Mythbuster: A Growling Dog is Always Aggressive
- katierussi
- Nov 13
- 2 min read
When people hear a dog growl, it often sparks fear or worry — it’s one of those sounds that tends to make us freeze! But here’s the truth: growling doesn’t automatically mean a dog is aggressive. In fact, it’s one of the most valuable ways dogs communicate with us.
Growling is Communication, Not Conflict
A growl is simply your dog’s way of saying, “I’m uncomfortable with this” or “Please give me space.” It’s a warning signal — and a very polite one.
Dogs growl to express all sorts of emotions, including:
Fear or anxiety
Pain or discomfort
Feeling overwhelmed or cornered
Resource guarding (protecting something valuable to them)
Frustration or uncertainty
Think of it like a human saying, “Stop, I don’t like that.” We wouldn’t call someone aggressive for setting a boundary, and the same goes for our dogs.
Why We Should Never Punish a Growl
It’s really important not to punish or scold a dog for growling. When a dog is told off for growling, they don’t learn to feel better — they just learn not to give that warning next time.
That’s how we end up with dogs who “bite without warning” — not because they’re unpredictable, but because they’ve been taught it’s not safe to communicate.
Instead, we want to listen to the growl. It’s your dog’s early warning system — and it gives you the chance to step in before things escalate.
What to Do if Your Dog Growls
Pause and give space. Stop what you’re doing or move away calmly.
Observe the situation. What might be making your dog uncomfortable?
Avoid confrontation. Don’t shout, stare, or move in closer.
Look for patterns. Is the growling linked to certain situations (e.g., being touched, food, strangers)?
Seek help. If your dog growls regularly, contact a qualified, force-free behaviour professional to help you understand what’s going on.
Growling is Actually a Good Thing
It might sound strange, but you want your dog to feel able to growl. It means they trust you enough to communicate. A growl gives you valuable information — and an opportunity to support your dog and prevent things from getting worse.
By listening instead of reacting, you’re building trust and showing your dog that you respect their feelings.
Final Thoughts
A growl doesn’t mean aggression — it means communication. It’s your dog’s way of saying, “I need space,” “I’m not okay right now,” or “Something hurts.”
So the next time you hear that rumble, take a breath and thank your dog for speaking up. You’re one step closer to understanding what they’re really trying to say.
If you're worried about your dog's behaviour please reach out to me for help - I have both online and in person services available:
Comments