Dogs that howl when their owners leave them behind could be trying to communicate with their people, and howling among dogs seems to be contagious, just like it is for wolves. Wolves howl to communicate with their packs, and possibly to express a wider range of emotions than we currently understand. A solid growl may mean, “I would like you to stop touching me, but I won’t bite you,” and a snarl that shows all of his teeth might be his way of saying, “I really don’t like that dog or person, and I may bite if given the opportunity.” THE HOWL A low rumble can mean he heard something outside. Over time, you may learn your dog’s growls, as well as you know his barks. Growls and snarls are intentionally intimidating. Growls are a warning, and dogs that are punished too often for growling may decide to just skip to the next warning level - the bite. Growls can mean “stay back,” “stop touching me,” or “I will bite you if you come closer.” Of course, in play, a growl can also mean, “look how very dead I have made this rope toy, pull harder!” THE GROWLĪt first glance, the growl seems straightforward. As with barking, the trick is figuring out the context surrounding the whine.

If your dog seems uncomfortable, is panting and whining, and his behavior or appetite has changed, he could be whining in pain. A dog with separation anxiety may whine when left alone, and a dog with a fear of going to the veterinarian may whine in the lobby. A dog that whines at the door may want to go outside, and a dog that whines while lying next to her leash could be hoping you will take her for a walk. Dogs typically whine when they want something, like food, a toy, or attention. The whine is almost as versatile as the bark, but less assertive. A high-pitched bark is welcoming, whereas a lower-pitched bark indicates a threat. Your dog’s bark pitch can also indicate emotion.

You will get better at interpreting dog barking by observing when your dog barks, the different types of bark she has, and what else her body is doing. Her bark might be excited, if she is the sort of dog that loves people, or downright angry, if she has a stronger, “stranger-danger” instinct. If your dog barks when someone knocks on the door, she is telling you that there is someone there. A dog in your neighbor’s yard that runs along the fence, snarling and barking when you get too close, however, is probably letting you know that this is her territory, and you are not welcome. The trick to interpreting a bark is context - and experience.Ī dog that barks when you get home, wags her tail, and bounces around with her favorite toy is probably telling you she is happy to see you. Your dog’s bark can indicate joy or fear, anger or awareness, frustration or need. Some dog breeds bark more than others, and some dogs’ barks are deep and intimidating, while others have high-pitched yaps. For the most part, however, dogs use the following sounds to express a pretty wide array of meanings:ĭogs bark. Rottweilers “purr,” Siberian Huskies“talk,” Shiba Inu “scream,” and Basenjis “yodel” instead of barking.

Some dogs have a wider range of vocalizations than others. They use body language and vocalization to express their wants, needs, and fears, but sometimes it is hard to figure out what dog sounds actually mean. Dogs are surprisingly good at communicating with people, considering they can’t speak.

Growl sound effect