What Makes Puppies Growl at Children?

You may have the nicest puppy in the world, but there will be times when he gets to growling. This menacing sound is a defensive mechanism that often serves as a warning, so be thankful your pup chose to growl rather than bite first and ask questions later.

  1. Dominance

    • Your puppy learned about growling, playing and social structure when he was still with his mom and litter mates. In the wild, canines establish a social hierarchy that helps them function as a unit. Domestic dogs may not rely on social order to survive, but the need to carve a niche in the hierarchy is hard-wired into their genetics. Even if your puppy respects adults as superior members of the house's pack, he may not see a new child the same way. Puppies tend to display submission or dominance depending on his previous status in his litter, so keep an eye on the new pet until you get a feel for his attitude, according to Milford Animal Hospital.

    Pain and Sickness

    • One of the first things you should do when your puppy is growling or threatening a child is to take him to the vet. There's a chance his bad attitude is due to pain from an injury or illness. Some dogs have a persistent aggression problem due to medical conditions that affect their brain, according to Animal Humane Society. The child also may be playing too rough with the dog, pulling his hair or squeezing too hard. Your dog doesn't understand that the child doesn't know better, he only knows that the current situation is unpleasant.

    Protective Aggression

    • Food, toys and space are a few of the things a puppy may see as being his, and his alone. If your child reaches out to take one of the toys, the dog is likely to growl to warn him to back off. Remember, your puppy just came from an environment where he had to compete with several of his brothers and sisters for everything. Even if you give him love, attention and treats in a space separate from your child, it can take time for him to adjust to the new lifestyle.

    Preventing Growling and Aggression

    • The most important safety measure is supervision. Never leave children alone with dogs, even small puppies. Start training your pet the minute you bring him home by making him sit and obey other simple commands in exchange for treats and verbal praise. Create a separate space for your dog's food, crate and toys that is off-limits to the kids. Show young kids how to pet the dog gently and discourage them from putting their face near his mouth or wrapping their arms around him, as these actions are easily seen as threats through the dog's eyes. Consult a veterinarian and animal behavioral specialist if the growling and aggressive behavior continues.