Dogs may not speak the same language as we do, but they’re excellent communicators. They convey their feelings and intentions through various body postures, gestures, and vocalizations. And that includes growling! Okay … I know what you’re thinking: Growling is a clear sign of aggression. But, it’s not that simple. It’s important to realize that not all growls are created equal. They can have a variety of meanings, depending on your dog’s surroundings. Figuring out the motive for your dog’s grunts and growls is the first step to preventing a potentially problematic situation.
1. Fear
Dogs will often growl when they feel afraid, threatened, or intimidated by another dog, person, or thing. They let out a growl as a way of protecting themselves from a perceived threat … as if they’re saying, “Back off!”
When a dog is frightened, they typically want two things: distance and time. It’s important to evaluate your dog’s situation, determine what they’re afraid of, and provide sufficient space from the trigger.
A few years ago, I interviewed Kathy Reilly, a certified dog behavior consultant who works just outside of Charlotte, North Carolina. In that interview, we talked a lot about fear. She shared, “It’s important to not punish a dog for growling and to let your dog move away if necessary. If you take away the growl or the ability to escape, he may have to bite to get the threat to go away. A growl is a good thing. It’s your dog’s way of saying, ‘Hey, I’m not comfortable and I really need you to back away.'” She went on to say, “By getting angry and punishing your dog, you will be adding to his fear and anxiety.” Read the interview HERE.
2. Territorial/Possessive
Dogs may growl when someone gets a little too close to their food, bone, favorite toy, or another beloved item. They get worried their valuable item will be taken away, so they jump into action to protect it. Again, this is their way of saying, “Back off!”
This behavior is often referred to as “resource guarding” or “possession aggression”. The good news: There are things you can do to help prevent, or put an end to, this behavior. Instead of sticking your hand into your dog’s personal space and snatching their treasures (this is a bad idea – please don’t do this), teach your dog commands like “leave it” and “drop it”. Additionally, practice trading with your dog … where they relinquish one item for a high-value treat.
3. Pain
The thought of a helpless dog in pain is a scary one. Oftentimes, they’re forced to suffer in silence because they can’t simply tap us on the shoulder and say, “Hey – I’m not feeling so well!” That’s why it’s important to monitor your dog’s day-to-day behavior, stay alert to any changes, and know the top warning signs of pain in dogs. One of those warning signs: Growling! When a dog is in pain, they will go into protective mode and guard their injured body part. This means, if you get too close or accidentally touch the injured area, your normally friendly pooch may begin to growl. If you suspect your dog is injured and in pain, get them checked by your local veterinarian ASAP.
4. Frustration
If your dog is confused by something and unsure what to do, they may growl out of frustration. Has your dog’s ball ever rolled under the couch, too far for their paws to reach? If so, how did they react? Perhaps they spent some time reaching for it, and when they failed to reach it, they started growling at it! Some other reasons dogs may become frustrated are: They’re not understanding what’s expected of them, they’re not given an opportunity to explore their surroundings, and they’re not provided enough mental or physical exercise.
5. Alerting Their Humans
Every day at 5 pm, my toy Poodle, Gigi, comes running into my home office, stares at me, and lets out a little grunt/growl. She’s talking to me. And, since we play this song and dance on the regular, I know exactly what she’s saying. “I’M STARVING … GET OFF YOUR BUTT AND SERVE ME DINNER NOW!” 😂 While your dog may alert you about something other than dinnertime, sometimes grunt-style growls mean our dogs are trying to tell us something.
6. Playfulness/Excitement
Contrary to popular belief, sometimes growling is positive. Many dogs will growl and grunt during playtime because they’re having fun. They’re not being aggressive. They’re simply expressing their emotions of joy and excitement. My dogs do this whenever we play tug-of-war!
Next time you hear your dog growling, consider the context. Try to identify the source and address it. If they’re simply having fun then it’s nothing to worry about. If the growling is in response to a perceived threat, remove the trigger and then come up with an appropriate training plan. It’s never a good idea to punish a dog for growling, as it can lead to more fear, anxiety, and stress. If the growling persists and is causing a threat or problem, enlist the help of a professional trainer or behaviorist.
