predators. Guard dogs bark to alert their master and to warn of approaching animal or human threats prior to their interception of the trespasser.

Specifically, livestock guardian dogs such as the Kangal use loud alarm barks as a first line of defense against presumed threats; if these do not deter a perceived foe, other displays, such as bluffing and charging, are employed. For livestock guardians, proactive forms of defense such as biting are only used if