Dog growling – what does it really mean?
If your dog’s ever growled and left you thinking, “Wait… why are you doing that?” – you’re definitely not the only one. Growling can sound scary, but it doesn’t always mean your dog is being aggressive.
Sometimes, it’s fear. Sometimes, it’s excitement. Sometimes, it’s their way of saying, “I’m not sure about this.” The tricky part is figuring out what they’re trying to tell you – and how you should react.
In this post, I’ll share a few things I’ve learned about dog growling. Some tips I’ve tried myself with my Jack Russell, Leksi. Others I’ve found while digging through articles and expert advice. I’m not a dog trainer, just a curious dog owner who’s been through a few “Why are you growling at Grandma?” moments.
Hopefully, these tips give you a better idea of what might be going on – and a few ways to help your dog feel safe and understood.
How to respond when your dog growls
I’ve learned that trying to stop a growl without understanding it doesn’t usually work – at least, it didn’t with Leksi. Growling is how dogs speak up when something feels off. So before jumping in to correct it, it helps to take a moment, observe, and figure out what your dog is really trying to say.
1. Set clear bed rules (only by invitation)
Some dogs get a little too attached to sleeping spots – especially the bed. If your dog growls when someone gets too close while they’re curled up next to you, it might help to set some boundaries.
Try this: only let your dog on the bed when you invite them. You can use a simple cue like “Up!” and reward them for waiting. If they hop up on their own, calmly guide them down. Over time, they’ll understand that being on the bed is a privilege, not a given.
With Leksi, this tip didn’t change much because the growling wasn’t really about the bed itself – it was about me. But if your dog guards the bed or gets snappy when others approach it, this might be a good place to start.
2. Practice basic commands with calm energy
Commands like “sit,” “stay,” and “off” aren’t just for showing off – they help build trust and make daily situations easier to manage. Practicing them regularly, even just a few minutes a day, helps your dog stay calm and responsive when things get tricky.
For example, teaching “Off” can be really helpful if your dog needs to leave a space calmly – like the couch, the bed, or even your lap. Pair the word with something positive (a treat, toy, or praise) so they associate moving away with something good.
Leksi knew most of her commands well, but I’ll admit – we didn’t practice daily. And when she felt protective, she’d often ignore me completely. So this one works best if you keep it consistent and low-stress.
3. Watch for patterns and triggers
Dogs rarely growl “just because.” There’s usually a reason, even if it’s not obvious at first. Start paying attention to when and where your dog growls. Is it always when someone enters a certain room? Only with certain people? During specific situations?
At first, Leksi only growled when I was home and someone got too close to me. It felt like she was trying to protect me – even from my own grandma. But over time, the behavior changed. She started growling even when I wasn’t there, especially if someone entered my bedroom. What started as protectiveness turned into full-on guarding.
That’s why noticing early patterns matters. A simple log – mental or on paper – can help you figure out what’s triggering the growling. Once you know the cause, it’s easier to decide what to change or where to start helping your dog feel safer.
4. Offer a safe space nearby
If your dog growls while on the bed or couch, try giving them their own cozy spot nearby. A dog bed, crate, or even a soft blanket in a quiet corner can help them feel safe without needing to be right next to you.
The goal isn’t to punish or exclude them – it’s simply about creating clear boundaries. You’re letting them know they’re still part of your space, just with a bit of distance. This can be especially helpful if the growling is directed at you or if your dog gets overstimulated easily. A dedicated rest zone gives them a chance to calm down and recharge without pressure.
5. Redirect with a task or treat
Sometimes, growling comes from uncertainty or feeling out of control. Giving your dog a small job – like working on a puzzle toy or chewing something safe – can shift their focus and help them relax. This works especially well when guests arrive or when your dog seems tense.
Try offering a treat-dispensing toy, a frozen Kong, or a scent game. It turns a stressful moment into a mentally engaging one, giving your dog something to do instead of growling.
I didn’t try this early on with Leksi, but looking back, I think it could’ve helped. Giving her something fun to focus on might’ve lowered her need to guard me so closely.
6. Keep greetings low-key
It’s natural to get excited when you come home or when visitors arrive. But for some dogs, too much energy all at once can feel overwhelming. If your dog tends to growl during greetings – especially when others come near you – it might help to keep things calm and simple.
Ask guests to ignore your dog at first. No eye contact, no reaching out, no sudden movements. Let your dog approach when they feel ready. This creates space and choice – two things that help many dogs feel safer.
Even just a few quiet minutes at the start can make a big difference in how your dog reacts.
7. Don’t comfort growling with cuddles
It’s easy to feel bad when your dog growls. Maybe they’re scared or just unsure – and you want to help them feel better. But if you respond with cuddles or treats right after a growl, your dog might think that behavior is okay or even rewarded.
Instead, stay calm and consistent. If the growling isn’t appropriate (like when someone comes near you or a family member walks by), gently remove your dog from the situation or take a break. No scolding, no affection – just a quiet pause.
This helps your dog learn that growling doesn’t lead to extra attention while also avoiding fear or punishment. It’s all about balance.
8. When in doubt, get help
If growling becomes frequent or hard to manage, don’t hesitate to reach out to a professional. A dog trainer or behaviorist can give you personalized advice based on your dog’s personality, environment, and emotional needs.
There’s no shame in asking for help, especially when it comes to something as emotional as your dog’s behavior. In fact, the sooner you ask, the easier it can be to make progress.
Every dog is different. What works for one might not work for another. A professional can help you understand the “why” behind the growling and guide you through the “what now?”
Final thoughts: it’s okay to take your time
Dog growling can feel stressful or even personal, but try not to take it as a sign you’re doing something wrong. It’s just communication. Your dog is telling you something, and your job is to listen and guide them through it with patience and consistency.
Some tips might work right away. Others might take time or need a different approach altogether. And that’s okay. What matters most is that you’re paying attention, staying kind, and showing your dog that they’re safe with you.
If you’ve dealt with growling or guarding behavior and found something that helped, I’d truly love to hear about it. You can message me anytime at [email protected] – I know I’m not the only one still figuring it out.