Low Growls when greeting dogs

by Beatriz
(Fort Myers, Fl)

I have a female 2 yr old great pyranees/golden retriever mix. I just adopted her from the shelter I work at about three months ago. Whenever I've taken her to the dog park or a petsmart or some area where there are other dogs she growls lowly on and off while sniffing and greeting the other dog. Eventually she will warm up to the other dog and even play with them if she is at the dog park. But as soon as a new dog comes to the park she does the same thing again. However, when I walk her in my neighborhood sometimes small dogs will run up to her and sniff her and she doesn't growl at all. One time a lab even ran up to her and she didn't growl. One time at the dog park she went and sniffed another dog and the dog whipped around and tryed to attack her and she defended herself but it was over in a half a milli second. What I'm asking is should I be concerned about the low growling? Has anyone else experienced this? She has never snapped at a dog and she gets along great with my cat, but it concerns me bc I'm not entirely sure why she is acting this way.

Comments for Low Growls when greeting dogs

Average Rating starstarstarstarstar

Click here to add your own comments

Dec 23, 2016
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Low growlling
by: Donna

You want your dog to growl. He is telling the other dog and you he doesn't want that dog near him. Without the growl, he just goes for the bite.

He does this out of fear which is probably why he has no issue with small dogs. They are less intimdating. You cannot force your dog to get along with other dogs. Just as humans don't want to be friends with all other humans.

Avoid dog parks. People don't pay enough attention to their dogs so when play gets over the top, they don't stop it by getting their dog out of the mix. This is a recipe for disaster.

It's actually very rude to let your dog run up to other dogs and vise versa. You don't know how one dog will react to another. Proper introductions on leash are essential.

People seem to think their dog should just be friendly with all dogs and this is not the case. You don't know your dog's background. He may not have been well-socialized as a pup, and/or may have been or attacked by other dogs.

Find a friend with a dog with whom your dog gets along. Have said dog over to have play dates at your or their house in your securely fenced backyard.

Here is a wonderful article on this topic:

https://drsophiayin.com/blog/entry/dog-park-etiquette-rules/

Click here to add your own comments

Join in and write your own page! It's easy to do. How? Simply click here to return to Great Pyrenees Questions.

Show / Hide
CLICK TO FOSTER A PYR
PLEASE CLICK THE IMAGE

Breaking News

RSS

  1. Thor

    Sep 19, 26 05:31 PM

    Thor 
Location: Acton, ON DoB: June 25, 2021 (5-years-old)
 Required: Single detached dwelling with a large securely-fenced yard of at least 5-feet with

    Read More

  2. Lila

    Sep 19, 26 05:26 PM

    *ADOPTED* This sweet girl is doing extremely well with her new family. Congratulations all around. Lila Location: Acton, ON DOB: 2021 - 5-years-old

    Read More

  3. Whalen

    Sep 16, 26 03:33 PM

    DOB: late Sept 2023 (don’t know for sure) rescued Dec 2023 Location: Acton, Ontario Name: Whalen Single dwelling detached home with a securely fenced

    Read More

  4. Courtesy Post - Comet

    Sep 01, 26 05:07 PM

    A bite. Courtesy Post - Comet Location: Fergus, ON DoB: September 26, 2018, 7.5-year-old female Great Pyrenees From her owner: This is one of the hardest

    Read More

  5. Bo

    Aug 25, 26 07:39 AM

    DOB: late Sept 2023 (don’t know for sure) rescued Dec 2023 Location: Acton, Ontario Name: Bo He is close to 100 pounds. No children under 16. Bo

    Read More

  6. Lady Lu (a.k.a. Ludi)

    Aug 18, 26 05:43 PM

    *ADOPTED* From her new family: I am thrilled to say that Ludi is even lovelier than I hoped. She is fitting in well with everyone, she is very chill

    Read More

  7. Stanley

    Jul 21, 26 04:36 PM

    *ADOPTED* Stanley is settling in well in his country home with his new canine and feline friends along with his new people. Stanley Location: Acton,

    Read More

  8. Courtesy Post - Sasha

    Jul 17, 26 01:34 PM

    Working Male Dog for Hobby Farm DoB: 2022 Required: Secure fencing Location: Bridgewater, N.S. Sasha is a 4-year-old neutered male. He previously

    Read More