Arf! Arf!

[mpsgolf]

Next time they bark, you’ll think of this ....,

[rmkrum]

One of my favorite cartoons claims that dogs bark because, “somewhere, someone is up to no good. “ The accompanying pictures are scenes totally empty of anything going on.
My pack actually only reacts to suspicious or unexpected noises.

[OTRA15]

Great drawing, thanks!

Most dogs are simply alerting us to a perceived risk, and their behavior can be tailored by an intelligent and responsible owner. Once we thank our dog for the alert, and tell her that we are also aware of the risk, she quiets right down.

"Mission accomplished" is her take-away, at least from this dumb human being's perspective. [see text in OP drawing]

[McDave]

Ironically, Lupe has always loved people, and has never been given any reason why she should feel otherwise. When she barks in the middle of the night, I am 99% certain that a raccoon or some other animal has entered the backyard. Probably if a person entered the backyard at night, she would just look at him with her goofy grin and wait to be told what a wonderful dog she is.

[rmkrum]

My big male Tibetan Terrier will run up to most strangers, promptly sit in front of them, and expect to be petted.
If he sounds off or acts unfriendly it’s usually for a darn good reason.

[SDP 28 FC]

So, we live in Texas and when someone farts in Wisconsin our rescued Doxies bark their brains out.