Is it normal for puppy not to bark

So, while my dogs may not bark frequently, they can still be quite noisy and make plenty of other vocalizations as well, due to their breed. Shelties, Siberian Huskies, Beagles, and many other breeds are known for being loud and noisy as well.

On the other hand, breeds such as the Greyhound and French Bulldog are often relatively quiet. There are a variety of reasons dogs may bark, and it often is an expression of some emotion they are feeling — fear, anxiety, excitement, boredom, frustration — and their desire to try and communicate that feeling. They may be attempting to communicate with you, their owner, as in the case of boredom barking.

This often occurs when a dog has not had the physical or mental stimulation they need. Other times, a dog may be barking out of a window at a squirrel or another dog walking by their home.

Depending on the context, it may be due to frustration because they want to play with the dog, or fear, as they dislike other dogs. A fearful dog is going to display fearful body language, such as yawning, licking their lips, or making attempts to get away. Excited dogs will often be loose and wiggly, making plenty of short and small movements, and have a relaxed face.

In fact, I often recommend to people who are learning dog body language to watch videos of dogs without the sound and try to figure out what the dogs are saying. Most dogs will bark at some point in their lives. If you have a quieter puppy, you can consider yourself lucky! There are many other dog owners who would love to have a quieter family member than their current dog. Be careful not to reward attention barking, however, as it can become a lifelong bad habit.

Dogs can learn barking behavior from other canines. Your puppy can also pick up barking behavior from neighborhood dogs — ever notice how one dog barking at something can incite others on the block to bark along? Even a dog barking on TV or a human pretending to bark can encourage barking from a puppy.

Certain sounds such as sirens or even high-pitched music may also spark a bark or howl from your puppy. Your puppy may repeat this behavior at a later period, starting at about four to six months of age.

As your puppy becomes more comfortable in her home and develops territorial behavior, her barking may also become a way to ward off intruders, or warn you when someone approaches your house. Border Collies exhibit varying levels of vocalization. Many Border Collies are powerful vocalizers when they are excited over a situation, such as play.

Border Collies lacking proper socialization as puppies or with a tendency toward fear may also vocalize when they are alarmed by a potential threat; in very fearful dogs, even a seemingly nonthreatening stimulus can incite this response.

Many Border Collies are highly alert to changes in their environment and may vocalize at small things that most of us would miss, like a butterfly landing on the porch. On the other hand some Border Collies are quiet observers. These Border Collies stalk and herd in silence, rather than raising a ruckus barking at things. Your dog may just be the quiet type, which is a welcome fit for most homes.

Ultimately, you know your dog best, and you're in the best position to decide whether being able to say "my dog doesn't bark" is bragging rights or a cause for alarm. If you're concerned about your dog's silence, talk to your vet to rule out medical or psychological issues. But if it turns out your dog is simply the strong, silent type, relax and count your blessings! Jean Marie Bauhaus is a pet parent, pet blogger and novelist from Tulsa, Oklahoma, where she usually writes under the supervision of a lapful of furbabies.

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