There is nothing cuter than a newborn pup. If you have never raised a litter from birth before, you may be unaware dogs do not bark as soon as they are born. Often, young pups have to rely on whines and touch in order to communicate their needs during the first few weeks of their lives.
Often, puppies do not begin canine vocalizing until they are about two to three weeks of age, or around the time their eyes and ears open. These vocalizations are very simple, like whines and grunts. It won’t be until they are about seven or eight weeks older that they begin to yip and bark.
Generally, dogs bark in order to communicate with other dogs and humans. The amount your dog barks can change as they age, but it often depends on their breed and temperament. Some dogs like Beagles are prone to barking in order to alert their owners of perceived threats, no matter how insignificant they seem to be to us. Other dogs, like chow-chows, are revativally quiet.
However, many puppies learn how and when to bark from older dogs. A talkative breed can be raised to be quieter when raised with a dog with a calmer temperament. The rate your dog barks will also depend on how well socialized they are. A dog who is not socialized properly will bark more frequently.
If you are ever concerned with the rate of your pup’s rate of development, then check in with a veterinarian to make sure your dog is healthy.
