How to Train Dogs to Stop Growling

Dogs growl as a way of expressing different emotions. A dog may be growling because she is scared of something new or different. She may be growling out of aggression or anger. Or she may be growling to assert her dominance over you or another animal. Whatever the reason for her growling, growling should never be tolerated and needs to be corrected immediately. There are several steps to successfully stop your dog from growling.

Instructions

    • 1

      Make it clear that growling is unacceptable. Tell him no whenever he growls. This lets him know you will not tolerate this behavior.

    • 2

      Avoid games that encourage growling. Tug of war and wrestling with your dog are fun; however, they teach your dog that growling is acceptable. She may think that because she is allowed to growl when playing a game then she can growl any time.

    • 3

      Reassert your dominance. Growling is often done because he thinks he is the pack leader and wants to let you know he is in control. Show your dominance by entering every room before your dog, eating your meal before feeding him his meal and making the dog sleep at the foot of the bed if you let him share your bed.

    • 4

      Introduce your dog to new situations and new dogs slowly. Growling is often a sign of fear and discomfort. Allow her to explore a new situation on her own terms.