The way a dog expresses itself and learning how to interpret them has always fascinated me. M'boi, my first Pei gave the most peculiar "yip" if she wanted to attract my attention. It was her way of telling me to come to her because she had something to show me that was of importance! Georgina, the Pei I have now, if she wants to show me something, will run up to me, whining, and won't leave until I go with her to see what it is. Gwylim, my Miniature Schnauzer by contrast will howl ... almost like a yodel ... but unlike either of my Pei will only growl when he's playing with Georgina or he's frightened of another dog.

I think its very important to learn as much as possible about the way your dogs express themselves vocally because even though they might be in the garden and you're in the house, and can't see their body language, you still have a good idea what's going through their heads at that particular moment.