5 Tips to Understanding Your Dog’s Growl
by Evan Davis, Admin
Filed under Dog Behavior, Dog Talk Tips
We often hear that a dog’s bark is worse than its bite. In the real world of dogs the bite is likely far worse. However, dogs rarely bite unprovoked and almost, always, always, always give some warning. Warning is usually given by a growel or bark, and so it is important to know what a dog’s growl means. A growl might mean, “keep away,” or it could be an invitation to play. How can you tell? Here are 5 tips.
1. Soft, low-pitched growling: “Beware!” “Back off!” This is used as a threat and usually causes the listener to move away, giving the dog more space.
2. Low-pitched growl-bark: This is a clear growl that leads to a bark. It means “I’m upset and I’m ready to fight!” This is a clear warning that pressing the dog will lead to aggression.
3. Higher midrange-pitched growl-bark: “I’m worried or frightened, but I will defend myself.” This is the threat of a less-confident animal who will, however, most likely fight back if pushed.
4. Undulating growl: This is a growl that goes from low midrange to high midrange with a kind of a semi-bark often added as the pitch rises. It means “I’m terrified. If you come at me, I may fight or I may run.” This is the fearful-aggressive sound of a very unsure dog.
5. Noisy growl, with teeth hidden from view: “This is a good game!” “I’m having fun!” It is usually part of the play sequence and may be tucked in between a series of stutter-barks. It usually indicates intense concentration, as in a tug-of-war or play-acting aggression.
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