Why Do Dogs Bark at Each Other?
Besides body language and scent, barking is their natural way to communicate. Barking may be emotional, to show that they are frightened, excited, or lonely. It can also be situational to convey protection or to alert you to danger.
Certain breeds bark more than others. Some dogs were bred to be better barkers, to help hunters or to protect homes. Yorkshire Terriers, Beagles, and Chihuahuas are all known for being vocal.
Each type of barking serves a purpose. When you repeatedly reward a dog for their barking — like for food, play, treats, or walks — dogs will learn to use barking for their benefit. There are all kinds of reasons dogs bark at other canines:
Some dogs just want to be fur-friends with everyone. Many dogs will bark when playing with dogs or people to show how excited they are. These playful growls are signs of happiness. These barks are sometimes accompanied by a “play bow” when dogs bow their front legs and wag their tails.
It’s natural for dogs to bark when someone is at the door, when people are walking by, or when they see animals on their territory. A dog typically considers their home their territory, but anyplace they associate with themselves or you can be their territory: even your yard, block, car, and walk routes.
Dogs will also bark at other dogs outside their door to tell them that this is their territory. It’s their way of saying, “I live here and I’m protecting my home.”
Some dogs bark at people or other dogs to get attention or rewards like toys, treats, and cuddles.
Dogs with separation anxiety, fears, and phobias may bark to self-soothe. Some dogs will excessively bark when they are left alone or when their humans are gone. This type of barking is typically high-pitched. If separation anxiety is the cause of the barking, it’s time to work with a specialist or trainer.
For small dogs, a big bark is their biggest weapon against bigger predators, like big dogs. It can also be a bark or growl of warning. These barks tend to be lower pitched and last longer. Dogs may react with a growl like this if another dog was playing too rough or got too close to their food.
Some dogs will bark excitedly when it’s time to go on a walk or car ride.
Some dogs don’t understand how to socialize with other dogs. This could be because they haven’t had many chances to interact with other dogs or because they haven’t been trained. They may become nervous because they don’t know how to interact with other dogs.
This nervousness can lead to reactivity: pulling or lunging on their leash to get away from other dogs or barking at them to say, “stay away!”
While some dogs bark because they haven’t been socialized, others bark to socialize! Some dogs will chime in with a few barks when they hear other dogs barking in the neighborhood or park. They don’t even need to see the other dogs to socially greet them with a bark.
Dogs might bark when they are greeting a person or another dog. These dogs will bark, or even whine, along with wagging their tail and other excited behavior.
When dogs behind a gate, fence, or window, inside a crate, or tethered to a leash, they are restrained. If they see another dog, they don’t have any way to react. They can’t greet or run away from the dog or even smell them. They also don’t have any way, aside from barking, to tell dogs to go away. Your dog may become frustrated and react by barking at any dogs they see.
Some dogs love spending time with other dogs. They may spend their days in doggie daycares, puppy classes, or dog parks and have no problems with other dogs. But for some reason, these same dogs bark and lunge at other dogs while they are on a walk.
This behavior is because your dog is frustrated that they can’t say hello to all the other dogs they see. They want to say hello, but the leash prevents them from going over to the other dog. Frustrated, they bark. This behavior repeats because each time they see another dog, they get upset again. This problem can also happen because they used to be able to say hello to other dogs, perhaps during puppyhood, but are no longer allowed.
A bored dog will bark because they are lonely, want attention, and have pent-up energy. These bored dogs typically just need some attention, often in the form of walks, cuddles, or playtime. It might even be a way of telling you it’s time for another four-legged friend in their life!
In most cases, dogs that bark aren’t being aggressive. Barking is basically a threat designed to keep others away, but it’s not violent.
How to Deal With Excessive Barking
Positive reinforcement training sessions can teach your dog to offer other behaviors in place of barking. This is a great way to lessen frustration and keep your dog content and happy (and your house a bit more quiet). Consider working with a certified dog trainer experienced in differential reinforcement to get you started.
Whether your puppy is barking at other pups in kindergarten class or your distinguished adult is showing off his vocal abilities during dog walks, dogs bark and need to be able to bark to be their best doggie selves. Barking is a natural, functionally rich doggie behavior, but it can be concerning when it comes with other intense behaviors directed towards other dogs. Its important to consider the situation when you find your pooch is being extra noisy around other canines and work to figure out whether the action is normal or calls for intervention from a professional.
Teach your dog to pay attention to you
This might sound simple, but learning how to teach your dog to look at you on cue, check in with you, and pay attention to you on walks can help. Not only will it help them to stay focused when distractions arise, but it will strengthen your bond, too. Dont forget to reward them with treats when they walk past another dog calmly.