If you’ve ever been around dogs, you may have noticed that some of them never seem to make a sound, no matter how big or small the threat. It’s strange, especially when you consider that growling is an instinctual way for dogs to warn off predators or other aggressors.
So why don’t some dogs growl? There are various reasons why your dog doesn’t growl including personality, age, previous training, injury, and past experiences.
Let’s have a look at these reasons in more detail.
5 Reasons Why Your Dog Doesn’t Growl
Personality
Some dogs are just naturally quiet and don’t feel the need to growl, even when they’re feeling threatened. This is simply their personality. If your dog falls into this category, don’t worry – they’ll still be able to protect themselves by using other signals, like a raised hackle or an aggressive stare.
Age
As dogs get older, their personalities and communication skills can change. Some older dogs may have lost their hearing, which means they might not be able to hear the growling sounds that younger dogs use to communicate.
Previous Training
If your dog has been trained not to growl, they may no longer do so. This is especially true if you’ve trained your dog to only use certain verbal or physical signals when feeling threatened.
Injury
Sometimes dogs can lose their ability to growl if they’ve been injured in the throat or mouth area. If this is the case, your dog may have trouble eating or drinking and will need to see a vet as soon as possible.
Past Experiences
If your dog has had negative experiences with growling in the past – such as being scolded for growling at another animal – they may stop growling altogether as a way of protecting themselves.
FAQ
Do some dogs never growl?
Yes, some dogs never growl. There are a number of personality traits that can be found in some dogs that never growl. It’s perfectly normal for a dog to not show any aggression whatsoever.
Why do dogs growl quietly?
Dogs may growl quietly for a number of reasons. Some dogs may do it simply because they’re excited or happy, while others may do it in order to warn another dog (or person) to back off. It’s also possible that your dog is experiencing pain or discomfort and is growling as a way to communicate this to you.
How do I make my dog growl?
The best way to make your dog growl may vary depending on your individual dog’s personality and behavior. However, a good way to start is by introducing it when playing with an object that your dog growls at.
If your dog starts growling, make sure to praise them and give them a treat, as this will help reinforce the behavior. Over time, you can start making the growling less and less necessary until your dog will simply do it on cue. Be careful not to inadvertently create a situation where your dog feels the need to defensively bark or bite, as this could be dangerous for both you and your pet.
Why you should not growl at your dog?
When you growl at your dog, you are teaching him that it is acceptable to be aggressive. Dogs often growl as a way of communicating their displeasure or asserting their dominance over others. When you respond to your dog’s growling with more aggression, you are only reinforcing this behavior.