I have a 6 month old English Mastiff. She looks at me and barks for no reason. Sometimes she looks like she barks but no noise comes out. Could she be challenging me?

Answer 1

The most obvious reason your dog may be barking is that she needs or wants something from you, like food, water, or a walk. Maybe her favorite toy is stuck underneath the couch, or the cat is sleeping in her bed. The barking should stop once you identify the problem and fix it.

Sometimes dogs bark just because no one is paying attention to them. This is similar to how little kids whine when they’re bored with the grownup talk at the dinner table. Your dog wants someone to play with or something to occupy her.

Barking can be your dog’s way of saying that she is scared or anxious. If your dog is also pacing, trembling, or panting while barking, she is likely fearful or anxious about something. Perhaps there is a new guest or resident in the house making your dog nervous, or perhaps she is worried because someone is missing.

Barking could be an indication that your dog is in some kind of physical distress. If she barks every time he tries to go up the stairs or jump on the couch, she may have joint pain because of Arthritis.

Barking can be a submissive behavior — a way of saying “You’re the boss.” When you scold your dog for chewing your shoes or tipping over the trash can, she might bark as part of his apology.