Unless you’re the proud of owner of a Basenji (the non-barking dog breed) there is every chance that once in a while your dog lets rip with a bark or barking session and you have no idea what they’re trying to say. Well wonder no more, we explain the common reasons behind 10 different dog barks….

1. Continuous rapid barking, midrange pitch: “Call the pack! There is a potential problem! Someone is coming into our territory!” Continuous barking but a bit slower and pitched lower: “The intruder [or danger] is very close. Get ready to defend yourself!”

2. Barking in rapid strings of three or four with pauses in between, midrange pitch: “I suspect that there may be a problem or an intruder near our territory. I think that the leader of the pack should look into it.”

3. Prolonged or incessant barking, with moderate to long intervals between each utterance: “Is there anybody there? I’m lonely and need companionship.” This is most often the response to confinement or being left alone for long periods of time.

4. One or two sharp short barks, midrange pitch: “Hello there!” This is the most typical greeting sound.

5. Single sharp short bark, lower midrange pitch: “Stop that!” This is often given by a mother dog when disciplining her puppies but may also indicate annoyance in any dog, such as when disturbed from sleep or if hair is pulled during grooming and so forth.

6. Single sharp short bark, higher midrange: “What’s this?” or “Huh?” This is a startled or surprised sound. If it is repeated two or three times its meaning changes to “Come look at this!” alerting the pack to a novel event. This same type of bark, but not quite as short and
sharp, is used to mean “Come here!”

Many dogs will use this kind of bark at the door to indicate that they want to go out. Lowering the pitch to a relaxed midrange means “Terrific!” or some other similar expletive, such as “Oh, great!” My cairn terrier, for example, who loves to jump, will give this single bark of joy when sent over the high jump. Other dogs give this same bark when given their food dish.

7. Single yelp or very short high-pitched bark: “Ouch!” This is in response to a sudden, unexpected pain.

8. Series of yelps: “I’m hurting!” “I’m really scared” This is in response to severe fear and pain.

9. Stutter-bark, midrange pitch: If a dog’s bark were spelled “ruff,” the stutter-bark would be spelled “ar-ruff.” It means “Let’s play!” and is used to initiate playing behaviour.

10. Rising bark: This is a bit hard to describe, although once you’ve heard it, it is unmistakable. It is usually a series of barks, each of which starts in the middle range but rises sharply in pitch – almost a bark-yelp, though not quite that high. It is a play bark, used during rough-and- tumble games, that shows excitement and translates as “This is fun!”

Sweeney Dog  York have walked close to 30,000 dog walks over the past three years,and have seen most types of dogs and behaviour. For walking services in York ring 01904 890666

If you would like to join the Sweeney Dog network, have a look at our franchise option

If you need advice get in touch with Sweeney Dog and ask our experts in dog walking, pet food and pet grooming.

We have walked over 25000 dogs in the last 3 years , we supply great value, high quality range of foods , and we wash hundreds of dogs a year.

If you are interested in developing a great business in pet care, have a look at our Franchise opportunities, its a great life style with the chance to build a profitable business.

If you haven’t got your dog chipped yet, we recommend you arrange for this asap. Here at Sweeney Dog we have a trained Micro-chipper . We aim to provide a complete pet care service, including dog walking, exclusive brand pet food, pet home care .

This continues the trend that we have had over the past 3 years, showing consistent growth year on year. September is always a growth period for Sweeney Dog, so we fully expect the dog walking activity to continue to increase.  there is always spare capacity in the Sweeney Dog network. plans are in place to increase the number of vehicles and staff, so that Sweeney Dog in York can cope with the anticipated extra demand.

Whats the key to continued growth? – Many factors that I am sure our competitors would love to know!. If you are interested in a great lifestyle business, with proven success, have a look at our franchise opportunity (at £9995 its a real bargain) or send me an email  info@sweeneydog.co.uk

All vehicles used by Sweeney Dog have ventilation systems, all have window tints to reduce heat build up, and all vehicles are fully equipped with purpose built cages. The cost of equiping a vehicle is over £1000. We could cut costs but this would put the dogs at risk and the impact on the high standards that we set ourselves.

Don’t take risks with your dog, and make sure you choose a dog walking service

that  doesn’t compromise on safety of your pet.

I would definitely recommend Sweeney Dog”

S.J.D. York

The two franchises in York are reporting a combined increase in business of over 30% compared with summer 2010. This follows the continuing trend of year on year increases.

There are now 4 Sweeney Dog vehicles picking up and taking dogs for walks around York, as well as providing a cat and pet feeding service for people when they are away on holiday.

If you are getting a dog this summer and need to arrange dog walking services in York, then ring the pet care helpline 01904 890666 and we will see how we can help you. Remember Sweeney Dog does not require any fixed days or long term contracts. Flexibility is key top our success and you can swap and change days to suit your work and social commitments.

New Home Needed

We have been looking after a rough haired jack russell called sophie. Her owner has died and we are looking for someone to give her a new home

Sophie is  aged between 12 and 15 years old and in good health.

She is house trained and doesn’t require a lot of walking, but does like the occasional good run about.

She was with her last owner, who lived in Rawcliffe, York about 8 years and came from a rescue centre (she really doesn’t want to go back)

This is Sophie – can you help?

If you feel you can help, please ring 07850709825  or email info@sweeneydog.co.uk  for more details

• We offer a fully flexible service
• You can book one walk a week or 5 walks.
• Booking or cancellation can be made up to 8.00am on the morning of a walk.
• There is no charge for late cancellation
• You can change walks as necessary depending  on your commitments
• All staff have been CRB checked
• We have adequate cover for staff so that even if our dog walkers are ill or on holiday , your dog will always get a walk – we wont let you down!
• There are no fixed contracts, and no minimum no. of walks per week.
• All dog walkers have been independently trained in canine behaviour.
• Your dog can safely play off-lead at our secure facility  near Wiggington
• All owners keys are kept in a safe  when not in use. They are only tagged with the dogs name , so that if by chance they are lost, there is no trace back to your home.
• All vehicles have purpose built cages and are equipped with ramps (especially good for older or very small dogs).
• All vehicles have ventilation (not just windows)and window screens that help ensure that dogs do not overheat
• Have great testimonials from customers that appreciate what we do.

So if you already have a dog walker and are not sure if you met all these, or you want to start a service, give us a ring  01904 890666 or send us an email: info@sweeneydog.co.uk and get the best dog walking York has to offer

Sweeney Dog is offering the chance for others to benefit from our success. If you want to start a dog walking business, then take a look at our franchise opportunities across the UK

If you are serious about starting a serious business with proven potential to exceed £100k turnover p.a then this is the business for you

Get in touch on 01904 890666 and ask for an information pack or arrange for a visit to our home site in York.