Raising Puppies

It may be tempting to laugh if your tiny puppy growls over a toy when you try to take it, but this is actually a problem behavior. Growling over a food bowl, toys, or other "prizes" is called "resource guarding." This problem will not go away on its own, and actually is likely to become worse if not addressed. What starts out as a growl could end up as a snap or a bite.

Teasing your puppy while she growls is not a game. Instead, it's likely to increase her aggression. What if she gets hold of something dangerous, and you can't get it away from her because she snaps at you? What if a small child tries to take your puppy's "prize" away? Some puppies may not bite an adult but won't hesitate to bite a young child.

If your puppy is growling over items, it's no laughing matter. Call a professional dog trainer or applied animal behaviorist and get help addressing the problem now, before your puppy and her growls get any bigger.

There's another instance where puppy growling is a real concern. Some puppies growl at their tails, paws, or other parts of their own bodies. You may have even seen videos of this behavior on popular television shows or on the Internet. Many folks laugh out loud when they see a dog growling at herself, but experts in dog behavior cringe. This is not normal behavior for a dog, and it could indicate some serious problems. If your puppy is growling at herself, consult your veterinarian and a professional dog trainer or applied animal behaviorist.

Please note that this does not apply to a puppy who growls at her reflection in a mirror. It's very common for puppies to be startled at their reflections and growl as a result. If your puppy does this, touch the mirror and show her that there's not another dog there. Don't force her to go smell the mirror; she should approach it by herself. Most puppies figure this out quickly, and some even seem to admire what they see!

Obsessive Behavior Is Not Healthy

Some puppies chase their tails over and over again, so much o that you have to physically stop them or they'll spin until they drop. Some act like they're snapping at bugs, but you can't see any insects at all. Some puppies may chase reflections over and over. If your dog exhibits one of these behaviors, it's not a cute puppy antic. Please call your veterinarian for assistance. Your puppy may be ill and need professional help.