For others, it’s a noise that spells their total and utter contentment, such as when they’re lying next to you being petted.
For most, it’s either an excited or happy noise, like when they’re about to go for a car ride. The best clue to distinguish what the purr means is to see when your dog does it. These dog sounds are usually a cross between a low rumble, a loud purr, and a grumbly growl. This throaty, “brrr” sound is often called a “rumble” by trainers and usually signals happiness. Think cats have the leg up on purring? Not so fast. Is it a greeting? Have they found something? Or are they just announcing that they are rulers of their domain? Some dogs may have pent-up energy they need to release - the same way a good scream can be cathartic for humans. Look at what your dog is doing when they howl. Or your dog might be triggered to howl by hearing other dogs in the neighborhood, a siren going by, or even music. The howl can communicate things to other dogs, such as “I am here” or “This yard is mine.”ĭogs can also howl to get attention. Just like how your dog pees on or marks every branch they pass to let others know they were there, howling may be a way to claim territory. Dogs are just trying to communicate, too. Howling is a way wolves communicate with their pack (for example, by guiding another wolf back to safety). The behavior is likely an evolutionary holdover from wolves. Some breeds enjoy a good howl, while others don’t often make these deep-throated dog sounds. When you hear a whine, ask yourself, ‘”What is my dog wishing for right now?” Look to body language to help figure it out. Some dogs whine in anticipation while you prepare their food or a treat. Their body language, like crouching with their head or ears down, could mean pain. Is it dinnertime or do they need to go outside? Are they in pain or just unhappy being left alone? Look for clues that can help you decipher what your dog’s whine might mean. Conversely, some dogs can whine in excitement, such as when they are greeting you after a long day. Think of a dog who steps on a burr and whines when they put their foot down. Dogs may whine when they’re scared (for example, during a thunderstorm), or if they have separation anxiety and are left alone.ĭogs may also whine when in pain. The high-pitched cry is often your dog’s way of expressing what they want or letting you know they’re unhappy. A dog might whine for you to take them outside, feed them, or play fetch. Whining or crying is another way dogs, especially puppies, express their needs. A bark accompanied by a wagging tail often spells joy, while a crouched, angry bark with hackles up can indicate your dog is feeling fear or aggression. High-pitched barks may be welcoming, while deep barks may be your dog issuing an alert. Once you’re used to your dog’s distinctive bark, it’s easier to understand what they mean. But clues like pitch, body language, and tail behavior can help. “Many dogs have different barks that their people learn to differentiate over time,” says Nascimento. They may also bark when the doorbell rings, someone comes home, or even to get your attention to indicate that they want to eat, play, or come in from outside.Īs most dogs bark to communicate, this is likely among the common dog sounds your pup makes. Your dog may bark when they hear a noise or see something outside the window. Some have deep, rumbling barks, while others have yappy, high-pitched barks. Determining when dog sounds are communicating pleasure, pain, excitement, or anger is something owners can work to accomplish. Common ones we all know include barking, growling, whining, or crying. Some dogs vocalize more than others, and many can express several interesting sounds. It’s not as complicated as you might think. Are they barking because they’re happy or are they alerting you to danger? And are they whining because they want you to play or is it because they don’t feel well? Sometimes, owners double as detectives in attempts to decipher the different sounds dogs make. There are lots of different dog sounds our pups use to express how they feel, and some breeds vocalize differently. “If you listen closely, they can.”ĭogs don’t just bark to communicate. “Wouldn’t it be great if our dogs could talk?” says Amanda Nascimento, head of Integrative Veterinary Medicine and Research at NHV Natural Pet.
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