Barking as a Greeting

Some people enjoy coming home because their dog greets them excitedly by jumping and barking. They feel this proves their dog's love for the family.

But in a natural setting, dogs don’t bark, yelp, or jump on pack mates in a burst of affection. Dogs that greet their owners in this way are trying to communicate. According to Cesar Millan, The Dog Whisperer, rather than professing undying love, he believes they are probably trying to tell you that they are lonely and bored; their needs as a dog are not being met.

The excitement is your dog’s way of burning off the excess energy that has been building throughout the day. Don't be disappointed by this revelation. Dogs simply don’t use emotions like people do. Remember, they’re dogs. To love a dog means you must treat him like an animal, which means fulfilling him as Nature intended him to be fulfilled.