Dogs bark for a variety of reasons. “They could be alerting you to perceived danger, greeting a person or another dog, chasing after a bird in prey mode, experiencing anxiety, or simply begging for your attention,” says Dr Nelson. If your dog’s barking is directed at other animals or people outside the home, it’s likely due to territorial instinct. But if the barking is directed at you or another family member, there’s a good chance your pup is trying to tell you something.
Here’s some good news, “Giving dogs attention because they are barking doesn’t necessarily mean you are encouraging them to bark,” says Dr Nelson. “If your dog is bored and needs additional playtime, giving them that affection could dramatically decrease the amount of attention-seeking barking.”