How to talk with your dog - interpreting your dog's barking

Your dog won't "talk" to you in English, but you can interpret his intentions and immediate desires if you know what to listen for. Below is a few examples of sounds that dogs make, with human translation and the moods of the dog.

You should remember that generally, a low pitch indicates a more dominant or threatening stance, whereas a high pitch conveys just the opposite - insecurity and fear. A dog whose pitch or vocalization varies is emotionally conflicted.

First lets talk about rapid strings of three or four barks with pauses between in midrange pitch. Such sound mean something like - gather together - I suspect that there may be something that we should look into. Dog is more interest than alarm in such situation.

Next is rapid repetitive barking also in midrange pitch. It's dog signal that someone is entering our territory. It's just a basic alarm bark. Dog that makes that sound is aroused but not anxious.

Continuous barking (a bit slower and lower pitch) means that intruder is coming and you should get ready to defend yourself. Here dog is more worried than in his basic alarm bark.

Long string of solitary barks with pauses between each one may indicate that your pet is lonely and need companionship. On the other hand, one or two sharp short barks (high or midrange pitch) means simple hello. It's typycial greeting or acknowledgment signal used by dogs.

Single sharp short bark in lower midrange pitch is a dog signal to back off. For example when you disturbed him from sleep or pulled his hair.

Stutter bark like "ar-ruff" is and invitation to play with your dog. Dogs usually make that sound with front legs flat on the ground and rear held high as a play invitation. Rising bark is one of dog signals that he is having fun.

We hope that now you can be albe to communicate better with your dog and maybe he whisper to you that he is dreaming of one of our comfy beds ;)