Extra Long Dog Barking: Possible Causes and Solutions

Part 1: Deciphering the Sounds of a Dog's Barking

1. The Lamenting Whine: A low, almost wailing tone indicates that the dog is in pain, possibly due to illness or injury.

2. The Sudden Howl: A brief, highpitched bark that signifies a sudden, intense pain, such as being stepped on or pinched. Other dogs may come to comfort it, but the injured dog cannot express the cause of its distress or what exactly pinched it.

3. The Long, Wailing Scream: A howling sound that ranges from high to low, resembling a wolf's call, suggests the dog is feeling pain, boredom, or calling out to distant companions.

4. The Whimpering Cry: A sound of loneliness, often heard when a puppy is separated from its mother or when a dog's desires are unmet, prompting it to beg for attention from its owner.

5. The Alert Barking: A highpitched bark that signals the dog has detected something unusual, such as a stranger in the house. A soft, short, lowpitched bark may indicate happiness or a desire to play with the owner.

6. The Terrifying Howl: A short, continuous, loud bark used to intimidate, such as when a stranger enters a dog's home or two dogs meet on a narrow path.

7. The Threatening Roar: A deep, prolonged growl with a lowered tone is extremely threatening, indicating the dog is ready to attack, perhaps as a stranger approaches or when two dogs confront each other without yielding.

8. The Joyful Melody: When a dog is in a state of happiness, it can produce a unique, rhythmic sound, often accompanied by musical instruments like harmonicas or pianos, known as the dog's joyful melody.

Part 2: Understanding Why Dogs Bark at Night

1. It could be that the dog is afraid of a new environment, especially if it's a new dog in the household.

2. It might also be due to nearby noises, as dogs have much more sensitive ears than humans. Sometimes, they can hear sounds that we can't, which can cause them to become restless.

3. Alternatively, the dog might be ill, in which case a visit to the vet is recommended.

Part 3: Training Your Dog to Bark on Command

1. Commands: For instance, the command to stop barking could be "Stop" or "Quiet".

2. Gestures: Move your right index finger across your chest.

3. Training Methods:

Method One: Use treats to encourage barking.

Method Two: Utilize the dog's natural defensive response to provoke barking. This involves the dog owner bringing the dog close, and the trainer slowly approaching from a distance, performing actions to attract the dog's attention. The owner then uses a gesture or command to prompt the bark.

Method Three: Leverage the dog's dependence on the owner to elicit barking. Take the dog to a quiet, unfamiliar place, tie it to a sturdy object, and try to excite the dog. Then, move away from the dog, call its name, and give a barking cue. The dog, seeing the owner leave and hearing its name, will become excited and bark. The owner should then run to the dog, take a photo, and reward it with treats, followed by a walk.

Tip: Click on "The Five Puzzling Behaviors of Dogs" to learn more about interpreting your furry friend's actions.