Punishing a dog for growling is a dangerous practice.
Growling is a normal and natural behavior for dogs.
It is their way of communicating when they are uncomfortable, stressed or afraid.
Growling should be viewed as a warning sign indicating that the dog is feeling threatened and may escalate their aggression if the perceived threat continues.
It is important to understand the underlying cause of growling in order to address the behavior appropriately. In the majority of cases, the root cause of aggressive behavior is fear.
When a dog feels threatened or fearful, their body will instinctively respond with a fight or flight response. If the dog feels they are unable to escape the perceived threat, they may resort to aggression as a means of self-defense.
Punishing a dog for aggressive behavior may exacerbate the underlying fear and cause the dog to become even more aggressive in the future. In can also result in them skipping benign warning signs and going straight to an unexpected & harmful bite.
Instead, it's important to use positive reinforcement training and desensitization techniques to help the dog learn to associate positive experiences with the perceived threat.
Let's review common warning signs that your dog is trying to get away from a perceived threat:
1. A sudden change in behavior (they may bolt or freeze, often accompanied by raised hackles)
2. Hunker (lower their posture or "hunker" down)
3. Growl (a low, guttural sound)
4. Snarl (baring teeth)
5. Snap (a quick, sudden movement of the dog's mouth towards a person, animal, or object)
6. Muzzle Punch (using their muzzle to forcefully push or punch an individual or another animal, often with their mouth closed or slightly open)
It's important for people to understand and respect a dog's warning signs and to avoid pushing a dog beyond their comfort level. If all other warning signs are ignored, dogs may feel that their only option is to escalate their behavior to biting in order to protect themselves.
Aggressive behavior in dogs should be addressed as soon as possible to prevent the behavior from escalating and to ensure the safety of all individuals involved.
In some cases, professional help from a certified dog trainer or behaviorist may be necessary to address the behavior.
In addition, the use of a muzzle may be appropriate in certain situations to prevent the dog from causing harm while the underlying issues are being addressed.
About the Author: Ashley Diaz is a dedicated pet owner and animal lover with over 10 years of experience providing professional pet care. With certifications in applied animal behavior & training, she shares her knowledge and insights on pet ownership, behavior, and welfare in her blog. Outside of her work with animals, Ashley enjoys spending time with her family, hiking, practicing yoga and playing the piano.