Why Growling Is a Good Thing (Yes, Really!)

by Courtney Goblirsch

Let’s talk about growling. For many dog owners, that low, rumbling sound can feel a little scary. It’s easy to assume a growl means aggression, and even easier to want to stop it immediately. But here’s the thing: growling is not something we want to punish. In fact, it’s a healthy and important form of communication.

Your dog growls to let you know they’re uncomfortable, unsure, or even scared. It’s their way of saying, “Something doesn’t feel right to me,” long before a snap or bite ever happens. And when we punish a dog for growling, we’re essentially telling them, “Don’t warn me next time.” That can lead to a dog who stops growling but still feels uncomfortable, and then may escalate straight to a bite with no warning.

Instead of punishing the growl, we want to thank our dogs for communicating. That doesn’t mean we reinforce the behavior with a treat or praise, but we do acknowledge it with calm observation and then ask ourselves an important question: Why is my dog growling?

Maybe your pup is guarding a toy, feels overwhelmed by a stranger, or is in pain. Once we understand the why, we can begin working on desensitization, counterconditioning, or other appropriate training techniques. The goal is to help your dog feel safer and more confident in situations that previously caused discomfort.

Here’s what you can do when your dog growls:

• Stay calm. Don’t react with fear or frustration. Your calm energy helps your dog feel safe.

• Create space. Remove your dog from the situation or create distance between them and the trigger.

• Reflect. Think about what just happened. What was the trigger? What emotions might your dog have been feeling?

• Make a plan. Use positive training methods to slowly and safely address the root cause.

Remember, your dog’s growl is a gift; it’s them trusting you enough to speak up. If you’re not sure where to begin or if your dog is growling regularly, we’re here to help. Schedule a session with one of our trainers to create a personalized plan that works for both you and your dog.