What Does It Mean When Your Dog Barks at You?

When your dog barks at you, it means they are trying to tell you something. What that something could be will vary. Your dog could be demanding food, asking for attention, acting protective, telling you they are in pain, or alerting you to what they perceive to be a danger.

Should I feel threatened when my dog barks at me? 

Dogs bark for many different reasons, so the fact that your dog barking at you is usually no cause for concern. If the bark is low-pitched and accompanied by growling, though, that can be a sign of aggression. Keep in mind that aggression is often caused by pain or an illness—especially if it comes on suddenly and isn’t normal for your dog. So, putting aside aggression, here are a few things your dog may be trying to tell you:

“I’m hungry”

If your dog is barking at you and it’s past their dinner time, there is a good chance your dog is hungry. They’re just offering a gentle reminder that they have no intention of missing a meal.

“Put your shoes on and take me for a walk”

Dogs need their exercise and they also appreciate routine. If you normally walk them morning and night, you can expect to hear about it when it doesn’t happen.

“My toy is stuck under the couch”

Often a dog barking means they aren’t getting something that they want. If the barking is accompanied by scratching around a couch or other piece of furniture, there is a good chance that a favorite toy is hiding underneath.

“I want attention”

Barking may be a cry for attention, but it should be ignored. If you respond to barking with pets and cuddles, you’re encouraging the behavior. Instead, ignore your barking dog and when they calm down, reward them with the attention they want.

While you can’t speak canine, you can often look for clues that will help you understand what it means when your dog barks at you.