Why Do Dogs Bark at People?

Let’s be honest - isn’t it pretty endearing when our dog barks excitedly when they’re happy to see us or eager to play? But when that barking turns towards people and strangers, especially if they look angry while doing so, it can be quite embarrassing and concerning. So.. why do dogs bark at people?

Barking is a common and natural way of communication for dogs. However, it can be problematic in some circumstances such as when they keep barking at people for no apparent reason. But actually, there are several possible reasons why a dog may be barking at people - whether it’s excitement, fear, frustration, or discomfort. In this article, we’ll be exploring why it happens and what we can do to manage it.

Content:

1. Why Do Dogs Bark at Everyone
2. My Dog Only Barks at One Person
3. How to Stop a Dog from Barking at People
4. Conclusion

Why Do Dogs Bark at Everyone

“Why does my dog bark at everyone?”, you might ask. Dogs bark for all sorts of reasons - may it be excitement, frustration, or feeling protective. And it’s easy for us to get embarrassed when our dog barks at people, but when we understand why they’re doing so, we can better address the issue while strengthening our relationship with our furry pal.

According to Gemma Fisher, dog training and behavior specialist, one possible instance is when puppies bark at strangers. Oftentimes, she says that the barking is due to anxiety rather than aggression. When a stranger excitedly approaches, puppies have a tendency to get overwhelmed and are likely to either “flirt” and come up to you affectionately to diffuse tension, or “fight” in the form of barking, as if saying: “Back off, I’m scared.”

Meanwhile, Kate Natio, Certified Animal Behavior Consultant advises dog owners to look at it from the dog’s perspective - When they are barking, they are trying to communicate something, and most likely it’s about how they’re feeling. And if we can determine what our dog is feeling, we can be more sympathetic.

Note that because barking can expend a lot of a dog’s energy, it’s important to make sure that they are hydrated. The Petcube Fountain keeps your pet healthy and hydrated with its high-quality and innovative features. That way, you won’t have to worry about your pet getting dehydrated even when they’re in hyper mode.

My Dog Only Barks at One Person

It can be baffling when your dog barks at one person in particular. Could it be that they can sense a bad person coming or are there other possible reasons too?

Possible Reasons Why Your Dog Is Barking At A Specific Person

1. Their appearance or body language is intimidating
   Certain actions or body movements such as leaning forward when approaching you or your dog may be perceived as aggression by your dog.

2. Specific scents
   There are certain scents that dogs may dislike, putting them on edge. For example, they may not like the smell of another dog on the person’s clothes.

3. Your body language around the person
   If you are tense or stressed around someone, your dog can pick up on this, being the social creatures that they are.

4. They are reminded of past abuse
   Dogs that have been abused in the past may have trauma that can be triggered when they are reminded of the abusive person. It could be anything from similarities in body shape, hair, or voice.

5. Unfamiliar things
   When dogs are faced with things that they are unfamiliar with such as a new person, canes, wheelchairs, facial hair, among others, it may make them nervous or scared, resorting to barking.

6. Mistreatment
   Consider what might be happening when you’re not looking. When a dog angrily barks at a specific person, it may be a response to past mistreatment.

Read more: Do Dogs Get Tired of Barking?

How to Stop a Dog from Barking at People

How to get your dog to stop barking at people? First off, you can help your dog stay calm by starting training at a distance where they notice people but can still focus on you. For instance, you can train them in quiet spots first, then slowly add distractions. If they bark, there’s no need to worry and just take a step back. Remember that building confidence gradually can prove successful.

Meanwhile, a Redditor under the thread r/reactivedogs shares that positive reinforcement has worked well with their dogs. She starts by ignoring their dogs first when they’re barking, then after a full second (then gradually longer) of them being quiet, she gives them treats and praises them a lot. While it takes patience, using 100% positive reinforcement has worked well with them. She also recommends mat training as a great skill for them to learn.

To redirect their barking behavior, having a Petcube Pet Water Fountain can also help keep dogs stimulated while being hydrated. That way, you can help keep your dog happy and healthy.

Conclusion

At the end of the day, barking is just one of the many ways our dogs try to communicate with us and the world around them. Whether it's out of excitement, anxiety, or uncertainty, understanding the why behind the barking is the first step toward creating a calmer, more confident companion. With patience, training, and empathizing with our canine pal, we can help them feel safer and more secure. After all, a happy, healthy, and well-understood dog makes for a happier home.