The Truth About Dog Growling
Most dog owners do not know about the growling reflex which occurs in many dogs when their ear canals are massaged. When this apparently unconditioned response occurs, the dog may be punished, stimulating defensive reflexes to fight, flee or freeze. Also, when many dogs display submissive growling and/or fang baring, (the submissive “smile”), naive owners apply harsh punishment or back away from the dog.
In either event, serious biting problems can result because the threatened dog displays submissive behavior, but achieves no relief from the owner’s threats or punishment so it then actively defends itself; or the retreating owner becomes fearful of the dog, which puts the dog in control.
Growling is one of the least studied kinds of canine behavior. Unfortunately, growling is widely regarded as something an owner should never tolerate, lest the dog become dominant in the relationship. In fact, many owners are advised to apply dominance handling techniques as a counter measure with puppies and adults.
DogandMaster.com on April 5th 2008 in Dog Behaviour, Dog Training
