Why Does My Dog Talk to Me So Much? (Why Is My Dog Suddenly Vocal)


Dogs are believed to have the best trait of loving unconditionally. They are thus perceived to be the best pets because they not only offer protection, but their intelligence also makes them the best companions. As best friends, dogs help their owners overcome life’s challenges and manage their stress.

Communication with your friends is quite integral. Therefore, you should learn what dogs say when they talk. Here are four reasons why your dog talks to you so much: 

1. When Your Dog Feels Lonely

If you are not engaging with your dogs and they come to you and start making sounds, maybe they want to cuddle. A dog could be feeling bored and thus start talking to you. 

Dogs love company, and talking to you could be a way of telling you that he wants you two to bond. When your dog does this, you could engage with him and play a game or take a walk. 

2. To Express Feelings of Intimidation

Why does my dog argue with me? A dog may talk back at you to express their feelings of anger. For example, my dog talks back to me when I say no. This shows that dogs respond to the energy they are given.

When you shout at your dog, he may respond by talking back at you. This can cause intimidation, and your dog will talk to you to complain about your behavior.

3. When Your Dog Knows, You Will Reward Them for Talking

If you reward your dog anytime they talk or try to imitate certain words, they will talk to you very often.   These rewards could be toys or treats that are your dog’s favorites.

It is important to know when to give your dog treats. It is better to use treats to commend good behavior, like when your dog follows instructions, than when they talk to you, unless you enjoy it.

4. When He Is Guarding His Items or Protecting You

A dog can talk to you when he is possessive about something or someone. For example, when you want to take a toy from him or take a baby, he loves to babysit.

Dogs can also talk to you when someone they do not like is approaching you. Such behavior should be controlled so that the dog is not overly possessive and causes harm to other people.

Why Is My Dog So Vocal All of a Sudden?

Your dog can be vocal all of a sudden for five reasons. A sudden change in behavior in a dog is cause for alarm. Here are some reasons why you should be very cautious of a sudden change in your dog.

1. They Are Hurt

Pain is one of the main reasons why your dog could become vocal all of a sudden. If your dog starts barking and being more aggressive than usual, you should check if they have an injury.

2. They Are Giving a Warning

Check what has changed in the home if your dog has become vocal. For example, if you have a visitor, your dog will bark more than usual as they perceive this visitor as a threat. 

The barking can continue until the dog is used to the new person. It often happens when a new baby is brought home,  people visit, and dogs become very protective, thus becoming more vocal.

3. They Have Dog Dementia

It is a cognitive dysfunction that occurs in older dogs. If your dogs suffer from dementia, then their behavior begins to change. Being more vocal could be among the changes that occur.

The dog could also start pacing aimlessly. They will bark for no reason and bark at everybody in your home. They forget and identify you as strangers, thus barking at you.

4. They Are Experiencing Separation Anxiety

If your dog suddenly becomes vocal after you start leaving them home alone, then they have separation anxiety.

You may have lived with your dog for a long time, and they know your presence all the time. When you start leaving them alone, they can start barking very loudly.

When your dog has separation anxiety, you should train them to stay alone. Past experiences of abandonment can trigger this anxiety.

If it gets extreme, you can involve a vet to help medicate your dog while you practice some routines to help.

5. They Have Acquired Behavioral Disorders 

A dog can become more vocal suddenly due to a change in their environment that triggers a change in their behavior. For example, moving into a new environment can make dogs change drastically.

If a dog feels fearful of an environment, it could be because it feels threatened by other dogs or animals. In other cases, a dog could hear an irritating sound that only they can hear.

The irritating sound could be due to a nearby plant or hospital. Dogs have high listening abilities, and ambulance sirens could be irritating.

Do Dogs Enjoy Being Talked To?

Yes, dogs enjoy being talked to, as it is one of the best ways to interact and bond. Through talking, dogs can tell what their owners feel about them.

Talking to dogs is one way to show your love for them and show affection.

Dogs feel a person’s emotions through the intonation one uses when talking to them. Research shows that dogs spoken to often enjoy the company of their owners and long to see them. They desire to spend more time with those who talk to them more.

Do Dogs Hear Us When We Talk?

Yes, dogs hear us but do not comprehend our words when we talk. However, dogs understand what we tell them by listening to the intonations we use when speaking.

The tone in any speech expresses tiredness, sadness, happiness, and all other emotions. A higher intonation expresses a happy and excited person, while a low intonation indicates a negative statement.

The tone we use helps train a dog to obey commands and follow instructions. When your dog obeys, you can reward them with treats and a high tone to show your excitement while cheering them on.

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