Why does a barking dog bark?

Updated: Oct 25, 2010 07:42 AM EDT

Your dog may think she has good reason to bark at the mailman. (©iStockphoto.com)

From The Dog DailyMore>>
Cut canine costs today
Cut canine costs today
During tough economic times, who doesn't want to save money and spend less? With these tips, pet parents can save big.>>
During tough economic times, who doesn't want to save money and spend less? With these tips, pet parents can save big.>>
Vacation with your dog on a budget
Vacation with your dog on a budget
Not only is it possible to enjoy a fun vacation with your dog, but it's also easier than ever to do so while being frugal.>>
Not only is it possible to enjoy a fun vacation with your dog, but it's also easier than ever to do so while being frugal.>>
My dog wants to blog
My dog wants to blog
These days, dogs are on Facebook and Twitter, and they're even "blogging" with help from their owners.>>
These days, dogs are on Facebook and Twitter, and they're even "blogging" with help from their owners.>>
The lonely dog
The lonely dog
Dogs are social animals, and generally don't tolerate long periods of being alone.>>
Dogs are social animals, and generally don't tolerate long periods of being alone.>>
Fact vs. fiction: Strange dog rituals and their true meanings
Fact vs. fiction: Strange dog rituals and their true meanings
iStockphoto.com / Lee Ingram
Since dogs are unable to verbalize what they are really thinking, there are nonverbal cues that we can learn from and respond to accordingly.>>
Since dogs are unable to verbalize what they are really thinking, there are nonverbal cues that we can learn from and respond to accordingly.>>
Away from home: Dog bathroom options
Away from home: Dog bathroom options
Traveling with a dog can be fun, exciting and memorable, but it can also be a bit of a challenge if its idea of bathroom etiquette is finding the nearest patch of grass that smells like home.>>
Traveling with a dog can be fun, exciting and memorable, but it can also be a bit of a challenge if its idea of bathroom etiquette is finding the nearest patch of grass that smells like home.>>
Benefits of owning a senior dog
Benefits of owning a senior dog
Older dogs might not fill a home with happy chaos as energetic puppies do, but these senior pets still enrich our lives in so many ways.>>
Older dogs might not fill a home with happy chaos as energetic puppies do, but these senior pets still enrich our lives in so many ways.>>
How to care for your arthritic dog
How to care for your arthritic dog
As our canine companions grow older, they are subject to the same degenerative problems as we are.>>
As our canine companions grow older, they are subject to the same degenerative problems as we are.>>
Hydrotherapy helps dogs get in shape
Hydrotherapy helps dogs get in shape
Hydrotherapy provides important physical therapy to dogs, especially those who have difficulty engaging in regular outdoor activities.>>
Hydrotherapy provides important physical therapy to dogs, especially those who have difficulty engaging in regular outdoor activities.>>
How to keep your dog safe and healthy
How to keep your dog safe and healthy
A few simple steps on your part could mean more years of happy times with your dog.>>
A few simple steps on your part could mean more years of happy times with your dog.>>

The United States Postal Service reports that thousands of urban and rural mail carriers are bitten each year by dogs. It's such a serious problem that the U.S. Postal Service helps spread the word about National Dog Bite Prevention week every year.

Certain territorial dogs are very disturbed by mail carriers. Think about it from your dog's perspective: An individual shows up daily, so he or she means business and poses a potential threat. The carrier often comes right to the door. The carrier may even slide scary objects through the door, invading your dog's space.

Some dogs even become conditioned that their bark helps to ward off the carrier. Each day the mail delivery person comes, your dog barks and the carrier leaves. To the dog, that means its loud technique is working. Better socialization of your pet, such as through training classes, can improve its behavior around all people, including your dutiful mail carrier.

*DISCLAIMER*: The information contained in or provided through this site section is intended for general consumer understanding and education only and is not intended to be and is not a substitute for professional advice. Use of this site section and any information contained on or provided through this site section is at your own risk and any information contained on or provided through this site section is provided on an "as is" basis without any representations or warranties.

Why does a barking dog bark? - Spokane, North Idaho News & Weather KHQ.com

Why does a barking dog bark?

From The Dog DailyMore>>