03/08/2023
THE GIFT OF THE GROWL
Dogs don’t bite if a growl will suffice
Not all growling is a sign that a dog’s unhappy. Some growls may be part of a particular play style, seeking attention, from frustration or other reasons.
They may all sound a little different and may be unique to that particular dog.
This post is not about different types of growls, but about reactive, aggressive or early warning growls.
When a dog growls, especially when it’s directed at us, our natural human response is to feel offended and maybe even angry.
Surely dogs need to learn not to growl, growling is bad, it’s not acceptable, a problem that needs to be stopped or punished so a dog learns that it’s wrong, disrespectful and unacceptable, right?
This couldn’t be further from the truth! A dog that growls has just provided us with very valuable information. In their way, they have just told us how they feel without resorting to a bite.
Dogs use growling in an attempt to avoid having to resort to biting, not to initiate it. They could just as easily not have even bothered to growl and gone straight to a bite.
A dog that growls is trying to communicate how they feel. Ignoring or punishing it only suppresses this communication. Punishment increases the level of a dog's discomfort and creates more stress.
A dog that bites without the warning of a growl is a far more serious problem than a dog that growls but doesn’t bite.
Look for any other early warning signals that may precede a growl. Learn to recognise body language. Take note of what makes your dog feel uncomfortable and create distance or give them space.
Be grateful for the gift of a growl – the growl is an early warning signal that we need to respect, understand & acknowledge.
