The exact string of words, uttered by 10 different people, can mean 10 different things. A significant percentage of meaning is carried by tone, inflection, volume, body language, and specific circumstances.
Dogs also communicate through vocalizations, and much of the meaning is found in the body language and the pitch and intensity of the sound. Dogs have a language comprising six basic vocal sounds, and each has a variety of potential meanings:
- Barking: playful, frightened, aggressive, excited.
- Baying: hunting or facing a threat.
- Growling: aggression, play, excitement, discomfort, warning.
- Howling: calling the pack, triggered by a similar sound (such as a siren).
- Whimpering or yelping: excitement or sudden pain.
- Whining: wanting something, greeting, excitement, submission, illness, or pain.
Growling is particularly tricky. It can mean innocent play or excitement. But it can also mean, “I’m about to bite you!” Getting it right is essential, but the difference can be subtle.
What Does It Mean When Dogs Growl?
There may be as many reasons for growling as there are dogs, but most can be grouped into a few general categories. Some dogs are exceptionally vocal by nature. It’s often something younger dogs learn from older, role-model dogs. In any case, there’s always a reason; dogs don’t growl for no reason at all.
Aggressive Growling Sounds
An angry person attacking another will release a frightening, guttural sound as they strike a powerful blow. An aggressive dog emits a menacing growl to establish their position in the pack or before going after other dogs. They may also be in hunting mode if they see potential prey.
If the dog is feeling threatened or scared, a growl may be a warning that a bite is imminent if the threat doesn’t back off. Someone is in their space, and the dog wants them to leave. If the dog is uncomfortable with a dog or person they are greeting, they may growl to warn of their displeasure.
This growl tends to be loud, low-pitched, deep, and rumbling. The dog’s body posture is stiff and alert, and the dog may lunge at the target.
Play Growling
Athletes scoring goals often elicit loud, primal howls of excitement and glee. But, out of context, it can sound aggressive.
For dogs, play growling means they are having a good ol’ time with other dogs or people, and they want to keep going! When playing with another dog, the body language is loose — bouncing around each other, running, and wrestling. While playing with people, they may growl while playing tug-of-war or waiting for you to throw a ball. You might even playfully growl back at them!
The play growl is at a higher pitch and comes in shorter bursts than a longer, aggressive growl. The only concern here may be the potential for escalation if playing gets too rough or the dog gets carried away with high energy.
Pleasure Growling
Have you ever had a time when your dog made a growling sound while you petted them? It is a softer, low-pitched growl with a longer sound string, almost like a cat’s purr. This growl may come from a high-quality belly rub or ear scratch. It’s like the long sigh people make when getting a massage or settling into a favorite chair at the end of a long day.
Frustration Growling
Do you know that “aaaahhh!” sound you make when you miss that turn while driving or drop your ice cream cone on the ground after waiting in a long line for it? Dogs do the same thing in the form of a growl. If they see their human on the other side of a door or fence they can’t get past, they’ll likely let out a frustrated growl. They’re not getting what they want!
This growl sounds similar to an aggressive growl, especially if it goes on for a long time and the dog gets more desperate to get what they want.
Overstimulation Growling
If you think back to childhood, there were times when fun play got a little too exciting, and the yelling and screaming got too serious. Of course, nobody meant for someone to get hurt.
Growling for play or other types of non-aggressive growling can unintentionally become a warning of aggression when dogs get overexcited. If play gets rough, for example, a play bite can become a real one. The dog just got carried away.
Pain-Related Growling
People often moan or let out loud groans when in pain. They express their feelings and tell others (who are not medical professionals) not to touch the injured area. A dog’s growl serves the same function.
In addition, it follows dogs’ instincts. Animals in the wild hide pain because showing it will make them vulnerable to attack or abandonment. If they can’t hide it, they will do their best to defend themselves and keep dangerous animals or people away. Growling a warning and then biting is their attempt at self-preservation.
A Few Other Reasons for Growling
Defense: If you reprimand your dog, they may feel threatened or frightened and growl in response.
Territory: They may growl a protective warning if a dog or person gets too close to what they consider their territory. A favorite napping spot, beloved toy, or in the case of a mother dog, her puppies will be protected by a set of well-timed growls as well.
Fear: A scared dog may growl to seem more frightening.
Seemingly nothing: Your dog may also growl at something they suddenly see, hear, or smell that you can’t sense at all, leaving you to wonder whether your place is haunted.
What You Can Do to Deal With Your Dog’s Growling
Because your dog can’t tell you what’s on their mind, you’ll have to put on your Sherlock Holmes hat and figure out what is causing any problematic growling.
Know Your Dog
The better you know your dog, the better you will be able to see subtle differences in the sounds they make and the emotions they exhibit. Of course, if you’re dealing with an unfamiliar dog, it’s best to assume the growling is aggressive and keep your distance.
Understand the Context
Start with the situation in which your dog is growling. If they’re playing, and everyone is having fun, leave it be. Just watch to make sure things don’t escalate into a problematic situation. Is there a pattern? Does the dog growl whenever they encounter a specific dog or an area of the dog park? Is there a point where things start getting out of control?
If you can, avoid these situations, and interrupt play time if things reach a recognizably aggressive point. Cross the street if the problem dog is up ahead. Stay away from areas that make your dog uncomfortable or frightened.
Consider Your Dog’s Body Language
Body language and vocalizations give you a complete indication of what’s a problem and what is not. For example, a growling dog that’s relaxed and bouncy is playing. A growling dog with stiff body language focused on a target is preparing to attack. A dog growling while they’re on their back getting a belly rub is not likely to be aggressive.
Is the hair standing up? That’s a sign of alertness or distress. What’s the position of the tail? A wagging tail doesn’t always mean happiness. A wagging tail held high may mean that, but a low tail may indicate a problem.
Redirect Your Dog
Try redirecting your dog’s attention when they start growling in a non-play situation. For example, if the dog always growls at strangers when you’re out for a walk, get them to pay attention to you instead of the strangers by using treats and toys or by changing direction.
No End in Sight for Your Dog’s Growling? The Professional Dog Trainers at K9 Basics Can Help!
Sometimes it can be hard to know what your dog’s growls mean. You want to avoid making a mistake and ending up with a bite on your or someone else’s hand. Professional trainers, such as the expert team at K9 Basics, will help you identify problem situations, teach you how to deal with them, and train your dog to respond with more acceptable behaviors.
Contact us to make an appointment. We will help you give your dog a long life with less stress and more confidence. We are here to help!
Give us a call at (866) 592-2742 or, if you’re from New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Delaware, or New York, visit us at 131 Kenilworth Road, Marlton, New Jersey 08053, to learn more about our dog training services. Also, browse our blog and social media for various topics about dogs and their lives with us!
References
- “Types of Dog Growl & What Your Dog Is Trying to Tell You.” Purina, www.purina.co.uk/articles/dogs/behaviour/understanding-dogs/what-does-dog-growling-mean. Accessed 15 Feb. 2023.
- “Why Do Dogs Growl & What to Do.” PetMD, www.petmd.com/dog/behavior/why-do-dogs-growl. Accessed 15 Feb. 2023.
- Que, Joanna. “Not Just Aggression: 6 Reasons of Dog Growling and Snarling.” Petfeed – Pet Care Tips, How-to Guides, Funny Stories, Comics, and Videos, Petfeed – Pet Care Tips, How-to Guides, Funny Stories, Comics, and Videos, petcube.com/blog/why-is-my-dog-growling/. Accessed 15 Feb. 2023.