Why Is My Dog ​​used To Barking At Other Dogs?

It’s not cool when we walk out into the street and see two dogs barking at each other. Our first thought is that they are angry, but what is certain is that dogs use their barks as the main means of communication, so these can represent many things.

Just like humans, body language can tell us a lot about our dog. So when we see him bark, especially to other dogs, we should watch for things like:

• Your tail;
• Your ears;
• Your look;
• Your position.

The dog uses body language as an alternative means of communication, so observing this, along with your barking, will give you the answer to why the dog barks at other dogs.

good barks

Our pet needs to socialize just like we do, so it’s normal for him to try to communicate with other animals. Now, how do you know if he’s barking at another dog to be your friend or to fight?

Gestures that will help us:

• The sound or intensity of barking. If the barks are low and light, almost like whispers or howls, don’t worry; your dog is just talking to another.
• Tail still, but not stiff. If your dog has its tail drooped and has no stiffness, although it won’t move, your intentions are not bad.
• Kind look. You know your pet very well, and you know when your dog is angry, sad, when he wants attention or something else, just see your eyes. Watch your dog’s eyes when he barks at other dogs and you’ll know what he wants.
• Ears up. Dogs make this gesture with their ears when something arouses their curiosity, a gesture that doesn’t have to be bad. Although, as it has occurred to you, on some occasions, your dog is curious, approaches, does not like what he sees and becomes aggressive. Therefore, this gesture alone will not be able to say your intentions alone, but together with others, from the previous ones, it will resolve your doubts.

If you see these gestures, whether all, one or more, in your dog, there is nothing to fear. Is your dog looking for new friends, or who knows? Possibly a girlfriend! Let him socialize and explore the paths of canine friendship, he needs it.

not so good barks

As with the previous type of barking, there are gestures that will tell us how bad your pet’s intentions might be, or those of others barking at yours:

• Wide open mouth showing teeth. Dogs don’t smile, so if your dog is opening his mouth a lot while barking while baring his teeth or another dog is doing it for yours, start running!
• Long, deep barks. If your dog, or another one that approaches, is barking in a strong, prolonged and intense way, don’t doubt it, it will bite. This isn’t communication or maybe it is; he’s saying, “I’m going to bite you.”
• Stiff tail. Without a doubt, if this gesture is linked to the previous one, it is a clear attacking position. Don’t let both dogs get close to each other.
• Ears tilted back slightly. Dogs seem to have varying positions for their ears. When they are angry, they throw them back a little bit without dropping them completely.

Also, your dog may bark at another because he feels intimidated by him and therefore is scared. The gestures will be clear when this happens:

• Ears fully back;
• Tail between legs;
• Barking with lack of confidence;
• Curved body;
• Go back while barking.

At these times, you could possibly try to calm your dog down, grab him in your arms, pet him, and if the other dog is calm and doesn’t bark, you can pet him in front of your dog so he can see that he doesn’t is aggressive. Then, little by little, without releasing him from your arms, bring him closer to the other dog so that they can smell and get to know each other.

But don’t force your dog to shut up, it’s your way of communicating. Also, if you don’t like your dog barking at others for aggression, be sure to read our articles, you’ll certainly find some with good advice to avoid this.

Image credits: Hurd.