Breaking Down the Bark

Not all barking occurs for the same reason. Nor do all barks sound the same. Excitement barking is often slightly higher pitched and fast; perhaps like when your dog wants you to hurry up and get ready for a walk. Alarm barking can be lower, slower and often present when a dog sees something new or different within their view; either from indoors or while out in the yard. Alarm barking can also be accompanied by running back and forth across the yard or from window to window indoors. Some dogs get extremely agitated and may jump on windows, doors and fences in their excitement and cause destruction. Fearful barking sounds different as well. While it too can be high-pitched, it is often repetitive and perhaps accompanied by whining or howling. If your dog is barking when you are gone, set up a video or an audio recording of the barking to help you and your veterinarian determine what kind of barking it is, and perhaps even what the underlying motivation may be.