Pitch:
- Low pitched sounds usaully indicate threats, anger, and possible aggression.
- Hig pitched sounds mean the opposite.
- A growl is meant to warn someone away
- A dog that is going to attack will not give a vocal signal
signs of attack:
- Dog may growl at first but once it realizes its warning is not being accepted it will stop the growl.
- Its head will slighty lower
- Its curled lip may tremble
- and then a lunge
- and a SNAP!
once the fight has started the growling may return.
In both cases of Fear and Anger sounds no longer serve as communication so they stop.
Duration:
Duration is used to modify the meaning of sounds.
- shorter sound durations are associated with higher intensity fear, pain, or need.
ex: A yelp is a short duration of a whine
- Longer durations become a whimper meaning pleasure, playfulness, or invitation.
- The longer the sound the more likely the dog is making a concious descision about the nature of the signals and the behaviors about to follow.
- A dominate dog will have a low growl, threatening display and will have every intention of standing its ground.
- Growling in short bursts and held briefly indicates that fear is present.
Repition:
- Sounds repeated often at a fast rate indicate excitment adn urgency.
- Sounds spaced out indicated low level of excitment or passing stae of mind.
- Occasional barking indicates mild intrest in something.
- Multiple bursts adn repititionof barking indicates that the dog thinks the situation is important and a possible crisis.
