One of the most misunderstood behaviours in dogs is growling.
Many people view a growl as bad behaviour, aggression, or something that should be stopped immediately.
In reality, a growl is one of the most important forms of communication a dog has.
A growl is not a sign that a dog wants to bite. A growl is often a dog’s way of trying to avoid biting.
It is an early warning system that tells us a dog is uncomfortable, worried, stressed, frightened, in pain, or needs space.
Dogs do not need to escalate to a bite if a growl is listened to and respected.
Growling is Communication
Growling is a normal and functional part of canine communication. It may mean:
- I feel threatened, trapped or unable to escape.
- I feel scared, anxious or stressed.
- I am uncomfortable in this situation.
- I need you to stop what you are doing.
- I am guarding something important to me.
- I need more space.
- I am tired, in pain, or my tolerance is low.
- I do not like being touched in this way.
- I have had a bad experience like this before.
Never Punish a Growl
A growl should never be punished.
Punishing a growl does not remove the emotion behind it; it simply removes the warning.
If a dog learns that growling results in punishment, they may stop growling altogether.
While this may look like progress, it can actually make the situation more dangerous because the dog may skip the warning and move straight to a bite.
Listening to the Message
When a dog growls, ask yourself:
What happened immediately before the growl?
Does my dog feel trapped?
Is someone touching them?
Are they guarding food, toys or a resting place?
Are they tired, ill or in pain?
Is the environment overwhelming them?
The growl is not the problem. The growl is information.
What Should You Do?
- Stay calm.
- Stop what you are doing.
- Give the dog space if appropriate.
- Assess what may have caused the reaction.
- Consider whether the dog is fearful, stressed, uncomfortable or in pain.
- Seek professional advice if the behaviour is repeated or escalating.
Respect the growl.
Listen to the message.
Thank your dog for communicating before they felt they had no other choice.
