What is the origin of the idiom "one's dogs are barking" and when to use it?

The idiom "one's dogs are barking" originated from early 20th-century American slang, specifically from the African American community. "Dogs" in this context refers to one's feet, and "barking" represents the discomfort or pain experienced in the feet after extended walking or standing. It is used to express that one's feet are hurting or feeling sore, typically from being tired or wearing uncomfortable shoes.