Why Does My Dog Growl at My Other Dog: Causes, Concerns, and Solutions

Dog growling at each other can be a cause for concern, especially if it indicates aggression. Understanding the reasons behind this behavior is crucial for ensuring the safety and well-being of your furry family members. Whether it's due to communication, resource guarding, play behavior, fear, or establishing hierarchy, there are several factors to consider. This article will explore these causes and provide guidance on how to address the issue.

Understanding the Causes of Dog Growling

Dog growls can be nuanced signals, indicating various emotions and intentions. Here are the primary causes:

Communication

Growling is a natural form of communication for dogs, serving as a warning or a request for space. When one dog growls at another, it could be indicating discomfort, a need for personal space, or a desire for a different course of action. Effective communication is vital for maintaining a harmonious pack.

Resource Guarding

If a dog is protective over food, toys, or other resources, it may growl to assert dominance or prevent another dog from approaching. This behavior is rooted in the survival instinct of the pack, where each member must secure their share of resources to ensure survival. It's essential to understand this behavior to prevent conflicts.

Play Behavior

Growling during play can seem aggressive but often indicates excitement or engagement. When dogs play, they might bark, snarl, or growl, which can be mistaken for aggression. However, these noises often serve to heighten the excitement and energy of the play session. It's important to watch the context and body language to differentiate between play and true aggression.

Fear or Anxiety

A dog may growl out of fear, especially if it feels threatened by the other dog's behavior or presence. This fear-driven growl is a defensive mechanism that helps the dog to feel safer despite the perceived threat. Identifying and addressing the cause of the fear is crucial to resolving this type of growling.

Establishing Hierarchy

Dogs have social structures, and growling can be a way to establish or reinforce their rank within the pack. Dominant dogs may use growling to express their position, while submissive dogs might growl to assert their own boundaries or to avoid conflict.

Pain or Discomfort

If a dog is in pain or discomfort, it may growl when another dog gets too close. This is a natural response to protect oneself from further injury. Ensuring the dog is free from pain and discomfort is crucial to preventing aggressive behavior.

Addressing Aggression and Ensuring Safety

If the growling escalates into aggression or if it worries you, it's important to take prompt action. Here’s what you should do:

Quick Vet Visit

First, take your dog to the vet to rule out any pain or discomfort causing the growling. Pain and illness can often manifest as aggressive behavior. Be very clear about the circumstances and what you mean by aggression. Video recordings can be particularly helpful in documenting the exact nature and frequency of the behavior. Explain the situation in detail, including when the behavior began and in which situations it’s most likely to occur.

Leash Management and Supervision

Do not allow the dogs to interact freely until the issue is resolved. For the time being, the growling dog should be leashed and under your control. This will help prevent any accidental conflicts and ensure the safety of all dogs in the household.

Medical and Behavioral Advice

Consult a veterinarian or a professional dog trainer for expert guidance. They can provide tailored advice and intervention strategies to manage the behavior.

Understanding and Addressing the Behavior

Consider factors such as age, fixed status, and the leadership structure of the pack. A dominant or spayed/neutered dog may start to challenge others, especially those who were previously subordinate. Dogs that are deeply bonded with their owner may see other dogs as competitors for attention.

Seek Professional Help

I have observed in my foster packs and my own dogs that once a dog becomes ‘in love’ with the owner, the others perceive them as potential opponents. Addressing this issue promptly can prevent further aggression and ensure a harmonious environment.

Conclusion

Your dogs’ safety is of utmost importance, especially if an aggressive behavior is observed. By understanding the causes of growling, addressing any underlying medical issues, and seeking professional advice, you can work towards creating a safe and stress-free environment for all members of your pack. If you need further help, consider seeking the guidance of a veterinarian or a professional dog trainer.