Is it okay if my dog is growling?

The answer is YES.

It has been very commonly noticed that there always is some “rivalry” between two dogs in the same house, there are several reasons for this! Just like us humans, usually we love our siblings but there are times when they can get on our nerves, it’s the same for our furry babies. Since it is impossible for us to read why our doggy is infiltrating such behaviour towards the other, it is very important to not punish them for it.

If these fights keep increasing, you should always consult a behaviourist, they can always help you understand why our dogs act in the way they do, how to treat them in such situations and what you can do to make these fights stop! All we humans need to do is remove the cash from our pockets, and have a little patience and let our dogs get used to each other better.

One way to help your dog is positive reinforcement. Being calm, having a good temperament around them makes them calm too, they catch on our vibes. Use the ‘quiet’ command whenever your dog growls at another dog. Give him a treat when he obeys and stops growling. If he doesn’t, force him to lie down until the other dog has gone. Treats are the best way to train your baby!  This process should be repeated. Patience is the key to having a healthy relationship with your little one.

Some signs to notice about the aggressive behaviour of your kiddos are as follows:

· Take note of early warning signs such as whining, ears pointing forward, pulling on his leash, raised hackles, or staring the other dog in the eyes. All of these are signs of aggression, and they are likely to be followed by growling and more aggressive behaviour.

·  There are no incentives. Giving him a treat or praising him for his aggressive behaviour is simply unacceptable; all it does is teach him to behave this way in the future. It also entails not paying him any attention at all, as this will reinforce the behaviour.

·  Avoidance is preferable. When you see another dog approaching, take your dog across the street, or if that is not possible, walk at an angle perpendicular to the one from which the dog is approaching. Your dog will eventually learn that avoiding confrontation is preferable to being confrontational.

·  No yanking on the leash, simply walk in the opposite direction. Just do it, don’t pull on the leash, and your dog should follow you. If he does, reward him with a treat.

·  Apply positive reinforcement. Reward your dog with a treat and praise every time he follows you without growling. If he does not comply, do not punish him; instead, go back and repeat the training.

·  Reduce the distance gradually. Reduce the distance between your dog and the others gradually; rewarding him each time he passes another dog without growling. With time and practice, your pup will be able to be in the company of other dogs and walk past them without growling.

Again, it is important to remember; just like all humans, the nature of every animal is also different hence it is important to contact a professional for this. Or if you want to understand more? Join our expert workshop this weekend! https://www.sploot.store/products/expert-workshop-pawsitive-tales-multidog-homes