• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer
Animal Behavior College

Animal Behavior College

Where Animal Lovers Pursue Animal Careers

Feefo logo
Live chat
Live chat
800-795-3294
  • Alumni Login
    • Dog Obedience Program Alumni
    • Cat Training Program Alumni
    • Grooming Instruction Program Alumni
    • Veterinary Assistant Program Alumni
    • Veterinary Assistant Program (Canada)
    • Aquarium Maintenance Program Alumni
    • Zookeeper Assistant Program Alumni
    • Service Dog Trainer Alumni
  • Student Login
    • Cat Training Program
    • Dog Obedience Program
    • Grooming Instruction Program
    • Veterinary Assistant Program
    • Veterinary Assistant Program (Canada)
    • Aquarium Maintenance Program
    • Zookeeper Assistant Program
    • Service Dog Trainer
MENUMENU
  • Programs
    • Dog Obedience Instructor
      • Tuition
      • Curriculum
      • Alumni Benefits
      • Career
      • Certification
      • Success Stories
      • Students Saving Lives
      • Find A Dog Trainer
    • Veterinary Assistant
      • Tuition
      • Curriculum
      • Alumni Benefits
      • Careers
      • Success Stories
    • Grooming Instruction Program
      • Tuition
      • Curriculum
      • Alumni Benefits
      • Careers
      • Success Stories
      • Find A Pet Groomer
    • On Campus Dog Trainer Program
      • Traditional Classroom Environment in Los Angeles California
      • Enroll Using Your Military Benefits
    • Continuing Education
      • Short Term Programs
    • Cat Management and Training
      • Tuition
      • Curriculum
      • Alumni Benefits
      • Careers
      • Frequently Asked Questions
      • Find A Cat Trainer
    • Aquarium Maintenance (online)
      • Tuition
      • Curriculum
      • Alumni Benefits
      • Career
      • Frequently Asked Questions
      • Salary Information
      • What Is an Aquarist?
    • Zookeeper Assistant Program
      • Tuition
      • Curriculum
      • Alumni Benefits
      • Career
      • Frequently Asked Questions
    • Service Dog Trainer Program
      • Tuition
      • Curriculum
      • Career
      • Alumni Benefits
      • Education & Experience Requirements
  • Military Benefits
  • GI Bill® Benefits
  • Locations
  • Jobs
    • Find a Job
    • Post a Job
    • Animal Career Resources
  • About ABC
        • About Animal Behavior College
        • Our Expert Faculty
        • Press, News & Info
        • Press Releases
        • BPPE Disclosures
        • Animal Behavior College FAQ
        • Contact Us
        • Why ABC?
        • Students Saving Lives
        • Licensure, Ratings & Approvals
        • Sponsors & Associates
        • Gift Certificates
  • Blog
  • Affiliates
  • Alumni Login
    • Dog Obedience Program Alumni
    • Cat Training Program Alumni
    • Grooming Instruction Program Alumni
    • Veterinary Assistant Program Alumni
    • Veterinary Assistant Program (Canada)
    • Aquarium Maintenance Program Alumni
    • Zookeeper Assistant Program Alumni
    • Service Dog Trainer Alumni
  • Student Login
    • Cat Training Program
    • Dog Obedience Program
    • Grooming Instruction Program
    • Veterinary Assistant Program
    • Veterinary Assistant Program (Canada)
    • Aquarium Maintenance Program
    • Zookeeper Assistant Program
    • Service Dog Trainer Program
Home » Lifestyle » Understanding Dog Communication

Understanding Dog Communication

madcorona/iStock

Canine Communication

Do you ever wonder what is going on with your dog when you hear him bark, howl, growl or whine? Here are some tips that can help you recognize what your dog is really trying to say.

Dogs Have Their Own Language

Many dog owners misread their dog’s communication and label it as a nuisance, but what many owners don’t know is that dogs have developed this language to get along with their human or canine pack. Dogs will generally try to avoid conflict so they use their vocalizations as part of what allows other dogs to tune into their emotions whether they’re in an aggressive or playful mood.

Dog Vocalizations

Barking

When a dog barks, it can mean a variety of things. It can mean he wants to play, say hello or get attention. If a dog or stranger approaches, or he becomes distressed, he’ll bark in these moments as well. Due to these communication issues, many dogs end up at the shelter.

How to Reduce Excessive Barking

Dog trainers will suggest to owners that teaching a cue, such as “quiet,” can turn their dogs’ barking into a positive behavior before it gets them in trouble with the entire neighborhood. You can also reward your dog when he’s not barking by providing him with his favorite treat or toy, which can also help curtail the barking. When a dog is demanding attention, you never want to give in to him or it can turn him into a bossy canine who will run your life.

Howling

Dogs are known to howl to connect with other dogs or even when they’re in a happy mood. Many dogs will howl due to the sound of sirens or another dog who started it. They’re sent out to keep strangers away or call out members of the pack for hunting. Dogs also howl as a response to annoying sounds like music, noise, singing and nature sounds.

They inherit this characteristic from their wolf ancestors. Each howl is different. If dogs howl in the morning, it can signal separation anxiety. Puppies howl when they’re seeking attention or when they’re sick. If your dog is howling due to separation anxiety, give him interactive toys to keep him occupied while you’re away.

