A dog uses vocal communication far less than a human does, although there is a huge range of vocal sounds in a dog’s vocabulary, all meaning different things and each are an indication of mood and temperament.  Below is a description of the range of vocabulary a dog exhibits and what they mean.

Barking

Barking is the equivalent of human conversation; it’s a great way of attracting the attention of another dog or human.  It also announces a dog’s intention and very often helps to relieve stress.  Different barks mean different things.

• A series of high-pitched barks mean the dog is worried or wants attention.
• A single bark in the dog’s regular voice means that it is curious about a particular person, or situation and wants to make contact
• Quick repetitive high-pitched barks mean that your dog has very often spotted something and wants to play or chase.
• A low repetitive bark – the sort the dog makes when a stranger approaches, means that the dog is feeling defensive or threatened.

Growling

Growling is an unmistakable warning sign; dogs use it to tell other dogs and humans to back off.  Dogs very often growl when they are frightened.

• When a dog combines a growl with a posture of dominance, the dog intends to be aggressive.
• When a dog combines a growl with a submissive posture, the dog will be fearful or defensive.
• A growl during play between dogs or humans has no aggressive undertones at all.

Howling

Howling is a dog’s equivalent of using the phone; it is how the dog communicates with dogs in other territories, even when they are a great distance away.

• A sing-song howl is used to contact other dogs and means that the dog is curious or happy
• A plaintive, mournful howl signals the dog is in distress

Whining or whimpering

This vocal range communicates that the dog is fearful or under stress.

• When a dog is excited or lonesome, the dog will whine, or whimper for your attention, this can sound like yawning.
• When a dog is stressed, fearful, wounded, or worried, it will give repetitive whines that may be punctuated with shrill yaps.