to do their business outside). Each session should last at least 10-15 minutes or longer for particularly high-energy pups like American bullies, labs, and terriers.

4. Invest in Training

Dogs love routine and predictability. From basic commands to more advanced skills, learning is both stimulating for a dog and a bonding experience for the two of you that can lead to a calmer, more well-behaved dog.

Training can remove uncertainty from a situation and help you quickly calm your dog without reinforcing "undesirable" behavior. Using high value dog treats (like beef lung bites) can also support better nutrition and make training even the most rambunctious pup (like Pixie) more enjoyable for both of you.

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