Why Do Dogs Bark? It's Still Mostly a Mystery.

Real Clear Science ^ | 4-24-14 | Ross Pomeroy

[central_va]

Dogs were the first alarm system. They are looking out for us. Ancient man would have never slept very well without the dog. The dog is responsible for a lot of man’s advancement, security is really important it leads to other endeavors when you don’t have to keep a look out 24/7.

[mollynme]

My 8 month old schnoodle barks so rarely that when she does, it startles me. On Halloween, she let out one bark the first 2 times she heard someone rustling the leaves in the front yard but by the time the third group had appeared for their candy, she ignored it. I am resigned to the fact that she will never be a good watch dog.
It might be the breed. My brother and his wife were burgled a few years ago and my sister in law is sure that their schnauzer personally escorted the burglar through their house, showing him where all the good stuff was. LOL

[dfwgator]

Because they can.