by Nancy Houser

Created on: November 02, 2008   Last Updated: January 08, 2012

What is your dog thinking about? More and more scientific studies show us that a dog can not only think, but can rationalize exceptionally well. What scientists do not know is that most dog owners and breeders have been aware of this for quite awhile.

Every time a dog barks or whines, they are telling us what they think and what they want us to know. Every time a dog sits patiently in front of their human counter-part with that head-on gaze, they are attempting to communicate their thoughts to a human being who has absolutely no idea what they are thinking.

Running a dog rescue for over ten years has taught me a lot about dog behavior, with dogs the teacher and myself the ever-ignorant student.Over 70 dogs sounding-off every time the Federal Express comes into the driveway, a cat sneaks across the yard after an unsuspecting mouse, or a loaded grain truck that drives by, has taught me a lot about dog thoughts and their communication skills. When someone tells me, "I just don't know what they want!" I see a long path of training ahead of them. Not for the dog, but for the owner.

The Sound of the Noise

The type of noise a dog emits will tell what a dog is thinking along with a direct eye gaze: what they want to eat, there is someone at the door, they want to play, they are bored and want company, or they are extremely afraid. The key factor is being able to listen correctly, discerning one sound over another. "All my dog does is bark all day," means someone is not listening nor do they know their animal very well. If that dog is annoying their owner, there is a guarantee that it is also bothering the neighbors.

Types of barking sounds:

(1) "A stranger is coming! Help! Help!" This continuous non-stop rapid barking is a sound which begins as a mid-range bark, but will become lower and less rapid as the danger comes closer, as they 'sense' who the intruder is.

(2) "I 'think' danger is coming BUT am not too sure. Check into it!" This 3 to 4 barking sounds will be in a rapid series but with pauses in the middle. The pitch will remain without changing as when danger is approaching.

(3) "Gosh, I am soooo lonely!" This type of bark is an unnecessary one if the dog has a caring owner and is not left too long in a confined area. Prolonged or a continuous non-stop barking with long periods between them, this is the one the police are called on the most by neighbors listening to it all day.

(4) "HI! Do I know you?" This bark is a mid-range short and sharp barks, looking back over their shoulders as if seeking reassurance from their owner, or when the visitor "could be" someone they know.

(5) "Huh! What!" This bark is one of surprise, consists of a single one-time sharp bark. If the bark continues, it means they want you to come and check something out.

(6) "OUCH!" This sound is a high-pitched yelp or scream to an instant unexpected pain.

Learn more about this author, Nancy Houser.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.