Helpful Hints to Keep Your Dog From Growling at People

Dogs growl for a variety of reasons, from fear and unease to possessiveness over food or toys. When a dog begins to growl at family, friends or strangers, the concern arises that this reaction may escalate into further aggression. Address this behavior as early as possible on your own or with the help of a specialized trainer.

  1. Understanding the Cause

    • To stop a dog from growling, first understand his response. Dogs will often emit a sound that resembles growling during active play. The growl-like sound is harmless during this type of play, so long as the rest of his body language is expressing a playful disposition. True growling is a dog̵7;s way of expressing his unease, disapproval or his desire to be left alone. It is an assertive reaction caused by a feeling of being threatened. His body will tense and he will likely stare down the threatening party. Often, when the threatening animal or person changes course or moves away, the growling ceases. If the threat continues to advance, the dog may begin to bark or even snap in response.

    Unusual Growling

    • If growling is an uncharacteristic response for your dog, make an appointment with your veterinarian for a medical checkup. Underlying hormonal or neurological changes may have arisen to create a change in behavior.

    The Importance of Socialization

    • Socializing the dog will desensitize him to elements that were previously threatening to him. Go for walks together, visit dog parks and bring your dog to other suitable social functions. If you are concerned she will snap or bite at a person or another animal, start the socializing process with a muzzle. For a dog that is used to frequent isolation, begin socializing slowly with short walks or a few minutes at the park. Increase the frequency and duration of these activities over time and remove the muzzle when you are comfortable with her responses.

    Positive Reinforcement

    • Negative reinforcement can lead to increased aggression in dogs. Do not yank on the dog̵7;s chain if he growls in public and never hit or yell at the dog for his behavior. Obedience training is important, but must be carried out in a calm and assertive manner. Use firm voice commands, such as, ̶0;No̶1; and ̶0;Sit̶1;, and reward the dog for his good behavior.

    Growling without Additional Signs of Aggression

    • Try a simple approach to discourage growling. If you neutralize the situation by leaving or having the person leave, you are reinforcing the benefits of growling. Instead, have the advancing person stay put for a moment without advancing any further. Give the dog a moment to calm down and allow him to back away a little if he is attempting to do so. He is retreating from something that is causing fear. These actions will deescalate the threat and he will stop growling. Provide him with a chew toy if he still seems uneasy because the chewing will help to alleviate stress. Wait until he has stopped growling to present the toy so it is not misconstrued as a reward.