Other times you will notice your dog growling at other dogs. If you notice your dog getting too carried away, drop the toy, and redirect their attention. Some dogs may get too carried away during play and suddenly turn more aggressive. However, it is crucial to maintain a controlled and monitored playtime, especially with children around. Since playtime is an entirely regular occurrence in dogs, you don’t need to try and remedy this behavior in any way. You will most likely hear these growls when your dog plays tug of war, wrestling, or is chasing their favorite toy. This behavior is entirely normal and non-threatening, and the pup may simply be trying to express excitement. Playtime growls are one of the most common growls you will notice in your dog, especially a puppy. Some of these situations are perfectly normal, while others will need some intervention from you to stop the behavior. If your dog’s growling confuses you and you’re unsure about its reason and whether this behavior is acceptable, read the article below, where you’ll find the most common reasons behind a dog’s growling. This is why you can often see them growling when they are frustrated and even when happy and excited. Dogs use growling to communicate various needs. We are dog behavior specialists in Mendon, MA, and we provide various in-person and virtual training services.Since dog owners usually spend most of their day hanging out with their dogs, they quickly learn the little patterns in a dog’s behavior. Bed & Biscuit, we are committed to helping your dogs become happier and more confident. Speak to a professional and consider dog training sessions to help your pet learn how to deal with these triggers.Īt the P.A.W.S. Instead of teaching your dog not to growl, identify why he is growling and address them. If you learn how to identify the root cause and change it, you’ll see improvements in no time. Dogs usually bark because of one of the above reasons. The key to correcting this behavior is by getting to the root cause and addressing it. Their owners likely trained them to stop growling. You might have heard anecdotes of dogs biting without warning. When you punish a dog for growling, you are effectively taking away their ability to warn you that they will bite. Depending on where he does this, your first instinct might be to suppress the growling, scold the dog, or even punish him.ĭisciplining your dog in response to a growl is typically not the best option. When your dog growls, you might feel upset or unsure of what to do. Puppies, in particular, are prone to escalating playful growling to actual aggression. This type of growling is harmless, but you should keep a close eye on your furry friend regardless. It often happens when they are roughhousing with another dog or playing with a tug toy. Some dogs growl playfully when they’re having fun. Your dog might start showing signs of displeasure when someone approaches him while eating, playing with toys, or chewing on a bone or rawhide. Dog training can help your pet modify his behavior and refrain from snarling at people during dinnertime. Possession aggression is common among dogs. If your dog has a favorite spot on the couch and someone is seated there, he might start growling at the person. A dog can also growl when he perceives an encroachment of his area, even from family members. When a dog sees someone they think does not belong in his territory, like a mail carrier or a person delivering packages, he might growl to defend his space. If this is the case, take your dog to the veterinarian as soon as possible. They might also display other symptoms like decreased appetite, weight loss, or general lethargy. If you observe that your dog growls when you press a certain part of their body, it might be a sign of injury. Some dogs growl when someone or something touches a painful or aching body part. If that isn’t possible, consider seeking help from a dog behavior specialist. If you can pinpoint the source of their fear, you can keep it far away from your dog. Dogs can also get triggered by events like fireworks displays and thunderstorms. They might also be afraid of specific people like men or children. Here are a few reasons your dog may be growling and how you can respond to each one:Ī dog in an unfamiliar place or faced with strangers can growl out of fear. Instead of punishing your dog for his reaction, take a moment to analyze the reason. One key thing to remember here is that a growl is always a response to something. This is counterproductive and could send the wrong message, causing even more issues in the long run. A snarl can mean several things, but many dog owners’ first instinct is to punish their dog. When dogs growl at humans or at each other, they are trying to communicate.
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