Many people don’t realize that there are different types of dog barks each with their own meaning:

Continuous rapid barking, midrange pitch

“Call the pack! There is a possible problem! Someone is coming into our area!” constant barking but a little bit slower and pitched lower: “The intruder [or danger] is very close now. Get ready to protect yourself!”

Rapid barking in strings of three or four with short pauses in between, midrange pitch

“I think that there may be a problem or a trespasser near our territory. I think that the leader of our pack should check into it.”

Extended or nonstop barking, with moderate to long intervals between each occurrence

“Is there somebody there? I’m feeling alone and need company.” This is nearly everyone often the reaction to being confined or being left alone for extended periods of time.

One or two sharp short barks, midrange pitch

“Hi there!” This is the most usual welcoming sound.

Sharp single short bark, lower midrange pitch

“Stop that!” This is frequently given by a mother dog when chastising her puppies but may also point toward annoyance in any dog, such as when disturbed from slumber or if hair is pulled while grooming.

Sharp single short bark, higher midrange

“What’s this?” or “Huh?” This is a startled or surprised bark. If it’s repeated two or three times the meaning changes to “Come look at this!” alerting the group to an unusual event.

This same kind of bark, but not quite as short and sharp, is used to mean “Come here!” A lot of dogs will use this type of bark at the door to indicate that they want to go outside.

Lowering the pitch to a relaxed midrange means “Terrific!” or some other similar exclamation, like “Oh, great!” My cairn terrier, for instance, who loves to jump, will give this single bark of happiness when sent over the high jump. Other dogs give this same bark when being given their food bowl.

Very short high-pitched bark or single yelp

“Ouch!” This is in reply to a sudden, unforeseen pain.

Series of yelps

“I’m hurting!” “I’m really scared” This is in response to severe pain and fear.

Stutter-bark, midrange pitch

If a dog’s bark were spelled “ruff,” the stutter bark would be spelled “ar-ruff.” It means “Let’s play!” and is used to start playing activities.

Rising bark

This is kind of hard to describe, although once you hear it, it is instantly recognizable. It’s typically a series of barks, each of which begins in the middle range but rises sharply in pitch - almost a bark yelp, though not quite that high. It is a play bark, used during rough-and- tumble games that shows exhilaration and translates as “This is fun!”

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