What does a dog barking at a crow signify? In _Much ado about nothing_ by William Shakespeare, Act 1 Scene 1, Beatrice declares to Benedick > 'I had rather hear my dog bark at a crow than a man swears he loves me.' I understand that Beatrice is basically saying 'I would rather X than hearing a man say he loves me.' But I don't understand the dog barking at a crow bit. **What does a dog barking at a crow signify?** I did some research and found that a crow is a bad omen, so perhaps the dog barking is warning the owner of a bad omen?

It doesn't appear to be symbolic at all; a dog barking at a crow is merely an annoying sound that she would rather listen to.

Crows are notorious for teasing other animals. I mean... look at this!

In the above linked video, the crow is hanging around behind a dog, who's tied up, and repeatedly going and pecking the dog with it's beak and dashing away. It just keeps bothering the dog. Presumably the dog is barking at the crow, but the crow doesn't leave.

Beatrice is taking an example of an annoying sound, and saying that she would rather listen to that then the man's declaration of love. She's giving a very clear message - _I don't love you_.

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Here's a video of a dog barking at a crow. The crow is just staying there, while the dog continues to bark.