Why does my dog growl then cuddle me?

It simply means they're having a great time. Your dog might even growl during a particularly pleasing cuddle or patting session. Many dogs growl talk to communicate contentment or as a greeting. These types of growls simply indicate happiness.
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Can a dog growl affectionately?

Pleasure Growling

Dogs may also growl when they want to get your attention or want to play. Pleasure growling is unique in that most dogs will emit a low, affectionate growl that may be accompanied by a lengthy howl or moan. This is similar to how cats purr when content.
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What does a low growl from a dog mean?

Pleasure growling

A pleasure growl sounds very low and rumbling, and may last much longer than other dog growls. It's relatively clear from the situation your pet is in if they are emitting a pleasure growl: if they are having their belly rubbed or something else they really enjoy!
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Why does my dog growl and go for me?

Guarding people, places and things is normal for dogs (and for most people!) and growling is a dog's way of giving a warning. The aggressive display may stop with a growl (especially if the perceived threat goes away) or it may be a precursor to snapping and biting.
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What is pleasure growling in dogs?

Pleasure growling in dogs is a low, rumbling growl that occurs when they are enjoying something, such as petting or playing. It is typically accompanied by relaxed body language, such as a wagging tail and a relaxed posture.
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¿WHY IS YOUR DOG GROWL AT YOU? - Causes and What to Do

Why does my dog growl when I cuddle her?

It simply means they're having a great time. Your dog might even growl during a particularly pleasing cuddle or patting session. Many dogs growl talk to communicate contentment or as a greeting. These types of growls simply indicate happiness.
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How do you respond if your dog growls at you?

Those that growl are trying to avoid conflict, or at the very least, attempting to prevent a situation from escalating. When a dog is growling the best way to handle it is to stop whatever you're doing that's causing the dog to feel uncomfortable.
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Should I growl back at my dog?

While it may sound obvious, growling at your dog is not likely to improve its aggressive behavioral problems, a new study suggests. Hitting it is probably worse. Researchers say dog owners who kick, hit or otherwise confront aggressive dogs with punitive training methods are doomed to have, well, aggressive pets.
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Why does my dog love me but growl at me?

A Matter of Fear

Contrary to what you may have heard, dogs who growl, snap, or bite are not "dominant" but are rather dogs who are stressed and fearful. Sometimes, we may misinterpret their body language and think that they are asking to be petted when, in reality, they are asking for space.
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Can a dog growl and not be aggressive?

Yes, there IS growling that is usually harmless although it still should be supervised to prevent it from escalating into an aggressive response.
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Can dogs growl if they are happy?

You will hear happy growls in situations where they are roughhousing with a playmate, when they're getting pet or scratched, or just excited to see someone.
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Is a dog growl a warning?

Dogs have a large variety of vocalizations, but you'd be hard pressed to find a person who doesn't recognize a growl when they hear it. A growl is a warning from the dog to whoever they are growling at. It says “I'm uncomfortable with what is happening right now, and if pushed further I may feel forced to escalate”.
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Why is my dog starting to growl and snap at me?

A dog's aggression can lead to a bad outcome if your dog bites someone. The good news is that a growl or snap is your dog's way of communicating a waning—and your dog is choosing to warn you instead of biting.
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What does it mean when a dog growls and shows teeth?

They may have trained their dog to bare their teeth and growl, to act aggressively toward strangers, to guard the house against intruders, and to mistrust anyone who isn't the owner. Fearful of a threat. Dogs who feel their safety is at risk may show their teeth to try and make the danger go away.
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What does it mean when a dog growls but wags its tail?

Dogs may growl during playtime to show their enthusiasm or excitement. If you observe that your dog is wagging its tail while growling, it's a good indication that they are enjoying themselves.
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How do you assert dominance over a dog?

How to Be Alpha Leader for Your Puppy
  1. Ignore them when they're being pushy;
  2. Don't respond until he calms down or follows a command or trick first;
  3. Reward positive behavior;
  4. When they follow your commands, and if they don't show dominant behavior, reward and praise them.
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Why do dogs growl when petted?

They may also growl whenever you rub their belly, showing pleasure and contentment. It means that dog growling when petted is nothing to be concerned about and is often a tender expression of your dog's love towards you.
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Should I leave my dog alone if he growls?

You cannot punish an emotion out of a dog (or a human). Growling is just your dog's way of trying to tell you something important, and you should listen and genuinely thank your dog for the honest feedback. Growling is your dog's way of begging you to stop what you're doing and move away.
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How should I punish my dog for growling at me?

Tell him firmly, not in a yelling tone, to sit. Continue to tell him to sit until he does so. Once he has done this, repeat what you told him to do again and leave it alone. If you get his attention by having him sit to redirect his reaction, he should be able to be told again without the aggression.
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How to train a dog to stop growling?

Training Your Puppy to Stop Growling
  1. Distract them from their bad behavior.
  2. Yelp or call out if they're growling at you and step away from the situation.
  3. Remove them from the situation if they show signs of aggression.
  4. Let your puppy calm down in another room or their crate when they're overexcited.
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How to punish your dog when they bite you?

When your dog delivers a hard bite, yelp loudly. Then, when he startles and turns to look at you or looks around, remove your hand. Either ignore him for 10 to 20 seconds or, if he starts mouthing on you again, get up and move away for 10 to 20 seconds. If necessary, leave the room.
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What is the difference between a play growl and an aggressive growl?

While playing with people, they may growl while playing tug-of-war or waiting for you to throw a ball. You might even playfully growl back at them! The play growl is at a higher pitch and comes in shorter bursts than a longer, aggressive growl.
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Why is my dog growling at me when I touch him?

Dealing With a Growling Dog

Some dogs will growl when you pet them because they may not respect you. In addition, many dogs just don't like to be pet that much or at all. It's important to respect their space and not overwhelm them with petting. A growling dog is warning you to stay away.
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