How to Prevent your Dog from Growling

A growl is used as a particular form of communication for a dog - a warning given signifying aggression, usually because they are being intimidated or someone or something is disrupting their comfort zone. In some cases however it could also be due to a health issue, so if your dog is growling for no apparent reason, then seek the advice of your vet to rule out any problems. Ultimately, growling is not always acceptable behaviour, as it could indicate more serious aggressive tendencies and the reasons for this should be explored to avoid social problems.

You should never punish a dog for growling, as it may develop further aggression issues. It is also a lot easier to prevent & this is best done with socialisation training, which helps dogs to interact with the world around them. Never isolate a dog when he growls either as this will cause more anxiety and aggression.

When out walking with your dog, you could use a muzzle, to restrain the aggression and growling. Once they stop growling at strangers and other animals, remove it but keep them on the lead. When introducing them to other dogs, try to initiate it with one that isn't aggressive, as they will respond better. If they do growl, tell them firmly "No". They will soon learn to interact better with other dogs as their interaction increases. The more new people and overall experiences they are exposed to positively, the less likely they will be to act aggressively in new situations later.

Growling is natural for a dog if they are playing a game of tug-o'-war, but it can still go too far, especially with children. Explain to them why a dog growls and if the dog starts growling suddenly, they should stop doing whatever they were doing because the dog is upset. Tell them that they must then move away slowly from the dog and never run away from the growling dog as it could upset them further. It is just as important for children to learn how to behave around a dog - even if it is their own pet - as it is for the dog to be trained how to behave around humans. Correct training is vital so as to avoid the potential for mishaps and possible biting in the future.

Growling can also be a sign of a dog trying to be dominant over you. It is important to make the dog aware of who is the boss. Some suggestions to acheive this would be to:

The above guidelines should help to set the leadership rules firmly and can solve many behavioural problems.

Some dogs growl when they are eating if someone gets too close. They are afraid that their food might be eaten or taken away from them. To help stop the growling in this type of situation there are a few ways to try to correct this. One is to choose an adult who the dog loves and trusts, letting that person feed the dog, staying close to him while he is eating. Start by talking to them reassuringly and calmly. When they are used to this, then let this person approach the dog while they are eating, constantly reassuring. Then once used to this, allow touch whilst they eat using only a slow, gentle stroke. This process could take weeks, but don't give up as it will remove the threat which makes them growl in the first place. Another way is to approach your dog's food bowl when it's empty and to drop a treat into it. They will start to learn that when people approach their food bowl good things happen.

If someone approaches your dog and they growl, it is generally because they feel threatened or protective. Ask the person to squat down to the same level as the dog. Then, to approach them gently with an extended hand, palm facing up, talking to them constantly with a soothing and calm voice.

If you feel that you cannot deal with any of the behavioural issues your dog presents, always seek professional help from either your vet or a trainer. Aggression in dogs is one of the hardest problems to overcome, but it is important that it is dealt with before an accident occurs. It is important to remember that if your dog bites somebody, you - the owner - are responsible from a legal point of view. Most dog insurance policies will include cover for public liability, but this should not absolve you from the responsibilities of teaching your dog acceptable behaviour. Whatever program you follow, always be consistent. Your dog is only going to learn new behaviours if its actions result in the same consequences every time. With the correct training you and your pet dog will be able to lead a long and happy life together.

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