Why are pitbulls so vocal? As dog owner, sometimes you want your dog to bark to ward off external threats, especially at night, and other times you just want some quiet. Your dog may not know when you want them to hush, hence, they go off every time. This can be frustrating, especially if you do not know why your dog keeps woofing.
Dogs are vocal for different reasons, and that’s natural. Telling a dog not to make any sound is like telling a human child not to speak.
However, some dogs are more vocal than others. While Pitbulls may be moderate barkers, they can be very vocal, which usually happens for a reason.
Why are pitbulls so vocal?
It might interest you to know that your Pitbull can live between 12-14 years on average. But most dog owners certainly can’t stand a dog that woofs all through its lifespan. Below are some of the common reasons why your Pitbull is so vocal:
1. Being Protective or Territorial
Pitbulls are very passionate about their owners and family and would do anything and everything to keep intruders off. They establish this territoriality by barking at strangers who look like potential threats.
Your dog is usually on high alert or even extremely aggressive when barking for protection. As a Pitbull owner, we advise that you train your dog from a tender age on this kind of baking. This is so your dog doesn’t grow to become extremely dangerous when they see even a harmless stranger.
2. Scared
All animals can be overwhelmed and respond to terror. Dogs respond by barking. When your Pitbull goes off, look around, they may have seen something unfamiliar like a bicycle, or someone wearing a hat. Besides, “barking can be a really important tool to learn what scares your dog or makes them uncomfortable” (see Humane Society).
Although, this usually happens when your dog has not been properly socialized. You should consider socializing with your dog to understand that it is normal for people to ride bicycles or wear a hat. But for the time being, give your dog a treat or praise to distract them from the stimulus.
3. Threatened
When your Pitbull is confronted with a threat, they bark. Your dog will let out one or two sharp barks in reaction to a threat, or to even alert you of a nearby threat.
As threats get closer, your dog will bark louder, and even become aggressive at this point. If the situation is not precarious, a little stroking of their fur should make it relax.
4. Excited/Greeting Someone
If your dog goes off while you are taking a walk on the street, they might just be saying hello to another dog. It’s a form of greeting for them. Or when they see a familiar visitor, they bark. This kind of bark is usually accompanied by the wagging of the tail, jumping, or other signs to show its excitement.
5. Bored
Pit bulls are usually bursting with lots of energy. They are better off expending that energy through exercise, which could include walking, running, and playing. When a Pitbull is bored or left alone for quite some time, they bark to announce boredom. A long time of Inactivity can also lead to sadness or depression.
What to do? Create time for your dog to keep them active and happy by engaging them in some exercise, and showering them with affection. Exercise serves as a good outlet for them to exhaust all pent-up energy there might be.
6. Seeking Attention
Getting attention is how a dog knows that you love them. When your dog wants attention, they bark to get it. This can be a little demanding though, from the owner’s point of view, but both of you will be better off if you give your dog its needed attention.
Cuddling, hiding, chasing, or stroking its hair are some forms of attention you can provide to make your dog stop woofing. Be careful to not spoil your dog with affection though. This will make them bark every time they want attention. Sometimes, you should ignore your dog when they bark for attention, and provide the said attention when they stops barking.
7. Separation/Anxiety
Your dog may bark when they are separated from the family or anyone else. Anxiety too may creep in when there’s a sudden disappearance of the people around them. This kind of baking is usually accompanied by pacing, destructiveness, and inappropriate elimination. As a Pitbull owner, find time to train your dog on how to be comfortable even in your absence to avoid constant barking when you are away.
When your dog barks, they are trying to send a message to you. Not all barks are warning signs, and not all barks are signs of excitement either. The main indicator reason for your dog’s barking is their body language.
Pay attention to your dog’s behavior when it’s barking, as each bark means a different thing. For example, when your dog barks and becomes aggressive, it means they are being protective or confronting a dangerous situation. When your dog paces or is destructive, it is a sign that they are anxious. When they bark and wag their tail, they are excited, and so on.
What Sound Does a Pitbull Make?
Certainly, barking is not the only means of communication for Pitbulls. They can also make other sounds too, and each sound has a different communication meaning. Let’s take a look at the sounds and what it means when Pitbulls make such sounds.
1. Baying
Baying is a prolonged deep-throated sound. It almost sounds like a moan. This sound is usually used by dogs who are hunting prey. Sometimes, dogs make this sound to scare off intruders too
2. Growling
When a Pitbull gives off a growling sound, it could mean two opposite things, depending on their body language. If they suddenly start to growl with a not-so-friendly demeanor, then just know it’s time to stop what you are doing.
Otherwise, be ready for an attack anytime soon. On the other hand, if they wag their tail while growling, then they are just being playful. Know the difference so you don’t mix them up and get caught off guard
3. Howling
Howling is a communication sound between dogs. Pitbulls use these sounds to call other pack members or communicate with them. Sometimes Pitbulls howl to imitate similar sounds such as a fire alarm
4. Whimpering or Yelping
When your Pitbull whimpers or yelps, it is a sign that they are in pain. Although, this can also mean that they are excited. The latter is usually accompanied by wagging of the tail, licking, or jumping
5. Whining
Whining sounds somewhat like whimpering but louder and usually signifies an unpleasant situation for Pitbulls. Your dog may whine when their movement is restricted either by a leash or an object. When they do, it means they wants out of such circumstance as soon as possible.
Do Pitbulls Warn Before Attacking?
Unlike other dogs, Pitbulls don’t give off any warning signs before attacking. It usually happens suddenly. Like, this minute you are playing with your dog on the couch, and the next they attack you.
It is unusual for dogs with proper training to attack their owners or anyone else, but Pitbulls have a history of that in abundance.
They have a hold-and-shake bite style that is intended to cause enormous damage to their victim or the object of attack.
Conclusion
Barking or making other sounds are dogs’ way of communication with either you or other dogs. They are also a reaction to certain occurrences. As a Pitbull owner, pay attention to your dog’s sounds to know what it means and how to react accordingly. If your Pitbull won’t stop barking, chances are that they are dealing with something entirely different from the ones highlighted above. Ensure you contact your vet if it looks like something you can’t contain.
