What every type of dog bark means and how to address each one

GET A BETTER UNDERSTANDING OF WHAT'S GOING ON INSIDE YOUR DOG'S MIND - AND BARK - WITH THIS GUIDE 14:51, 20 May 2025 One of the most common noise complaints across the country is

barking dogs. But, not every bark means the same thing - so it's up to pet owners to truly learn and understand what's going on inside their dog's mind. Dogs bark for many

different reasons—it is how they communicate with one another and the world around them. But it is fair to accept that even the tiniest of dogs can have a big voice that can quickly become a

noise problem for humans. A barking dog might quickly become a nuisance, especially to your neighbours who have no control over the animal. Not addressing the cause of a barking problem

could even land you in court or facing an expensive fine if your barking dog is considered a statutory nuisance under the Environmental Protection Act 1990. The meaning of a bark can vary

depending on its tone, duration, and frequency, as well as the context of the situation. Pet owners must understand their dogs and try to figure out if barking is turning into a nightmare.

RSPCA pet welfare expert Dominika Jagoda has explained some of the reasons your four-legged friend might be making a fuss. Some issues are a quick fix, while others may need time and

dedication to resolve. Article continues below 1. GIVING A WARNING: Some dogs bark as a warning or to protect their 'territory' when they see the postman come to the door, or

people passing by their home. You can stop this by reducing access to windows or gardens, or having tasty treats or toys on hand as a distraction when people approach the house. 2. YOUR DOG

IS BORED: Dogs are intelligent, active, and social animals. Even though they sleep for 12 to 14 hours a day, sometimes a walk or two each day is not enough. Just like children, dogs get

bored, and when they do, they might moan about it. Help keep your dog stimulated by using enrichment-based toys like snuffle mats to keep their brains busy and giving them a range of toys to

play with. 3. SOMETHING IS EXCITING: In the same way we express our excitement by cheering or whooping, dogs express theirs with a bark. Whether they’ve seen one of their friends and want

to play, are excited by a new treat or toy, or they see a squirrel, it’s their way of telling us they’re happy and raring to go. This type of barking is often quite high-pitched and

accompanied by a wagging tail and perked-up ears. Once your dog starts whatever activity they’re excited by, their barking should quieten down. 4. SEPARATION ANXIETY AND FEAR: If your dog

barks when you’re not around, they may be experiencing separation anxiety. This anxiety can manifest in a number of ways, including barking. The difficulty is that if you’re not there,

you’re not always aware of the issue. This can mean it goes on for longer, causing more noise problems for neighbours. You can train your dog to be left alone for periods of time without

experiencing anxiety or distress, but the key is to start small and build it up. General fear might also be the reason your dog is barking like a wild animal. Fear-related barking might

happen if a dog is scared of someone approaching it or another dog, or if it is trapped with no escape route and needs help. These barks are often deeper, and the dog may growl alongside

them as a defence mechanism to help mask its fear of a potential predator. You can help by making sure you introduce your pooch to new dogs and people slowly and in a calm environment where

your dog feels safe. HOW CAN I STOP EXCESSIVE BARKING? * Establish a routine. Having a consistent daily routine in place for your dog, which includes meal times as well as play and exercise

at roughly the same time each day, helps your dog to know what activities are going to happen and when. This may stop them barking to ask for attention, food or walks. * Find ways to help

your dog feel calmer and more relaxed when they’re alone, like leaving a special toy, using a dog walker or dog sitter, or getting the help of a vet or ABTC-registered behaviourist. * Speak

to an expert to find out what the cause of your dog’s barking is. Your dog may have a different-sounding bark for food, walks, or fun. This can help you understand what’s causing your

dog's behaviour and take steps to resolve it. Article continues below