If you know that your dog growls right before a bite, then move away and get safe. If you know the growl doesn't mean a bite is imminent, stop what you are doing. Wait until your dog relaxes, and then move away, rewarding your dog for the relaxed behavior. Take a look at the situation.
Don't push your dog over his tolerance threshold. Whatever you're doing, just stop. If your dog's growl threshold is near his bite threshold – that is, if there's not much time between his growl and his bite, get safe. If his growl doesn't mean a bite is imminent, stop what you're doing but stay where you are.
If you catch your dog in a bad mood, and they growl at you, it may be a low rumbling growl, which can mean “leave me alone.” It is best to listen to your pup when they express their desire to be left alone. You may be able to tell more from their stiff body posture.
Hopefully, you now recognize that you should never correct growling. It's either benign or a symptom of stress in your dog. If you punish your dog for growling, you will only inhibit growling. You won't have done anything to address the underlying issue.
Growling is part of normal canine communication. People usually think of a dog's growl as a warning or as a sign of defense. Often, growling means that the dog needs space or is uncomfortable.
Most dogs assume a neutral or submissive role toward people, but some dogs will challenge their owners for dominance. A dominant dog may stare, bark, growl, snap, or even bite when you give him a command or ask him to give up a toy, treat, or resting place.
Straight off the bat you should be correcting your dog's growling and/or snapping with a firm “no” at the onset of the behavior. When he stops growling, reward him with a “good boy”, or in the beginning, a treat if it's handy at the exact moment of training so that he knows what he is being rewarded for.
Leaving Your Dog Alone Is Not The Answer
A common myth surrounding separation anxiety is that by somehow ignoring your dog, or by forcing them to be alone for long periods of time, they simply will get used to it, and the disruptive behavior will stop. This couldn't be further from the truth.
This type of growl isn't intended to be aggressive – it's a polite warning to show that a dog is feeling uncomfortable. Don't ignore warning growls: pay attention to whatever it is that is causing your dog to feel threatened or afraid, and try to remove the cause of the issue.
Growling – Sometimes dogs will growl during play, but these growls are accompanied with loose, relaxed body language. When growling is followed by any of the above behaviors, or is a deep and low, it may be a sign of aggressive behavior that needs to be addressed.
While it may sound obvious, growling at your dog is not likely to improve its aggressive behavioral problems, a new study suggests. Hitting it is probably worse. Researchers say dog owners who kick, hit or otherwise confront aggressive dogs with punitive training methods are doomed to have, well, aggressive pets.
Never ever ever punish a dog for growling. The end result will be that the dog goes right from the ignored visual cues to biting without that important vocal warning. Dogs have a right to communicate they are uncomfortable with certain things they are exposed to.
There are some behaviors you don't want to ignore, such as puppy nipping or pulling on leash. Any behavior that feels good to your dog, is naturally calming (such as licking or chewing), or is fun to do is not likely to go away when ignored.
When your dog is barking, say “Quiet” in a calm, firm voice. Wait until they stop barking, even if it's just to take a breath, then praise them and give them a treat. Just be careful to never reward them while they are barking.
That's why many people sneak off without saying goodbye to their pups, worried that the moment will only cause more stress. But according to science, not acknowledging your dog might do more harm than help.
Many owners worry that allowing their dog to sleep in bed will leave them thinking they're the boss, or that it may cause behavioural issues or separation anxiety. The truth is, it is not known and has not been proven whether or not allowing your dog to sleep in your bed is a direct cause of behavioural issues.
It is a warning growl that indicates their discomfort in a particular situation. For example, some dogs may suddenly growl when there are strangers or new people in your home because they may feel threatened and are being territorial.
Dogs will also growl when they are feeling frightened or stressed out. Most of the time this is a warning before the dog reacts aggressively. Although a dog may not always snap or bite after growling from fear or stress, it is still always best to be cautious.
Dogs may growl during playtime to show their enthusiasm or excitement. If you observe that your dog is wagging its tail while growling, it's a good indication that they are enjoying themselves.