Why does a family pet suddenly growl or snap for no reason? The first thing to recognize is that although you may not see a cause for the aggression at first, there IS a reason for it. However, there are many different factors involved, so it may take some detective work to figure out why Rover is growling. In the meantime, manage this aggression in a non-aggressive way to keep family and friends safe.
First, let’s be clear, in this article we are addressing the calm and loving family dog that out of the blue gets grumpy. We are not talking about a dog with ongoing aggression problems.
Fear – This is an extremely common reason, and it happens more often than many pet parents realize. The world can be a scary place, even for a laid-back dog. Seeing an unfamiliar dog near them, getting yelled at, new people in their home, a loud noise or unexpected touch, or even a strong leash correction can all be spooky situations. Depending on the circumstances, your dog could give a warning growl or a snap. The best thing to do is try and figure out what set your dog off and work to prevent this from happening again.
Resource Guarding – Rover loves his toys, people, food bowl, and cozy bed. Some dogs (even unexpectedly) will guard their stuff fiercely. Don’t punish Rover for this – it is a completely normal canine behavior, and you could make the situation worse. If you feel comfortable with Rover, you can teach him that trading can be rewarding and help him understand that you’re in his corner. When he has a toy, call him and give him a super delicious treat (real chicken or steak, maybe) in exchange for the toy. When he’s done, he can have the toy back. If you’re not sure of your training abilities, call in an expert to help.
Redirected Aggression – This can quickly happen, and it’s why trainers tell you never to interrupt a dog fight by grabbing your dog’s collar – you might inadvertently get bitten. Here is how it happens. Let’s say your dog is triggered by another dog and they are growling and snapping at each other. You interrupt the fight and one of the two dogs (even your pup) bites you. In the frenzy of the fight, the aggression was redirected away from one dog to you, and this is a natural instinct with canines. You’re much better off using water, a blanket, or a barrier to stop a dog fight.
Pushing The Limits – We all can get overwhelmed or frustrated with some behaviors, and your dog does too. He can’t really say “back off” so he responds with a growl or a snap. This can be as simple as a child pulling his tail or hugging him. Additionally, if your training includes punishment, Rover may eventually just gets fed up with corrections – positive training works better. Teach children and adults that interact with your dog the rules of the road with Rover.
Pain – Dogs that don’t feel well can react in abnormal ways and exhibit aggressive behaviors. Pain in animals can be tricky to diagnose because it isn’t always obvious. Your dog may be sick, have an injury, or have age-related problems. It is always a good idea to rule out a medical problem first, many of which can be treated if your dog’s behavior changes.Speak to your vet; if they rule out a medical issue, call a qualified trainer and let’s get Rover in a better headspace.
