If you had your dog as a puppy, you may remember the days when you wondered, “Is he ever going to bark?” The day comes and you hear that sweet bark and you think “How cute”.

If you brought your dog home as an adult, he may have barked before you negotiated or maybe he didn’t hear a thing.

Some people want their dog to bark, as an alarm for intruders or other dangers. This will depend a lot on where you live and your situation. For example, a farmer with a bloodhound to protect his cattle wants a dog that will bark when danger is near. In the suburbs of Main Street USA, there probably aren’t too many dangers, but there are places where early warning and other protection is needed.

But this is pretty obvious, but what are the reasons why your dog might be barking? Here are X possibilities:

Protection

Yes, I’ve already covered this, but keep in mind that your dog may be barking to protect or warn you even if you don’t see or hear any danger. It may not be a danger, but it is something your dog wants you to know.

fear

Thunder, fireworks and motorcycles, if your dog is afraid of loud noises he may bark at these things. Other things that can trigger ‘scary barking’ are other dogs barking or the presence of strange dogs.

Play

A dog can have a very distinctive come-to-play bark. This is often accompanied by a “bow” with the front legs down and the hind legs up in the air and may include scratching the ground.

Territory

A dog will tell others “Get off my land” if they get too close.

Stress

If a dog is feeling anxious, perhaps about being left alone, this can lead to barking. Or if his favorite person leaves, he may not be happy and express his opinion.

Let me out

Well, this one is obvious.

working out

More precisely, lack of exercise. A bored dog that has not been challenged can display undesirable behaviors, excessive barking being one of them. Keep your dog physically and mentally challenged.