How Dogs Use Squeaks, Murmurs, and More to Talk to You

Dogs don’t just bark. They whine, groan, huff, chuff, yawn, sigh, grunt, squeak and even mumble.

Each sound has meaning. And they’re speaking directly to you.

Let’s explore how your dog is trying to start a conversation—and how you can respond.

Dogs use a full vocal range

• Whines: Seeking attention, expressing pain, or feeling anxious

• Growls: Warning or play—it depends on the body language

• Sighs: Often mean contentment or boredom

• Grunts and murmurs: Low-key sounds often linked to comfort and bonding

• High-pitched squeaks: Excitement, confusion or subtle alerts

Dr Rachael Hudson, veterinary behaviourist, says:

“We often overlook the soft noises dogs make. Those little squeaks and rumbles are part of their emotional vocabulary.”

Body language is the context

A squeak paired with:

• a wagging tail = excitement

• a tucked tail = anxiety

• a playful bow = invitation to engage

Look at the ears, tail, eyes, posture. Sound without body language can be misleading.

Why dogs ‘talk’ more at home

Domestic dogs evolved to tune into human cues—and vice versa.

Dr Brian Hare (Duke University Canine Cognition Center) found dogs are “uniquely wired” to follow human communication.

Trainer Claire Arrowsmith says:

“Dogs live with us closely and often adapt their vocal habits to mirror how expressive we are. Chatty households often have chatty dogs.”

You can talk back

You don’t need to bark, but:

• Use tone: high = friendly, low = firm

• Keep it simple: dogs learn key words (like “walk”, “dinner”)

• Use your face and gestures: dogs watch your expressions carefully

Research by Dr Juliane Kaminski (University of Portsmouth) found dogs look at human faces to read emotions and understand intent.

Your dog’s ‘indoor voice’ matters

Many dogs develop subtle indoor vocal habits—quiet “brrrs”, soft huffs, low groans.

They often use these:

• when they want space

• when they want comfort

• when they’re relaxed and happy

It’s their way of checking in with you.

The more you listen, the more they communicate

Dogs learn which sounds you respond to. If a little whimper gets your attention, they’ll use it again.

Build your shared language by:

• responding calmly to soft sounds

• reinforcing positive vocal habits

• staying patient when your dog is “chatting”

Trainer Sarah Fisher says:

“The quieter the sound, the more trust is involved. When a dog feels safe, they get more subtle.”

Different breeds, different voices

Some breeds are more vocal by nature.

• Huskies “talk” with howls

• Border Collies use whines and barks to problem-solve

• French Bulldogs grunt, snort and chirp affectionately

Every dog is different—but every dog is communicating.

How to tell if something’s wrong

Sudden changes in vocalisation can signal:

• pain

• stress

• illness

• cognitive changes

If your dog starts whining or grunting more, especially with restlessness or hiding, speak to your vet.

Vet Ellie West warns:

“We often see pain masked as restlessness or unusual murmuring. A check-up can rule out anything serious.”

Final tip: record your dog

Use your phone to record your dog’s sounds. Watch and listen back.

You’ll start spotting patterns—what each sound means, and how you’ve been responding.

It’s not just cute. It builds connection.

Want to learn your dog’s love language? Start by listening. They’re already speaking.