Dogs vocalize to communicate with humans and to express themselves. Sometimes we want our dogs to bark in order to warn us about potential danger or protect us from harm. Other times, the barking is excessive and seems to have no real meaning.
When a dog is protecting a person, he's reacting to a dog or person approaching the pet owner and himself. Protective dog behavior manifests differently for different dogs. Dogs will either freeze, glare at the approaching person, snarl, show teeth, snap or even bite.
Dogs are instinctively wired to protect and rescue their owners, new study finds. Dogs are wired to protect and rescue their owners, a new study has found — and it's more proof that they really are our best friends.
The most common reasons that dogs bark at strangers include: Being Territorial: Sometimes dogs can feel extremely protective of their home and their humans. Dogs may see strangers as a threat to their territory, causing them to bark at unfamiliar faces.
Dogs bark at people for a variety of different reasons, whether because they are excited, frustrated that they can't greet the person, or even worried or uncomfortable about another's presence. If your dog is barking while in your front yard, they may feel protective of their home or be warning others to stay away.
If you believe your dog is barking simply to get your attention, try to ignore them. Regular exercise and the use of puzzle toys can keep your dog occupied during a work call or when you're watching TV.
Barking – A dog may bark as a warning, an invitation, a call of distress, or just because it's happy. There are many reasons for the bark, but it always means your dog is communicating something. If your dog is distressed or fearful, it may sound off in a repetitive high-pitched tone.
Consider the barks your dog makes when a stranger is coming up the front walk compared to those he makes when you walk in the door. The first is alerting the house to a possible intruder, whereas the second is saying welcome home” and is likely higher in tone.
For instance, you may see them scratching on the door, whining, or barking. Generally, your dog will act in an unusual way when sensing danger. Being hyperactive, shaking, or hiding at an unusual time, are among the signs you should watch out for. Persistent barking will most easily grab your attention.
When a dog barks at strangers, it is generally an arousal response as a way to communicate an alert, a way to show fear, or as an act of protection. This bark can be reinforced by your behavior, by other dogs barking, or can even be self-reinforced as dogs will wind themselves up.
Signs of a Protective Dog
They will raise the alarm when anyone is coming to the door so that you know if there is a possible danger. Some will also attack if they feel that you or a family member is in danger to try and protect you.
Are Male or Female Dogs More Protective? There is no significant difference between male or female dogs in terms of protective behaviors. Territorial or protective behaviors are more pronounced in unaltered dogs than in neutered dogs, and breed plays a role as well.
Our furry friends are one step ahead of their human companions when it comes to sensing danger. According to research, dogs are able to do so because of their excellent smelling, acute hearing, and varied eyesight.
Dogs consider their owners to be part of their pack and thus inherently feel the need to protect them in case of any threats. They also naturally get protective of things they consider theirs such as their house or shelter and resources such as food, toys, and dog beds.
If your dog sees you as the alpha, they will permit you to eat first and refrain from snatching or stealing food. This is a sign of respect. In your home, you set your dog's feeding schedule. If your pup sees you as the alpha, he or she will patiently wait for food or subtly ask for table scraps.
Have him move out of your way a few times a day. If he is lying down in a hallway, walk through him by gently shuffling your feet until he gets up and moves. The alpha never walks around his littermates. Don't let your dog treat you like a sibling, be the parent.
Hearing and smelling.
Dogs have also been known to detect changes in seismic activity and feel minute movement before earthquakes occur. In addition to hearing, smelling, and feeling weather activity, dogs can detect changes in barometric pressure or electromagnetic fields.
Barking Due to Separation Anxiety
Barking, whining, and howling when left alone are the most common symptoms of canine separation anxiety. Separation anxiety is a condition where a dog becomes distressed when separated from a particular person or people and can range from mild to severe.
Staring also occurs when your dog is trying to get your attention or tell you something. For example, if it's time for a potty break, your dog might sit by the door and gawk at you. Or, if your dog is hungry and you're eating, staring can indicate a desire for you to share your food.
If your dog is emitting 2-4 barks with pauses in between (frequency & duration) in a low pitch (pitch), this typically means a “Call the pack, there is danger” message from your little one. He notices something strange going on, is playing close attention to it, and is scared that the pack is in danger.
Attention Seeking: Dogs often bark when they want something, such as going outside, playing, or getting a treat. Separation Anxiety/Compulsive Barking: Dogs with separation anxiety often bark excessively when left alone.
Attention Barking
This very persistent, high pitched bark is often directed towards the owner/members of the household and/or other dogs. It is exactly what it sounds like. Your dog trying to get or “demand” your attention, food, play, walk, outside etc.
A dog can bark for many reasons — to defend his territory, signal a stranger, get attention, say hello, express discomfort or frustration, and more.
Attention Seeking Bark
Sound: high pitched, short, pauses in between. What is this? Ignore this type of barking. If your dog barks at you for your attention for food or play and you give them what they want, they will continue to bark every time they want your attention… well because it works!