Put an End to the Stress and Annoyance of Your Dog's Growling Problems!
There are some situations in which you want your dog to growl. If he hears a noise you cannot hear, he growls to alert you to the possibility that trouble is afoot. If you’re walking, and someone is bothering you, you hope your dog will growl at that scary stranger, and send him running in the opposite direction.
On the other hand, there are some times when growling is inappropriate. If your dog growls when it is time to eat, or if he growls to guard his toys or his bed from you; or if he growls at you when you tell him to do something he would rather not do, then that is a problem.
Before we look at how to end problematic growling, let’s take a look at why dogs growl – after all, the first step to solving a problem is to understand it!
Why Do Dogs Growl?
Dogs are sentient beings, with a wide range of emotions and feelings. Growling is a type of vocalization that dogs make to express themselves. Usually, dogs growl in response to unfamiliar situations or stress, and they also growl as a warning. They growl if they are angry, and sometimes they growl to assert their dominance over another animal, or over a human they do not respect.
Discover How You Can STOP Your Dog’s Growling Problems Today!
Sometimes, dogs growl while they are playing. You might have witnessed this if you have played a game of tug with your dog, or seen him playing with other dogs.
In order to understand why your dog is growling, you should look at the whole situation, not just think, “Oh no! My dog is growling!” Look at his body language. Is he looking happy and playful, or is he looking alert, or could he be glaring with his hackles up and his tail held out stiffly behind him? If you are unfamiliar with dog body language, then you should learn more – the insight you will gain will help you with many situations!
Ending Problem Growling
Now that you know that not all growling is bad, you will want to correct any aggression based growling by asserting your position as the alpha. This does not mean that you want to hit or kick or your dog – you will only make him angrier, and he may bite.
Do not try to assert yourself as alpha in response to a growl. Instead, consider hiring a dog trainer, or take your dog to obedience classes. Make the time you spend together positive, and help your dog understand that you are the pack leader. This helps to alleviate the stress your dog could be feeling, and it can stop problem growling. You want to look at the forest, not the trees!
Second, every member of your family should be superior to your dog. He should respond to commands from even the youngest children, and he should do so happily. Be sure commands are clear and consistent, and eventually, you will have a much happier, better behaved dog on your hands.
Third, be sure that kids respect the dog’s right not to have his hair, ears, or tail pulled. Kids should know how to approach the dog, and they should never yell at, hit, or kick the dog. If your kids can’t respect your dog, then it is time to find him a new home where he will be comfortable and happy.
Last, be sure your dog is not growling out of discomfort. If your dog has a painful, underlying medical condition, he may be growling when he is touched, because touches hurt. He could even have a neurological condition, particularly if he is elderly.
Discover How You Can STOP Your Dog’s Growling Problems Today!
By understanding why dogs growl, and knowing what to do about it, you can stop your dog from growling for the wrong reasons. If growling continues, hire a trainer – the problem will stop much more quickly!
