Nat Turner is credited with having said that “good communication is the bridge between confusion and clarity.” In fact, it can be argued that poor communication creates more headaches and heartaches than just about anything else. And that’s just with other people.

When it comes to dogs, their willingness—if not (pardon the pun) dogged determinedness—to both understand what you’re saying and feeling and let you know the same about them is rather remarkable. You just need to pay attention.

You may think, That’s easier said than done. It’s true that the American Kennel Club recognizes two hundred different dog breeds, and other organizations almost double that number. That’s akin to hundreds of potential different forms of communication. Fortunately, dog sounds and gestures are actually the same across all breeds, so understanding what they mean can lay the foundation for a stronger relationship with your pet.

Verbal communication

To some extent, the sounds your dog makes may be unique to their breed; for example, popular social media reels and TikToks center on huskies “talking.” However, there are several common canine sounds that you should pay attention to; doing so can go a long way to helping you easily identify how your four-legged friend is feeling and what they are trying to convey to you.

Barking

A bark is the communication most widely associated with dogs—and for good reason. A canine can use it for a variety of purposes, and it’s often a clear, direct signal of exactly how they feel at that moment. “There are nine-plus kinds of barking, so your dog may be barking for one reason in the morning and a totally other reason in the afternoon,” says Cathy Madson, a certified canine behavior consultant and dog trainer with Preventive Vet in Seattle. “Identifying the reasons for their vocalizations can really help you address their behavior. It’s always important to ask, ‘Why is my dog making these noises?’”

One of the first things to assess is the tone of your pet’s bark. In general, if their pitch is higher, it’s usually a sign that they’re happy. For example, you might notice that you are greeted by high-pitch barks when you return home from work because your dog is happy to see you or when it’s time to go for a walk. They may also bark for emotional reasons, such as needing attention or experiencing frustration.

In contrast, lower-toned barks need to be taken seriously because your dog is being serious, perhaps because they sense a stranger outside. The frequency matters too. If your dog’s low barks are continuous, especially in quick succession, they are likely telling you they are worked up about something, and you should definitely pay attention to determine the cause. However, Madson cautions that you should respond appropriately: “Unless they’ve been trained otherwise, if you respond by yelling, they’re thinking you barked with them. You’re actually joining in on that social interaction with them and inadvertently reinforcing the barking.”

Whining

As with many humans, dogs will usually whine because something is amiss. It could be a sign that they are sad, fearful, or just craving attention. Dogs can also experience separation anxiety, so you might notice that yours whines when you leave for work. Perhaps most important of all, it may be a way to let you know that they are sick or hurt, so getting to the bottom of the whining is paramount.

Growling

Have you ever played with your dog and been taken aback when they started to growl? In these circumstances, the growl is usually nonthreatening; like a playful bark, it’s just part of playtime. That’s the exception to the norm, however. Dogs usually growl because something seems threatening, and, much like other warning systems, they have different levels. A growl will often start out low and quick as a signal that something is amiss. You should pay attention to any growling and determine what’s causing it, especially if it’s accompanied by snarling—a red alert that your dog is likely entering attack mode. Madson also emphasizes that growls should never be punished. “We trainers always say, ‘Never punish the growl,’ since it’s a warning before a bite,” she shares. “If we punish it, a dog likely will skip over it next time, giving little warning of the bite. It’s a great communication tool on a dog’s part and should always be respected.”

Howling

It’s fascinating when dogs howl, as our family dog did when he heard sirens in the distance. In doing so, canines are tapping into the instincts of their primordial brethren, wolves. But why? Experts believe it’s usually a form of communication with each other, even as a means of claiming territory. And it’s thought that dogs may howl at times as a sign of anxiety or unhappiness and perhaps as a long-distance way of trying to communicate with their family.

Other sounds

You may notice that your dog makes other sounds, including some that you may find familiar. Much like with kids, after you tell your dog “No,” they may show their disagreement by letting out a sigh or a groan; only an eye roll would be a clearer sign of how they feel. In addition, believe it or not, some dogs release their inner feline by purring when they are happy.

Nonverbal communication

Unlike communicating through sounds, which are usually intentional, your dog may send you or someone else a message through their body language. “Dogs are mostly body-language communicators; they’re less vocal than we are,” Madson says. “In contrast, we do what’s called anthropomorphizing: we put human attributes to different body language signals or facial expressions that a lot of the time don’t actually mean the same thing for a dog that it might mean for a person.”
With this in mind, the following are some of the more common feelings that are expressed through your pet’s nonverbal communication. Madson emphasizes looking at the full body of your dog, rather than just one aspect in isolation, to get a complete understanding of how your pooch is feeling.

Fear or anxiety

Unfortunately, everyone is all too familiar with signs of fear in dogs: cowering and a tucked tail, which may happen with fireworks, for example. In addition, a good place to check for clues about your pet’s emotions is their mouth. Oftentimes, excessive panting and lip-licking are signs of stress, as is a closed mouth. Even yawning, a stress reliever for humans, can be a sign of canine anxiety.

Alertness and possible aggression

With finely tuned senses, dogs are acutely aware of their surroundings and can be quick to react to stimuli, especially if they feel threatened. You may notice such awareness in your pooch if their mouth is closed, their ears face forward like radar, and their eyes widen. Fortunately, dogs will often also indicate that the situation may escalate to aggressiveness. Be on the lookout for bared teeth and curled lips, a surefire warning from your dog, in addition to their fur standing on end, pinned-back ears, and a stiffened posture. Madson suggests that, to deescalate a situation and calm your dog, move away and talk to them slowly—this often calms their nervous system.

Happiness

If properly cared for, dogs are by nature one the happiest, loving pets around—and they show it. Signs of a content canine can be seen from head to tail: an open, relaxed mouth (which even looks like a smile in some breeds) and low, loose ears tell you that your dog is blissful, and a wagging tail is seen as a sign of unbridled dog joy. However, keep in mind that, while the latter is usually true, it’s not always the case. “People see a dog’s tail wagging and assume they’re happy, but the way a dog is wagging their tail also matters a lot,” Madson says. “It’s a way for us to gauge their excitement level in their brain and their preparation to act. For example, if you see a dog with a high and tight wag up over the body, a lot of times that means they’re really fixated and could mean that they’re seeing something that they may decide to chase or catch.”

There are many ways you can foster a healthy, happy relationship with your pooch, and one of the best is trying to comprehend what they’re attempting to say to you. “Dogs are super intelligent. They are masters of reading our body language and often know what we’re about to do before we do,” Madson concludes. “It’s amazing to think that this is a totally different species of animal and they communicate so well with us. We just need to be as attentive to their communication as they are to ours.”

Be sure to speak with your veterinarian for more information about your dog’s many means of communication.