Respecting a dog growl

We discuss how to properly respond when a dog is growling. Growling is a form of communication, and we should respect it rather than react with fear or aggression.

The best approach is to stand still, avoid direct eye contact, and wait for the dog to calm down before slowly approaching again.

We should acknowledge the dog’s discomfort and reassure them that we understand and will not repeat the behavior that caused the growling.

A dog is growling, and we feel that it is challenging us. However, not every growl of a dog is a challenge. Some growls are simply the dog’s way of expressing discomfort as if to say, “I am feeling uncomfortable with what you are doing. Please stop.”

If a dog is growling, it is actually a good thing because it is giving you a warning and trying to communicate with you. Therefore, we should always respect a dog’s growl.

How to Respect a Growl?

When a dog growls, we should not run away or back off abruptly. Instead, we should stand still and look elsewhere. Once the dog calms down, we can then leave the area.

What should we say to the dog? We can say, “I understand that you felt uncomfortable with this, and I will not do it again.”

However, if we panic and run away when a dog growls, the dog might chase and bite us because it perceives us as weak.

If a dog is growling, we should not scold or get angry at the dog. Otherwise, we are not respecting its communication. Do not take growling lightly, but at the same time, understand that the dog is trying to communicate with you through its growl.