When a dog growls..

Is it a weakness?

Mike Ritland has shared his insights on dog behavior, including growling, in various interviews and his books. Here are some key points he has made about growling:

1. Growling as Communication:
   • Ritland emphasizes that growling is a form of communication for dogs. It’s their way of expressing discomfort, fear, warning, or frustration. He suggests that owners should understand the context of the growl rather than immediately punishing the dog for it.
   • According to Ritland, dogs don’t just growl for no reason. There is usually an underlying cause, whether it’s fear, protection, or simply a response to something that is uncomfortable or threatening.
2. Growling Shouldn’t Be Punished:
   • Ritland advises against punishing a dog for growling. He explains that growling is often a precursor to biting, and if a dog is punished for growling, it may skip the growl and go directly to aggression, which could make situations more dangerous.
   • Instead, he recommends addressing the root cause of the growling. This could involve behavior modification techniques, setting boundaries, or removing the trigger causing the dog’s distress.
3. Training to Manage Growling:
   • Ritland teaches that proper training can help prevent situations where growling turns into aggression. Building trust and clear communication with the dog is key to managing growling behavior.
   • He also recommends teaching the dog to calm down or refocus through structured training and positive reinforcement.
4. Understanding the Context:
   • Ritland often mentions the importance of observing the situation and body language of the dog. A dog’s growl might be a signal that it’s feeling threatened or protective, but it can also be a sign of playfulness in some cases. Understanding the context helps to determine how to appropriately respond.

In summary, Mike Ritland suggests that growling should not be automatically viewed as a bad behavior. Rather, it should be seen as a signal from the dog that requires understanding, and it should be addressed with thoughtful training rather than punishment. This approach helps maintain a safe and trusting relationship between the dog and its owner.