That being said, a well-tempered and socialized dog shouldn’t perceive anyone as a threat when you, as the leader, introduce the person as a friend.īut many people simply don’t know how to behave. Some dogs just don’t like their personal space invaded especially human-oriented breeds who bond with their owners but aren’t so sure about strangers. If this stranger then decides to approach, alarm bells go off.Įvery attempt at physical contact will be rejected with a low, growly and clear “no”. This often happens with seemingly confident and majestic dog breeds like the Cane Corso. If your dog wasn’t properly exposed to tall men with black coats in his early developmental stages, he might react particularly fearful towards them.
While some dogs are very aloof around strangers in general, others just dislike certain types of people or apparel. Suddenly being hugged by a stranger or getting a butt slap would throw anyone off. When it comes to preferences, dogs are not so different from us. Getting your dog more accustomed to pats also involves you learning how to actually stroke your dog the right way.īelow is an awesome video with every dog’s favorite spots: You can use plenty of treats when working on desensitization but be careful not to encourage undesired behavior which means removing the treat when your dog starts growling. How to fix it: If you want to work on the paws, simply teach your dog the trick “shake” which automatically involves his paws being touched without him really noticing it.
Veterinarians routinely need to check the mouth and ears and groomers (or you) must be able to hold your dog’s paw while trimming nails. You can try desensitizing your dog to like being touched in those specific places. Sensitive AreasĪll dogs prefer to be scratched on their favorite area, whether that’s the belly, back, or chest.īut many dogs actually dislike being pet on the head or around the muzzle, ears, and paws especially if it wasn’t a part of their socialization training. Getting your dog thoroughly checked by the vet can rule out any underlying diseases and will keep you and your dog safe. There are also several conditions that have aggression as a symptom like hypothyroidism. Medical ReasonsĪ sudden change in behavior often comes from pain or severe discomfort.Įspecially when you are touching an inflamed ear or an injured paw. Growling is still primarily a warning signal and every dog is different when it comes to the amount of play or pleasure vocalization. My Rottweiler really loves expressing herself and she growls a lot while playing tug of war or even with other dogs.īut just because your dog is vocalizing out of arousal doesn’t mean that he would never growl out of fear or anger. When you stop, he may start whining to demand even more scratches. Lowered tail, loose stance, and relaxed mouth are all signs of a dog that is enjoying being petted. It is easy to tell from his body language that he is feeling comfortable. You can compare it to a cat’s purr, meaning that your dog is emitting pure pleasure and happiness. Pleasure growling is characterized by a low, affectionate growl that may be paired with a moan and can continue on for a longer period of time. Growling is commonly misconceived as plain aggressive vocalization.Ī growling dog is portrayed as a snarling erratic and potentially very dangerous animal.Īs I said, growling is merely a way of communicating one’s needs, either positive or negative. Why Does My Dog Growl at Me When I Pet Him? Reasons for your dog growling at you when petted range from affectionate pleasure growling, to warnings around sensitive or painful spots, all the way to growling as last resort due to fear-aggression or anxiety. Whether this unpredictable behavior has just developed or only occurs from time to time, you will want to differentiate aggressive behavior from simple communication to find the best training method or management approach. The next moment he is demanding love again and you ask yourself if your dog is a schizophrenic canine. Most dogs enjoy those gentle massages and scratches and your dog is probably no exception.īut suddenly he starts growling when you pet him, maybe in an excited or anxious manner and wants to be left alone. When guests come over, in public, or just while relaxing on the couch, your dog is being petted.
0 kommentar(er)