RELATED: Train Your Dog to Run on a Treadmill

Exercise is also another great way to help with dog howling. Another method you can use to cease howling is to introduce things that set your dog’s howling off, such as sounds and loud noises. Understanding why your dog is howling will help you decide how to fix the problem.

Growling

When a dog growls, it can mean a clear warning, which shouldn’t be taken lightly. However, it doesn’t always mean a bad thing. In fact, it can be used in a play situation, such as tug-of-war. A dog may also growl when a kid pulls his tail or ears to let the child know it hurts.

Similar to humans, dogs are also known to growl when they don’t get what they want. Dogs may become assertive when they feel the need to control a situation. This must be handled the correct way by a professional dog trainer. Ignoring this behavior and allowing it to continue can lead to a very unsafe environment.

RELATED: 3 Ways to Become the Pack Leader

Whining

Whining is usually the result of a puppy needing his mother’s milk and comfort. Puppies often seem to whine when they’re hungry or want to be let outside. They may also whine out of pain, abandonment or fear. Some dogs will whine when they’re by themselves outside.

Many dog owners will give in to the whimpering and, if they do so, many dogs will use this to their advantage. You never want to punish a dog for whining, as it is better to use confidence building exercises. Finding out exactly why your dog is whining could possibly save his life.

RELATED: Why You Shouldn’t Scold at Your Dog

Seek Help If You Need It

Your dog’s vocalization problems can be stressful for everyone around you. Knowing exactly why your dog is acting the way he is will enable you to work out a treatment plan to fix the problem. For help with dealing with these issues, contact your local ABC Certified dog trainer. All of the graduates from Animal Behavior College are canine professionals who can help you and your dog communicate better.

Primary Sidebar

Tags

educationhumane societystay dog training commandteach dog staytrain a dog to stayteach your dog to roll overtraining a dog to roll overtraveling with petsbenefits of rawhiderawhide bonesaspcadog jumpingtrain your dog to cometrain dog to jumphow to teach your dog to speaktraining dog to speakeasy dog trickshow to train a dog to play deadteach a dog to play deadtraining dog to play deadlick faceshake pawdog flash mobhow to teach a dog to stayteach dog to come when calledrequirementsanimal hospital jobsbest dog trainerchoose a dog trainerdog trainer ratesfind a dog trainerhow to find a dog trainerkeeperkennel attendantsvet assistant programvet assistant schoolveterinary care jobshow to get a job at a veterinary hospitalhow to teach a dog to comework in veterinary hospitalhow much do vet assistants makedog training toyskong dog toyhow to train your dog to sitteach your dog to sittrain dog to sittrain your dog to sitcome when calledhow do you train a dog to come when called every timedoggy dance
  • Main
    • Locations
    • Affiliates
    • Find A Dog Trainer
    • Find A Pet Groomer
    • Find a Cat Trainer
    • Post a Job
    • Evolution of ABC
  • Dog Trainer Program
    • Program
    • Tuition
    • Curriculum
    • Student Login
  • Veterinary Assistant Program
    • Program
    • Tuition
    • Curriculum
    • Student Login
  • Dog Groomer Program
    • Program
    • Tuition
    • Curriculum
    • Student Login
  • Cat Trainer Program
    • Program
    • Tuition
    • Curriculum
    • Student Login
  • Aquarium Maintenance Program
    • Program
    • Tuition
    • Curriculum
    • Student Login
  • Zookeeper Assistant Program
    • Program
    • Tuition
    • Curriculum
    • Student Login
  • Service Dog Trainer Program
    • Program
    • Tuition
    • Curriculum
    • Education & Experience Requirements

Footer

Apex Career School - A subsidiary of Animal Behavior College


Interested in a career outside of the animal industry?
Visit our subsidiary school!

bbb logo

Rating A+ The BBB only accredits the business management of a school, not the quality of the curriculum, or training programs.

STATE LICENSURE AND APPROVAL
Animal Behavior College is a private vocational school approved by the Bureau for Private Postsecondary Education (www.bppe.ca.gov) under the California Private Postsecondary Education Act of 2009 and Title 5. California Code of Regulations Division 7.5. Private Postsecondary Education. The Bureau for Private Postsecondary Education approval means that this institution and its operation comply with the standards established under the law for occupational instruction by private postsecondary educational institutions. Institutional approval is subject to continual review and the institution must reapply for approval every five years.
DISCLAIMER
Please be advised that Animal Behavior College ("ABC") is the exclusive entity authorized to provide certifications and/or degrees from Animal Behavior College. Moreover, such certifications and/or degrees are only conferred by ABC following a student's completion of an ABC-administered program. No other entity or individual has authority to confer certifications and/or degrees on ABC's behalf. Any other entity or individual who attempts to do so is acting without express or implied authority from ABC.
GI BILL® TRADEMARK ATTRIBUTION
GI Bill® is a registered trademark of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). More information about education benefits offered by VA is available at the official U.S. government Web site at https://www.benefits.va.gov/gibill.
Click here to view Animal Behavior College’s Annual Reports
  • Email
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Instagram
  • YouTube
  • Pinterest
  • TikTok
Animal Behavior College, 27509 Avenue Hopkins, First Floor, Valencia CA 91355-3910 Contact Us
© 2000 - 2023 Animal Behavior College. Questions? email@animalbehaviorcollege.com
loading

Please wait while you are redirected to the right page...

Please share your location to continue.

Check our help guide for more info.

share your location