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I was lurking som'where else and I was interested when this topic came up and absolutely SHOCKED when I saw how many people correct their dogs for growling.
Personally, I may interupt/redirect occasionally, but I never give any sort of P+ for any growling behavior. Iam in the camp that thinks its a valid communication tool, and that taking away this system may lead to a 'bite first" type dog.
My last visit to the dog park, Both Chili and Emma growled on several occasions, Chili, mostly in play, and Emma growled at a dog trying to mount her...Both times this woman started telling them "NO NONO!" (while still petting them mind you) and I had to reassure her it was ok.
Why is growling so taboo to so many people? For those of you that don't allow it....What is you thinking behind it?
might I add that my dogs (knock on wood) get along fine and growling has never escalated to a bite between me and them, or them and each other, I think this is in part of me allowing this.
i also actively try to countercondition them to whatever triggered it in the first place.
Personally, I may interupt/redirect occasionally, but I never give any sort of P+ for any growling behavior. Iam in the camp that thinks its a valid communication tool, and that taking away this system may lead to a 'bite first" type dog.
My last visit to the dog park, Both Chili and Emma growled on several occasions, Chili, mostly in play, and Emma growled at a dog trying to mount her...Both times this woman started telling them "NO NONO!" (while still petting them mind you) and I had to reassure her it was ok.
Why is growling so taboo to so many people? For those of you that don't allow it....What is you thinking behind it?
might I add that my dogs (knock on wood) get along fine and growling has never escalated to a bite between me and them, or them and each other, I think this is in part of me allowing this.
i also actively try to countercondition them to whatever triggered it in the first place.
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