10 Mar No Comments timbearden Breeder Education, Puppy Education

Most of my Golden Retrievers have really never barked much, with the exception of Athena. Alice will maybe bark once every 3 months. Goldens are known for their friendly nature, loyalty, and intelligence. Golden Retrievers can be very vocal, some may bark frequently, which makes it reasonable for pet owners to understand what a golden retriever bark sounds like. In this article, we will describe the sound of a golden retriever’s bark, what causes a golden retriever to bark, and what to do if your golden retriever is barking excessively.

So What Does a Golden Retriever Bark Sound Like?

A golden retriever bark is a deep, low-pitched sound that can be heard from a distance. The sound is not as sharp or high-pitched as other dog breeds like Chihuahuas or Poodles. Golden Retrievers have a thick coat of fur that helps to muffle the sound of their bark, making it less jarring than other dogs.

The volume of a golden retriever’s bark can range from 60 to 90 decibels (dB). To put this into perspective, a normal conversation is around 60 dB, and a lawnmower is around 90 dB. Therefore, if your golden retriever is barking at 90 dB, it can be quite loud and disruptive. Especially for the neighbors.

What Causes a Golden Retriever to Bark?

Golden Retrievers bark for a variety of reasons, including:

  • Alerting their owners of potential danger: Golden Retrievers are known for being protective of their owners and their home. If they sense something is wrong, they will bark to alert their owners.
  • Expressing excitement or joy: Golden Retrievers are energetic dogs that love to play and be active. They may bark out of excitement when their owners come home, when they see other dogs, or when they are playing.
  • Feeling anxious or stressed: Golden Retrievers can become anxious or stressed in certain situations, such as being left alone for long periods, meeting new people, or encountering new environments. They may bark as a way to express their discomfort.
  • Seeking attention: Golden Retrievers are social dogs that crave attention from their owners. If they feel neglected or bored, they may bark to get their owner’s attention.

What to Do if Your Golden Retriever is Barking Excessively

Excessive barking can be a nuisance to both you and your neighbors. If your golden retriever is barking excessively, there are several things you can do to address the issue:

  • Determine the cause of the barking: Try to identify what is causing your golden retriever to bark excessively. Once you know the cause, you can work on addressing the underlying issue.
  • Provide plenty of exercise and mental stimulation: Golden Retrievers are active dogs. If your golden retriever is barking out of boredom, provide them with plenty of opportunities to play and exercise.
  • Teach your golden retriever to be quiet: Teach them to quiet on command. When your dog is barking excessively, say “quiet” in a firm voice and wait for them to stop barking. When they do, reward them with a treat or praise.
  • Consider professional training: If your golden retriever’s barking is persistent and difficult to control, consider seeking the help of a professional dog trainer.

What Other Sounds Does a Golden Retriever Make?

Golden Retrievers are known to make a variety of noises besides barking. Some of the common noises that golden retrievers make include:

  1. Whining: Whining is a high-pitched sound that golden retrievers make when they are seeking attention or expressing discomfort. Whining can be a sign that your dog is anxious, in pain, or needs to go outside. In the case of Jaks, it’s because he is hungry, pretty much it.
  2. Growling: Growling is a deep, rumbling sound that golden retrievers make when they feel threatened or want to assert dominance. Growling can be a sign that your dog is feeling defensive or aggressive and should be addressed immediately. My Goldens have rarely ever growled, in the handful of occasions it was because they were alerting me to something outside like a coyote.
  3. Mooo: In some cases a couple of my goldens would make sounds that were similar to growling. I called it mooo, as it’s similar to a cow moo. In these cases, it was their way of talking without having to bark and a way of seeking attention. It is a slightly different sound than a growl. You will learn to notice the difference, however, family members may be surprised if they haven’t heard it before.
  4. Howling: Howling is a long, mournful sound that golden retrievers make when they are trying to communicate with other dogs or respond to certain sounds. Howling can be a sign that your dog is feeling lonely or trying to locate a sound or scent. Or as in most cases is because they are mimicking a firetruck.
  5. Grunting: Grunting is a low-pitched sound that golden retrievers make when they are content or relaxed. Grunting can be a sign that your dog is comfortable and enjoying your company. Ember always would make grunting sounds.
  6. Snoring: Snoring is a common noise that golden retrievers make while they are sleeping. Snoring can be a sign that your dog is sleeping deeply and comfortably. Rarely do my goldens snore, so I don’t hear it often.

It is important to pay attention to the different noises that your golden retriever makes as they can provide valuable insights into your dog’s emotions and well-being. By understanding the different noises that your golden retriever makes, you can provide the appropriate care and attention that they need to thrive.

Summary

A Golden Retriever’s bark is a low-pitched sound that is not as sharp or high-pitched as other dog breeds. The volume of a golden retriever’s bark can range from 60 to 90 decibels (dB), which can be quite loud and disruptive. Coincidentally the loudest bark on record comes from Charlie, a Golden Retriever, coming in at 113.1db. Luckily this is not the norm. Golden Retrievers bark for a variety of reasons, which may include alerting their owners of potential danger, expressing excitement or joy, feeling anxious or stressed, and attention seeking. If your golden retriever is barking excessively, there are several things you can do to address the issue, such as determining the cause of the barking, providing plenty of exercise and mental stimulation, teaching your golden retriever to be quiet, and considering professional training.

It is important to remember that barking is a natural behavior for dogs and can be a way for them to communicate their needs and feelings. As pet owners, it is our responsibility to understand and respond appropriately to our dog’s barking behavior. With patience, understanding, and proper training, you can help your golden retriever become a well-behaved and happy member of your family.

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