Don't Punish Growling You won't have done anything to address the underlying issue. For example, punishing your dog for growling in the presence of other dogs will stop the growling. However, your dog will still feel uncomfortable around other dogs.
Growling is an emotional response. It is not a "disobedient" behavior. You cannot punish an emotion out of a dog (or a human). Growling is just your dog's way of trying to tell you something important, and you should listen and genuinely thank your dog for the honest feedback.
Resist the urge to yell at or otherwise punish your dog for growling as that damages trust, doesn't teach your dog appropriate behavior, and can often worsen aggressive behavior, she says.
Dogs Don't Reason Like We Do
Although it doesn't make us feel good, we're able to learn from the mistake if it's pointed out to us. However, dogs don't have the ability to reason, which is something that people have a tendency to forget so scolding will not have the same effect on them.
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.
Stop whatever it is you're doing or the person/animal eliciting the growl is doing. 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.
The most common reasons dogs growl are fear, possession aggression, territoriality, and pain. Some dogs also growl when playing. Play growling is often seen when two dogs are having a safe, healthy play session. In this case, the growling does not necessarily indicate aggression.
Threat or Fear
This type of growl with a low volume and a deep, rumbling sound usually happens when a dog feels scared, possessive, or threatened. It is a warning growl that indicates their discomfort in a particular situation.
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.
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.
Act like the alpha of the back and show him who is boss. Look him/her in the eye: When you give a command, look straight at your pet. Make sure he can see that you mean business and that it is not a command to be disobeyed. Always hold eye contact with your pet, no matter how big or small he or she is.
Punishment of the growling behavior hinders your dog's ability to communicate how he's feeling and decreases his warning signals before a bite. Dogs that have been punished for growling or other aggressive warning signals may progress faster into a bite, and they may display fewer warning signs.
Many breeds are very protective, and many dogs have “their person” – so they will have a tendency to growl when someone else is approaching as a way to ensure that their special person stays safe. You may also see the behavior if they are friendly with other dogs and a new, unknown pet comes around.
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.
In the study, dogs acted guilty when scolded by their owners, regardless of whether they had actually committed the act for which they were being scolded. Based on this, it seems likely that dogs learn quickly that when pet parents unhappy with them, they can placate their humans by looking sad.
Scolding and punishing your puppy is never fun, for you or for him. It leads to hurt feelings, anxiety, and lack of trust. This can be the absolute worst when it comes to your furry best friend, just because of a little bad behavior.
Your pooch needs to be trained with love and compassion. New research suggests that adversely training, e.g. yelling at, your dog could cause long-term psychological harm. Dogs that had undergone adverse training methods were found to have higher cortisol levels in their saliva and displayed more stress behaviors.
It simply means they're having a great time. Your dog might even growl during a particularly pleasing cuddle or patting session. Many dogs growl talk to communicate contentment or as a greeting. These types of growls simply indicate happiness.
Dogs emit two primary growls: one for play and one for all other times when dogs are angry, a study confirms.
Frustration and Irritation
Commonly misinterpreted as aggression, your dogs can growl due to frustration as well which is most similar to a pleasure growl. Dogs don't handle irritation very well which is why it is often expressed with low, rumbling growl.