So what are the various kinds of growling, and why are they all good? 1. Modern trainers know that dogs growl for a variety of reasons, and that all growling communicates important information to an educated dog owner. My clients are invariably thrilled when I give them permission – no, encourage them – to play tug with their dogs. I give myself a mental smack on the forehead every time I hear this it’s inconceivable to me that some dog training “professionals” still perpetuate this myth despite all the evidence to the contrary. Anything that elicited a growl from a dog was bad, too, which is why many dog owners have been warned against playing tug with their dogs – because it encourages aggression, as evidenced by the dog’s growls. In the old-fashioned dog training world, generally all growling was perceived as bad – an aggressive threat. Also, my experience and education in canine behavior has led to my understanding that canine growling, in all of its various presentations, is a good thing, not a bad thing. I can easily interpret the tone of the growling, and recognize it as healthy, mutually enjoyable play. I know that two of my dogs are playing tug with their favorite rope toy and that the ruckus is nothing to be concerned about. Do I drop my broom and run to break up a dog fight? No, I chuckle to myself and keep on sweeping. Finishing up my morning chores, I am sweeping the barn aisle when I hear ferocious growling erupt in the feed room.
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