Article by:
Annette Lanker
Barking is one of the most natural things dogs do. It’s how they communicate with us. As a pet wellness educator and Healing Touch for Animals practitioner, I always remind pawrents that barking isn’t something to “fix” but something to understand.
Dogs bark for many reasons. Excitement barking happens when they see someone they love or something they enjoy. Bossy barking, especially in herding breeds, is their way of saying, “Let’s go!” Alert barking is common too, like when someone knocks or a car pulls up. Most of us actually appreciate a little of that.
Some barking is fear-based. Sudden changes or unfamiliar sights can startle a dog into barking. And when dogs are left alone, barking can be a sign of boredom or anxiety.
The key is figuring out why your dog is barking. That’s where I come in. I help pawrents learn to read these cues, improve behavior through better nutrition, and find trusted pet care resources. For support with anxious or high-energy dogs, check out calming options at pawtree.com/annette. And if barking is a daily challenge, the Stop Barking ebook from Whole Dog Journal is a great place to start.
Your dog’s voice matters. Listening leads to trust, and trust builds thriving relationships.
