Types of Barking

If you've ever wondered why your dog is barking - again! - you're not alone. Barking is one of the most common forms of canine communication, but not all barks mean the same thing. Understanding the different types of barking and the body language that goes with them can help you respond more effectively and reduce the overall barking.

Demand Barking

This is the "Pay attention to me!" bark. Dogs use demand barking to get something they want, usually attention, food, or access to something fun.

What it sounds like: Short, sharp, repetitive barks often directed at the owner. Sometimes paired with a little hop or pawing.

Body language: Direct eye contact, wagging tail, weight shifted forward, ears perked. The dog looks confident and insistent. If your dog wants something specific, like for you to give him a treat or open the back door, he might stand near the treats or the back door.

What to do: Ignore the behavior until your dog is quiet, then reinforce calm behavior with what they wanted (if appropriate). Responding to demand barking only reinforces it. The very worst thing you can do is ignore it for a little while and then give in, because now you're teaching your dog that if he barks for long enough, you'll give him what he wants! If your dog won't stop for long periods of time, you can ask him to do something else. You can teach him to go get a toy for example (it's difficult for him to bark with a toy in his mouth!) and then reward his bringing you a toy by playing a game of tug.

Boredom Barking

When dogs are understimulated, they often turn to barking to entertain themselves.

What it sounds like: Repetitive, monotone barking that seems to go on forever, often when the dog is alone. It's usually a "Bark! (pause) Bark! (pause)"

Body language: Restlessness and fidgeting, sniffing the environment or looking for something to do, possibly digging or chewing or other nuisance behaviors

What to do: In the moment, give your dog something to do. Play a game, take him somewhere, give him something to chew on, etc. In general, increase mental and physical exercise with puzzle toys, scent games, training sessions, or a flirt pole session. Giving your dog plenty of physical and mental exercise can help meet your dog’s needs and reduce boredom barking.

Alert Barking vs. Aggressive Barking vs. Excited Barking

This is the big one because these types of barking often get confused, especially in high-energy situations like seeing another dog on a walk. Here's how to tell them apart:

Alert Barking

"There's something there!"

What it sounds like: Sharp, rapid barks directed toward a sound or movement.

Body language: Ears forward, tail high, body stiff but not lunging. May stand in place or move slightly forward. The dog is investigating.

What to do: Acknowledge what your dog sees or hears and redirect with a cue like "Let’s go." (Also see my blog "Let the dog bark". It's a good one!)

Aggressive Barking

"Back off!"

What it sounds like: Deep, growly barks, possibly with snarling or teeth showing. May be lower-pitched and more intense.

Body language: Stiff posture, hard stare, raised hackles, lips pulled back. The dog is warning or trying to create distance.

What to do: Don’t punish your dog! Aggression is usually fear-based and punishing your dog will only make him more fearful. (Again, see my blog "Let the dog bark".) Give the dog space to minimize the risk of getting bit and seek help from a qualified behavior professional to address the underlying cause.

Excited Barking

"OMG it’s another dog/person/squirrel!"

What it sounds like: High-pitched, rapid-fire barking, sometimes mixed with whining. Can escalate quickly.

Body language: Wiggly or spring-loaded, tail wagging fast, ears forward or flopping. Often paired with lunging and jumping.

What to do: Excitement and frustration can look like aggression, especially behind a fence, window, or on leash. Teach alternate behaviors like Look At That, practice impulse control games, and work on calm exposure at a distance. If you think there's even the remotest possibility that this is aggressive behavior, seek help from a qualified behavior professional. Better be safe than sorry!

Note that these vocalizations often overlap as well: if your dog is bored, he may run to the window and alert bark like there's something there. Excitement and frustration barking can easily tip over into aggressive barking. Every dog is different, and their vocalizations can vary by personality, breed, etc. The key is to look at the whole dog – not just the sound they’re making.