One of the most common dog behaviors is barking. Dogs bark to communicate effectively. In some cases, barking is used to seek attention or related to social interactions- the invitation for attention, petting, or play (and often during play). Sometimes dogs bark to communicate a need that requires a human’s help—opening a back door, filling a water bowl, or unlocking a crate or kennel door. Lastly, dogs bark to alert an owner or tell an unfamiliar person or dog to go away—the sound of a doorbell or an unknown person or dog on a leash.