With a bit of effort, you can understand what dogs are saying when they bark, howl, or whine (Photo: Brands&People/Unsplash)
Dogs do not speak the same language as humans, but that doesn’t mean they don’t have a remarkable ability to communicate through a variety of sounds or vocalizations.
However, as each vocalization conveys a specific message or emotion, understanding the meaning behind different vocalizations can help owners better meet their pets’ needs, leading to a stronger bond and a happier and healthier dog.
“Deciphering what dogs are trying to communicate with a specific vocalization depends on the tone of their communication, body language, environmental factors, health, comfort level, and emotion, such as stress, fear, or hunger,” explained Harmony Diers, manager of the Dog Aging Project at the Texas A&M School of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences to Pet Talk on the VetMed website.
According to her, a dog’s vocalizations can be categorized into distinct types, such as barking, whimpering, and howling, but there are many factors that contribute to what a dog is trying to convey. Read on for more information below:
Types of vocalizations
According to the expert, barking is perhaps the most common category of canine vocalization, serving various purposes. “Emotions can be expressed through barking,” explained Diers.
“Whether it’s a higher-pitched bark for excitement, a repetitive and monotone bark for boredom, a sharp and intense bark to alert you to a sound or sight, or a short and quick bark directed at another dog as a way of saying: ‘Stop it!'”, she added.
“However, for example, if a dog emits an anxiety bark, which often sounds sharp and increases in frequency, a veterinary or behavioral intervention may be required to address the underlying cause.”
Other common categories of vocalization include whining, sighing, and/or groaning. “Dogs whine to express specific needs, such as going out to relieve themselves, wanting to play, or feelings of hunger, unhappiness, pain, anxiety, or excitement,” said Diers.
“Sighing or groaning can occur when a dog is settling down to rest or being petted, but it can also be a sign of disappointment, like when it’s not mealtime yet or when they can’t go for a walk whenever they want.”
Dogs can also whine, groan, or even howl when in pain or discomfort, according to Diers. Therefore, if you suspect your dog is displaying these sounds due to a medical concern, you should consult a veterinarian to identify and address the potential problem’s origin.
Howling, on the other hand, is a distinctive and long vocalization, often transitioning from a low to a high tone, reflecting its long-range communication instinct passed down from its ancestral ties with wolves.
“Howling can be a response to external sounds – such as sirens, music, or barking from other dogs – or used to claim territory, communicate with a pack or family members, or alleviate feelings of isolation. Some dogs even howl along with their owners,” said the expert.
Understanding body language signals
Dogs also communicate through a combination of body postures, facial expressions, and tail movements. Owners should watch for these subtle body language cues along with any vocalization so they can better understand what the dog is trying to say.
“A dog barking with its tail wagging and ears and face relaxed may be happy and barking out of excitement, while a dog barking and stiff with ears in an alert position may indicate it feels threatened,” she said.
Paying close attention to these cues can be especially helpful in determining the reason for a dog’s growling, a form of defensive behavior for dogs. “While they may growl while playing, dogs tend to growl when they are scared, upset, sensing a warning or threat, or protecting their territory,” Diers emphasized.
Growling can be seen as negative behavior, but it’s an important form of communication that can help prevent potentially dangerous situations, such as a bite, by signaling others to back off or indicating that a personal boundary has been crossed.
