When you hear a dog growl, your initial instinct is probably\nthat it\u2019s out of aggression. In fact, there are around 5 reasons why your dog\nis growling \u2013 Let\u2019s take a look at what they are and how you can identify them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
First of all, we wanted to address the reason behind why\nyour dog growls in the first place. Any sound they make, whether it\u2019s a growl,\na bark or a whine, means that they are trying to communicate how they are\nfeeling to you. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
If you listen close enough to your dog\u2019s growl each time,\nyou will be able to hear the difference and eventually identify what they are\ntrying to tell you. Also, make sure you take notice of the different\nenvironment and situation they are in when they growl as this can be a big\nindicator of how they are feeling too.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Your dog will growl out of aggression just like you may\ninitially think, but there are ways you can identify that they are definitely\ntelling you that they are angry. The three L\u2019s can indicate that your dog is\ngrowling with aggression: loud, long and low rumbles. Their body language will\nalso immediately tell you that they are angry, with raised hackles, lunging\nmovements and snapping. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
The motion behind this growl is to express their power; their\nreason for anger is commonly if they have seen something they want to hunt, or\nthey want to exert their dominance over another canine. Always be cautious when\ntrying to separate your dog from this situation and never encourage their\naggression.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Commonly misinterpreted as aggression, your dogs can growl\ndue to frustration as well which is most similar to a pleasure growl. Dogs\ndon\u2019t handle irritation very well which is why it is often expressed with low,\nrumbling growl.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
This often occurs when there is something separating the\nowner and the dog, like a fence or a wall. The frustration reflects the\ndesperation of your pet to see you and highlights their irritation at the thing\nthat is separating you. They can hear you, but they can\u2019t greet you!<\/p>\n\n\n\n
At times, dogs feel uncomfortable just like we do and their\nway of telling us is with a rumbling type of growl. This would be paired with a\nset jaw, stiff body language and dilated pupils. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
They may feel uncomfortable because something is scaring\nthem, or they are being possessive or territorial over their space or an\nobject. Take notice of the surroundings and pay attention to whatever us\ncausing your dog to feel threatened or afraid. It may be you or it may be\nanother dog, so try to safely remove the perpetrator out of their personal\nspace. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
You may be confused if you hear your dog growl while they\nare playing with you or a fellow dog, but this is actually a sign that they are\nhaving fun. Play growls can be distinguished from other growls because they are\nslightly higher pitched and shorter. Soon enough, you will be able to\ndifferentiate these growls apart from aggressive ones but to help, take notice\nof their body language too. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
If they are bending down onto their front legs and raising\ntheir backside or performing bounding motions, then they are playing and\ntelling you they want to carry on. Keep an eye on them just in case it gets\nrough, but your dog will be able to tell when to stop or calm down as well.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
A dog may growl out of pleasure, just like a cat purrs when\nthey are happy. This will usually occur when they are getting any sort of\nattention, whether it\u2019s a belly rub or a cuddle on the sofa, or even when they\nare anticipating this attention.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
While they are growling with pleasure, they may be showing\ntheir teeth which may look aggressive but try to look at it as a smile. Low and\nloose, this growl is the complete opposite of an aggressive growl and is their\nway of telling you that they are happy and relaxed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
By feeding your dog a raw diet, it won\u2019t stop your dog from\ngrowling by any means, but it gives your pet more energy that they are able to\ncontrol better. Their temperament will improve, becoming calmer and\nexperiencing less aggressive growls.<\/p>\n\n\n\n