PHILADELPHIA (CBS) — Dog barking isn’t as simple as you think. There are several ways pet owners can decipher the true meaning of their dog’s barks.
Dogs may have a heightened reaction to some people, barking or showing signs of disgust. As Pennsylvania SPCA Animal Advocate Carol Erickson explains, this can be due to lack of socialization or past experience.
Negative associations can play a big role in why your dog barks cautiously. Triggers can include clothing, eye contact, and even body language, which can indicate a threat. Other reasons why your dog may bark could be due to instinct or genetics.
Related: Pet Project: Study finds fostering a dog can help with adoption.
It may seem like your dog is barking for no reason, but there is a clear reason why your dog is barking. Barking is also a dog’s way of giving a warning, a sign of separation anxiety, fighting for attention, and signaling pain.
Erickson says if your dog is barking for attention, you can stop the behavior by consistently ignoring it.
Related: Pet Project: Labrador weight problems linked to rare genetic mutation
Erickson recommends turning on the TV or radio if you plan to leave the house so the house isn’t too quiet and doesn’t stress your dog. Too much silence can cause your dog to use its keen sense of hearing to pick up distinct sounds around it, which can cause it to bark.
Erickson says it’s important to understand your dog’s barks and find out what’s causing them.
Featured pets currently looking for foster parents
Mom is a wiggly, playful terrier-pit bull mix with bright blue eyes. She had injured her pelvis and she was rescued by the PSPCA’s Animal Law Enforcement Team. Mom needs a little more time to recover, so low-impact activities are best for now. She is expected to make a full recovery.
Louis is a 12-year-old terrier/pitbull mix who was surrendered for financial reasons after living in the same home with his family and other pets for 11 years. He is portrayed as a wonderful, kind man who is just looking for a loving home filled with toys and kindness.
Soda Bread is an adult rabbit who came to the PSPCA along with other rabbits through the Animal Law Enforcement Team. She is looking for a quiet, spacious home where she can form a loving bond.
If you would like to learn more about these Pawfect friends up for adoption, please contact the PSPCA at Adopts@pspca.org or call 215-426-6300.
You can watch Erickson’s full interview for this week’s Pet Project in the video player above. Stay tuned until the end to see Mama, Louis, and Soda Bread.
