We often hear the phrase "just need to talk" in reference to our pets, especially dogs. But the truth is that dogs are as capable of communicating as human beings, only they do it using a the language different. Body movements and of course, the barks, form a fundamental part of it.
Despite this, we must admit that it is sometimes difficult to interpret what our dog is trying to communicate to us. It will be easier for us if we know the different types of barking and we learn to "translate" them. Here are some of them:
1. Territorial barking. A dog that defends its territory emits loud barks continuously, becoming more serious as it feels more threatened. This can lead to an aggressive reaction.
2. Bark of fear. It is long and sharp, resembling a howl, and is usually accompanied by a few steps backwards.
3. Bark to play. Sharp and repetitive, we usually see it alongside a stiff and tense body expression. It is very similar to barking due to nerves or anxiety, since the game usually generates these sensations in the dog.
4. Lamentation bark. It is common in dogs that suffer from separation anxiety. It consists of a series of loud barks that become high-pitched, eventually turning into a kind of long, pitiful howl.
5. Threatening bark. It is a loud, sharp, fast and insistent bark, which indicates that the animal is willing to react aggressively if we get too close.
6. Bark of joy. This is short, repetitive and sharp, and is usually accompanied by jumps and turns around itself. It is probably the type of bark with which our dog greets us when we walk through the door.
We cannot forget, also, the grunts, which also provide valuable information about the mood of our pet. For example, a low growl may be a warning of threat, while a growl followed by a high-pitched bark indicates insecurity. A soft growl, however, is a sign of relaxation and happiness.