Dogs bark for various reasons, with one of the most common being their reaction to new experiences. Some dogs, especially less sociable ones, bark at strangers due to unfamiliar scents, behaviors, or appearances, which they perceive as potential threats.
Certain traits can also trigger barking, such as wearing sunglasses or hats that obscure the face, having facial hair, a deep voice, or making direct eye contact. Additionally, dogs are naturally protective of their owners and may bark or act aggressively to guard them.
Dogs are also keen observers and can assess a person’s character based on past interactions. Negative experiences may cause them to be wary of certain individuals.
To prevent dog bites, early socialization is key. Owners should expose their dogs to different people, scents, and environments to reduce fear responses. Training and positive reinforcement help control excessive barking and foster well-behaved behavior.