Bark (dog)

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Barking is the one of the noises most commonly produced by dogs. Woof is the most common representation in the English language for this sound, other than "bark" itself. Other terms include ruff, arf (large dogs), yap (small dogs), and bow-wow.

Contents

1 Why dogs bark
2 Bark control
3 References
4 External links
5 See also

Why dogs bark

Although dogs are a subspecies of the wolf, Canis lupus, their barking constitutes a significant difference from their parent species. Although wolves do bark, they do so only in specific situations. According to Coppinger and Feinstein, dogs bark in long, rhythmic stanzas but adult wolf barks tend to be brief and isolated ^[#endnote_1]. Dogs, by contrast, bark frequently and in many different situations.

It has been suggested that the reason for the difference lies in the dog's domestication by humans. Dogs present a striking example of neoteny, the retention of juvenile characteristics in the adults. They are similar to young wolves in many of their mannerisms and physical features, such as large heads, flat faces, large eyes, submissiveness and vocalizing – all of which are exhibited in wolf puppies.

Some believe that these characteristics were deliberately selected for soon after domestication. There may have been a number of reasons for this. For instance, an overgrown puppy would very likely have been seen as a more engaging companion than a more mature but less amusing pet. More prosaically, an increased tendency to bark could have been useful to humans to provide an early warning system. Dogs may have been used to alert their owners that another unfamiliar band of humans or a predatory animal was in the area.

Individual dogs bark for a variety of reasons. They may bark to attract attention, to communicate a message, or out of excitement. Dog barks do not constitute an information-rich message in the same fashion as human speech, but they do nonetheless constitute more than mere noise. Statistical analysis has revealed that barks can be divided into different subtypes based on context and that individual dogs can be identified by their barks. Disturbance barks tend to be harsh, low frequency, and unmodulated, whereas isolation and play barks tend to be tonal, higher frequency, and modulated. Barks are often accompanied by body movements as part of a broader package of dog communication.

Bark control

Canine barking can be a nuisance to neighbors, and is a common problem dog owners or their neighbors may face. It is important to realize that a dog which barks, is attempting to communicate something, be it anxiety, discomfort, friendliness, assertiveness, loneliness, warning, alarm, deterrent, or other meanings. Common approaches are as follows:

Attempt to understand the cause. Know what triggers the barking. Treat any causes which can be treated.
Use positive training methods to correct the behavior. Dogs are more likely to bark from anxiety or stress, than otherwise, so punishment can often cause problems by reinforcing a cycle of bad behavior. Instead consider:
* Repeated exposure - to strangers or telephone rings (the "stimulus"), whilst you calm the dog and persuade it to remain quiet
* Distraction - as the stimulus happens, offer treats, give praise, do something to take the dog's mind off it or an alternate preferred behavior.
* Correct other dominant behavior - dogs often bark if they believe they are responsible for the pack. Make clear that you are responsible for the matter, and that he/she should hold back.
* Reshaping - use clicker training (a form of operant conditioning) or other means to obtain barking behavior on command, and then shape that control to give you control over silence too.
Seek professional advice. For example [this advice] on barking from the UK Department for the Environment (DEFRA), or a dog trainer, or vet.
Use a mechanical device such as a bark collar. There are several types, all of which use a collar device that produces a response to barking that the dog notices:
* Citrus spray ("citronella") - dogs as a rule do not like citrus. At the least, it is very noticeable and disrupts the pattern through surprise. These collars spray citrus around the dog's muzzle when he/she barks. (Sometimes these devices make a "hissing" noise before spraying, as an additional deterrent - see "escalation devices")
* Sonic/ultrasonic (including vibration) - these collars produce a tone which humans may or may not be able to hear, in response to barking. Over time, the sound becomes annoying or distracting enough to deter barking.
* Electrical - these collars produce a mild stinging or tingling sensation in response to a bark. (Contrary to myth, a proper electric collar is mild in effect, and will only cause brief discomfort, if used correctly). It is important that such devices have a failsafe mechanism and shut off after a certain time, to prevent ongoing operation.
* Combination and escalation devices - many sound and/or electrical collars have combination or escalation systems. A combination system is one that (for example) uses both sound and spray together. An escalation device is one that uses quiet sounds, or low levels of output, rising gradually until barking ceases. Escalation devices are effective since they "reward" the dog for stopping sooner by not having "all-or-nothing" action, so the dog can learn to react by stopping before much happens.

Note:

Different bark collars have been both praised, and criticised, and some are considered inhumane by various people and groups. Electrical devices especially come under criticism by people who consider them torturous and akin to electrocution. However most SPCAs agree that in a last resort even an electric collar is better than euthanasia if it comes to an ultimatum, for a stubborn dog that will not stop any other way, but that understanding the communication and retraining by reward is best of all, if possible.
The use of self-contained ultrasonic bark deterrent devices is one of the few means a person may have to deter barking by another person's dog which they do not have control over. (In such circumstances though it is always best to speak directly with the dog's owner first)

References

↑ Coppinger R, Feinstein M: 'Hark! Hark! The dogs do bark…' and bark and hark. Smithsonian 21:119-128, 1991

External links

Look up in
Wiktionary, the free dictionary.

"[Is the Bark Worse Than the Bite?]". Jennifer K. Rudolph, BS, and Lawrence Myers, DVM, MS, PhD, Veterinary Forum, 1994