Bark's Glossary
Reactive
Having normal responses to abnormal situations. Confused with “overreactive,” which is what humans call appropriate responses to inappropriate behavior.
Sensitive Dogs
Emotionally and environmentally intelligent beings capable of reading micro-expressions, processing multiple sensory inputs, and detecting inconsistencies in human communication. Often pathologized for possessing superior observational skills that reveal human communication failures. Their “oversensitivity” typically indicates they’re receiving contradictory signals, unclear expectations, or chaotic environmental input. Not a disorder requiring medication, but a superpower requiring competent communication partners. See also: paying attention, emotional literacy, superior intelligence.
High-Energy Dogs
Intelligent beings whose mental processing speed exceeds human comfort levels. Often misdiagnosed when brilliant minds designed for complex problem-solving are forced into lives of intellectual stagnation. Symptoms include: rapid environmental scanning, efficient decision-making, frustration with meaningless repetition, and desperate attempts to engage unresponsive humans in actual thinking. Commonly confused with “hyperactivity” by people who mistake boredom for behavioral problems. Treatment involves intellectual engagement, not medication or exhaustion.
Socialization
The process of teaching someone to ignore their instincts in favor of human convenience. Often confused with “helping someone understand their world,” which is the opposite.
Pack Mentality
Something humans invented to justify treating individuals like a group that needs managing. Actual families don’t have “mentalities” – they have relationships.
Boundaries
What healthy beings set for themselves vs. what controlling humans impose on others. Real boundaries are about self-respect, not other-management.
Consistency
What humans demand from others while changing their own rules constantly. Often means “be predictable so I don’t have to think.” Confused with reliability, which is about trustworthiness, not rigidity.
Structure
Code word for “control disguised as necessity.” Often used by people who are uncomfortable with the natural chaos of actual relationship. Real structure emerges from understanding, not imposition.
Compliance
The goal of humans who mistake obedience for connection. Creates beings who do what they’re told without understanding why – the opposite of intelligence.
Correction
What insecure humans call it when they punish natural behavior. Usually involves the assumption that the other being is “wrong” rather than communicative. See also: missing the point entirely.
