Why does a barking dog bark? - WOWK 13 Charleston, Huntington WV News, Weather, Sports

 

Why does a barking dog bark?

Updated: Oct 25, 2010 07:42 AM EDT
Your dog may think she has good reason to bark at the mailman. (©iStockphoto.com) Your dog may think she has good reason to bark at the mailman. (©iStockphoto.com)

  • From The Dog Daily

  • These days, dogs are on Facebook and Twitter, and they're even "blogging" with help from their owners.
    These days, dogs are on Facebook and Twitter, and they're even "blogging" with help from their owners.

  • Dogs are social animals, and generally don't tolerate long periods of being alone.
    Dogs are social animals, and generally don't tolerate long periods of being alone.

  • iStockphoto.com / Lee Ingram
    Since dogs are unable to verbalize what they are really thinking, there are nonverbal cues that we can learn from and respond to accordingly.
    Since dogs are unable to verbalize what they are really thinking, there are nonverbal cues that we can learn from and respond to accordingly.
    •   

The United States Postal Service reports that thousands of urban and rural mail carriers are bitten each year by dogs. It's such a serious problem that the U.S. Postal Service helps spread the word about National Dog Bite Prevention week every year.

Certain territorial dogs are very disturbed by mail carriers. Think about it from your dog's perspective: An individual shows up daily, so he or she means business and poses a potential threat. The carrier often comes right to the door. The carrier may even slide scary objects through the door, invading your dog's space.

Some dogs even become conditioned that their bark helps to ward off the carrier. Each day the mail delivery person comes, your dog barks and the carrier leaves. To the dog, that means its loud technique is working. Better socialization of your pet, such as through training classes, can improve its behavior around all people, including your dutiful mail carrier.

Copyright (c) 2010 Studio One Networks. All rights reserved.

*DISCLAIMER*: The information contained in or provided through this site section is intended for general consumer understanding and education only and is not intended to be and is not a substitute for professional advice. Use of this site section and any information contained on or provided through this site section is at your own risk and any information contained on or provided through this site section is provided on an "as is" basis without any representations or warranties.