Hey everyone! I’m back to answer another common question that keeps popping up.
Why Does My Dog Growl at Some People and Not Others?
Today, I have my younger sister, Mia, with me, and her adorable Rottweiler, Priscilla. Mia and Priscilla have been inseparable for almost two years now. Mia raised Priscilla from a puppy, teaching her everything she knows (with a little help from me, of course).
Recently, Mia has noticed a pattern in Priscilla’s behavior that’s starting to worry her.
What’s Happening with Priscilla?
Mia noticed that Priscilla, who usually never growls, has started growling at certain people. The first incident happened at the park when an older lady approached them. Priscilla growled, scaring the lady away, and making Mia feel like she had a dangerous dog.
But here’s the thing – Priscilla isn’t dangerous at all!
A similar incident happened recently when Mia introduced Priscilla to her new boyfriend. Priscilla growled at him too, which is making Mia concerned about the future of her relationship. What’s odd is that Priscilla doesn’t growl at their parents, me, or any of Mia’s friends.
So, why is Priscilla behaving this way? Let’s dive into some possible reasons and solutions.
Sometimes, People Just Look Suspicious
Priscilla is a fantastic Rottweiler – a guardian, a skilled watchdog, and a sweetheart. Despite the stereotype that Rottweilers are dangerous, Priscilla is gentle and friendly.
One reason Priscilla might growl is that some people just look suspicious to her. It could be their walk, their gestures, or even their accessories like hats or sunglasses.
Mia mentioned that the lady at the park was wearing a big hat with flowers on it, which might have obscured her face. Dogs can get insecure if they can’t see someone’s face clearly. This insecurity can lead to fear and, consequently, growling.
And, Sometimes, They Just… Smell!
Source: caninejournal
Another reason could be scent. Dogs have an incredible sense of smell and can be sensitive to certain scents they associate with negative experiences.
Mia’s new boyfriend might have a scent that Priscilla doesn’t like. It could be anything – maybe he had fish for lunch and Priscilla hates the smell of fish, or he petted another dog on his way over. We can only guess, but the scent could be triggering Priscilla’s growling.
Dogs’ noses are so powerful that they can even sniff out illnesses like cancer in undiagnosed patients. So, it’s not surprising that a particular scent might bother Priscilla.
What You Should Do About the Growling
Growling is a form of communication for dogs, and it’s important to address it appropriately. Here are some steps you can take to help Priscilla get used to Mia’s boyfriend:
Use Dog Treats
Dog treats are a great way to create positive associations. Ask Priscilla to sit and stay still as Mia’s boyfriend approaches. Reward Priscilla if she doesn’t growl and use a firm “no” if she does. Repeating this process can help Priscilla learn that there’s no need to growl.
Involve the Boyfriend
Mia’s boyfriend should also bring some of Priscilla’s favorite treats with him. The treats’ scent will transfer to him, making him more familiar to Priscilla. He should follow the same steps – ask Priscilla to sit and stay, reward her for not growling, and gently correct her if she does.
Be Patient
It might take some time for Priscilla to warm up to Mia’s boyfriend. This doesn’t mean Priscilla is problematic or that there’s something wrong with Mia’s boyfriend. Dogs can be cautious around new people, and patience is key.
Final Thoughts
If Priscilla continues to growl only at Mia’s boyfriend, it might be worth investigating further. Sometimes dogs sense things we don’t. As a protective big brother, I might need to have a chat with him to ensure everything’s okay.
Conclusion
Understanding why dogs growl at some people and not others can help us address their concerns and create a harmonious environment. By being patient, using positive reinforcement, and understanding our dog’s unique perspectives, we can help them feel secure and happy.
