- Not a substitute for professional veterinary help.
Hearing a growl can be confusing or even a little scary, but understanding why dogs growl can help you understand your dog better and feel closer to them.
Dogs most often growl to communicate their need for space, says Dr. Jill Goldman (PhD, CAAB), the owner of DJG Animal Behavior Services. The reason they need space will vary depending on their environment, other dogs, and stress levels. When your dog growls, you’ll want to go into observation mode to understand what is causing them to growl and how to respond to the situation.
Let’s look at how to interpret your dog’s growling.
What Does It Mean When a Dog Growls?
Dr. Kat Pankratz, a veterinary behaviorist at the Animal Behavior Clinic, says that dogs have different growls for different situations. And you’ll need to look at context and body language cues to decipher their meaning.
One clue is to monitor who or what your dog is making eye contact with. The pitch and frequency of the growl can also indicate whether your dog is feeling aggressive, threatened, or playful.
| Growl sound | Meaning | Body language cues |
|---|---|---|
| Soft and rumbly | Play | Loose, wiggly movements |
| Low and guttural | Fear | Stiff, tense, direct eye contact |
| Low and rumbly | Stress | Tense, focused, possible pacing |
| Harsh | Pain or fear | Avoiding touch or turning away |
| Aggressive | Guarding | Guarding stance, alert gaze |
6 Reasons Why Dogs Growl
1. They’re scared
Fear is a very common trigger for a dog growl. Dr. Goldman says a growl is them saying, “don’t come closer,” when they feel scared, uncomfortable, or are guarding a resource.
Dr. Pankratz says you can usually tell a scared dog through body language cues like panting, freezing, and pacing. Common things that can scare dogs include:
- Other dogs: Especially unfamiliar dogs or ones they’ve had problems with before.
- Strangers: People who look, smell, or act differently. Socialization can help your dog adjust.
- Loud noises: Big trucks, fireworks, or loud construction can make some dogs nervous.
- Strange objects: Hats, umbrellas, or uniforms can confuse or worry dogs.
2. They’re protecting their territory
Dr. Pankratz says dogs sometimes growl to keep others away from their territory or belongings. Valuable resources often include:
- Food
- Toys
- Resting spots
- Favorite humans
3. They’re sick or hurt
If your dog suddenly starts growling and doesn’t seem to be in a bad mood, they might be in pain. Signs of pain in dogs vary from hiding, changing sleep positions, and whining. In these cases, seeing a vet is your best bet.
You may need to carry your dog differently if they have injuries.
4. They want to be left alone
Sometimes, dogs just want some alone time. Dr. Amy Pike, a board-certified veterinary behaviorist, says that a dog might growl if you bother them when they’re resting or sleeping.
They usually start with gentle signs like turning their head away or licking their lips, but you don’t listen, they might voice their displeasure.
5. They’re frustrated
If dogs can’t complete a task or do something they want, they might voice that frustration, says Dr. Lisa Gunter (PhD, CAAB), an assistant professor at the VT School of Animal Sciences.
Look at your dog’s body language if you’re unsure what your pup is trying to tell you.
6. They’re playing
Dogs sometimes growl during fun play, like tug-of-war or wrestling with other dogs.
Dr. Goldman says a growl after a play bow (a form of metacommunication) means they’re simply engaging with their pet parent or another dog in fun.
Luckily, telling the difference isn’t too difficult. Dr. Pankratz says playful growling often comes with:
- Soft, relaxed bodies
- Wiggly movements
- Bouncy, playful moves like a bow
Should You Discipline or Ignore a Growling Dog?
Most dog bite accidents happen because people ignore a dog’s warning signs. If you ignore a growl and try to discipline your dog, Dr. Goldman warns that your dog may escalate in aggressive behavior.
They might growl louder, lift their lip, bare their teeth, or bark to make it clear they want you to back off. If those signs are continually ignored, a dog may snap or bite without any warning next time.
The only type of “ignoring” you should do is walking away to let your dog know that you heard them.
How to Respond When Your Dog Growls
Instead of correcting or responding to your dog’s growl with the same energy, follow these tips to help communicate with your dog:
- Stop and give your dog space. Stop whatever is going on to let your dog decompress from the situation.
- Stay calm. Dogs can sense our anxiety. If you respond with stress or anger, this could escalate their behavior.
- Redirect your dog. Help your dog focus their attention on something else. You can scatter food on the ground to get them sniffing as canine nose work can be calming.
- Treat your dog. When the growling stops and your dog is showing lose body language, give them a treat or praise. This can communicate to your dog that they did the right thing.
- Never punish. Punishing your pup might stop them, but they could still feel bad and might even react more strongly, like snapping or biting, next time.
- Visit a vet or vet behaviorist. If growling is a common or on-going behavior, you’ll want to seek professional help. A vet can help rule out pain or medical concerns and a vet behaviorist can help recommend a trainer.
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When to See a Vet About Growling
If your dog starts growling suddenly or you don’t understand why, Dr. Pike suggests taking your pup to the vet to check for any health problems.
If you want your dog to learn how to handle situations that might make them upset, Dr. Pankratz recommends getting help from trusted trainers or behavior experts, such as:
- Fear-free dog trainers
- Certified behavior consultants
- Veterinary behaviorists
