Why do dogs bark?
DEAR PET TALK: Why is it that sometimes my dog will bark at dogs barking on TV, but other times she won’t. Why do dogs bark, anyway? — DOG LOVER
DEAR DOG LOVER: We put this question to our Be Pawsitive community, and can tell you for a fact that it is amazing how many people have dogs who will bark at a dog who is barking on TV! Seriously — dogs are bred to bark for a variety of reasons. Beagles were developed to be hunting dogs, and to work with humans who were on horseback. When they chase their prey, they learned to bark loudly, so that the hunters would be able to follow the pack of dogs. Australian Shepherds were also bred to “have a job.” They are smart, working dogs, and any dog bred to work with people inherits a tendency to communicate vocally. Working dogs need a lot of exercise and play, because without vigorous activity, they will look for something to do. Some shepherds will bark, others will not.
Sheltie owner Vicki Hengen Little noted:
“Some dogs just seem to be more interested in television than others. My sister’s jack Russell barks at even cartoon dogs, which I find incredible. My current dog doesn’t care unless she sees herself in a mirror, but she’s only five months old.”
Our therapy dog Sarrju (Sorry- oo) is part retriever, part Kelpie and a smidgen of Catahoula Leopard Dog. She is — as she should be — completely silent going on walks, traveling in the car, visiting school children, or hospital patients. However, the moment someone turns into the driveway, she’s at the door, barking vigorously. This is partly because she loves meeting people — and yes, she does bark when we, her fellow pack members, return.
It would be fascinating to speak to an animal behaviorist who is working in the field of pets and televisions and computers. All of our pets are very accustomed to life with this square of moving light which contains people, pets, and interesting things. We’ve also noticed that different cats we’ve owned through the years take an interest in what’s happening on the tube. And we’ve had plenty of cats who loved watching basketball — from close-up! We suspected the combination of sneakers squeaking on the floor, and fast-moving creatures was irresistible!