When humans bark at their dogs, most dogs react with confusion, stress, or fear rather than understanding or enjoyment According to the article from The Factual Doggo, dogs typically don’t like being barked at by humans and often display signs of stress such as widened eyes, freezing in place, barking back, or even leaving the room entirely
While dogs can somewhat understand the tone of your bark similarly to how they interpret your speaking voice, barking at your dog can send unclear or potentially frightening messages. A deeper bark might be interpreted as aggression, while a softer bark might sound playful – but it’s difficult for humans to know exactly what message they’re conveying when attempting to “speak dog.”
The article specifically mentions a TikTok trend where owners bark at their dogs’ faces, noting that while humans might find this amusing, the dogs appear stressed and confused by this behavior. A video by Jose Ahonen is referenced that demonstrates how dogs react negatively to human barking.
Better Ways to Communicate
Instead of barking the article suggests several more effective ways to communicate with your dog
- Use your voice with appropriate tone to convey mood and wishes
- Use treats to reinforce desired behaviors
- Consider teaching your dog to use communication buttons
The article concludes that dogs aren’t sure what to think when humans bark at them, with reactions ranging from confusion to fear and recommends avoiding barking at your dog to prevent causing unnecessary stress.
What happens when you bark at your dog
According to the American Kennel Club (AKC), the “funny” reactions are actually ones of stress and fear. Some examples include:
- “Whale eye” (where they open their eyes and make them extra big)
- Stiff body and facial features
- Pinned back ears
- Barking or vocalizing back at the human
- Licking their lips
- Showing teeth
- Trying to get away
Other reactions are a little more obvious, and let you know that your dog definitely is not a fan of you barking in their face (or whatever else you did to startle them). The AKC says these can include:
Of course, all dogs are different, but to be safe, the AKC recommends avoiding this challenge.
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In case you blinked and missed the TikTok #barkatyourdogchallenge, it’s exactly what it sounds like: A person barking at their dog. More specifically, the goal of the challenge is to take a video of your dog reacting to you barking at them, in their face.
The dogs’ startled reactions are supposed to be funny, but according to animal experts, their expressive eyes and faces are really signs of stress and fear. Here’s why you should never bark at your (or any) dog.
Does your dog bark at people coming to the house?
FAQ
Does my dog like when I bark at him?
Other reactions are a little more obvious, and let you know that your dog definitely is not a fan of you barking in their face (or whatever else you did to startle them). The AKC says these can include: Barking. Lunging.
Is it okay to bark back at a dog?
Don’t Bark Back at Your Dog
But always resist the urge—your dog might think you’re joining in on the barking, and that might cause him to bark more.
How to show your dog you’re mad at them?
Your dog will know you are upset with them when you cross your arms, frown and look down on them, use a low tone of voice, and stand tall and apart from them. Use these cues consistently and your dog will know immediately when they have misbehaved.
What is the 3 bark rule?
The 3 Bark Rule is a training guideline that permits a dog to bark up to three times before they are expected to stop. After the third bark, the owner gives a verbal cue such as “quiet,” accompanied by positive reinforcement like a treat or praise when the dog obeys.