Why Does My Dog Growl at Other Dogs on Walks? Training Tips & Expert Advice

🧬 Understanding Your Dog’s Growl: Communication, Not Defiance

Dogs don’t speak English — they use body language and vocalization 🗣️ to express emotions.
When your dog growls at another dog on a walk, it’s not “being bad” or “dominant.” It’s a signal — a warning that they feel uncomfortable, threatened, or overstimulated.

💡 Did You Know?

According to the American Veterinary Society of Animal Behavior (AVSAB), growling is a vital communication tool and should never be punished ❌. If you suppress the growl, your dog may skip the warning next time — and go straight to snapping or biting.

🧠 The Psychology Behind the Growl

Growling has emotional roots — usually one of these:

🧠 Emotion	🐕 Behavior Cause	💬 What Your Dog is Saying
😨 Fear	Negative past encounters with dogs	“I’m scared! Please back off!”
😡 Frustration	Wants to greet but leash restricts	“I want to say hi, but I can’t reach!”
😕 Uncertainty	Poor socialization during puppyhood	“I don’t know how to behave here.”
💥 Overstimulation	Too many scents, dogs, noises	“I’m overwhelmed — give me space!”
🤕 Pain	Arthritis, ear infection, etc.	“That hurts! Please leave me alone.”

👉 A 2014 Casey et al. study found that fear, anxiety, and lack of early socialization were the top predictors of reactive or aggressive behavior in dogs — not dominance.

🧫 Scientific Evidence: What the Research Says

📚 Multiple studies show that punishment-based methods make dogs more anxious, while positive reinforcement leads to calmer, more reliable behavior.

🧩 Herron et al., 2009: Dogs trained using confrontational techniques (alpha rolls, leash jerks, yelling) showed increased aggression.
🧠 Hiby et al., 2004: Reward-based training improved obedience and emotional stability.
💉 Vieira de Castro et al., 2020, PLOS ONE: Dogs trained with aversive methods had higher cortisol (stress hormone) levels and pessimistic responses in cognitive tests.

👉 Science is clear: fear creates fear.
Training built on trust and understanding is not only kinder ❤️ — it’s more effective.

🩺 First: Rule Out Medical Causes

Before assuming it’s a training issue, check for physical pain 🏥.
Sometimes dogs growl because interaction physically hurts.

Possible medical contributors:

🦵 Arthritis or joint pain (especially in older dogs)
🦷 Dental pain
👂 Ear infections (pressure makes them sensitive)
🧠 Neurological conditions
💊 Past trauma or medication side effects

Visit your vet to ensure your pup isn’t reacting from pain before beginning behavior work. (VCA Hospitals)

🏠 Training Plan: Step-by-Step Guide to Stop Growling

Every dog is unique 🐕‍🦺 — but success follows these structured, science-based steps 👇

🥇 Step 1: Identify Triggers 🎯

Keep a reactivity diary 📔 for one week:

At what distance does your dog start to stiffen, bark, or growl?
What type of dog triggers it (large/small/energetic)?
Are they on leash or off?

✅ The goal: find your dog’s threshold distance — the point where they notice another dog but are still calm enough to eat treats or listen.

🍗 Step 2: Counter-Conditioning (Changing Feelings) ❤️

The most powerful tool in behavior science is classical conditioning — making new emotional associations.

👀 Dog sees another dog = 🎉 treat party begins.
Repeat over days until “Dog = Chicken Rain” 🍗💦

Over time, your dog’s brain rewires the emotional response from “scary” 😰 → to “yay, snacks!” 😋.
(Animal Humane Society)

🐕 Step 3: Desensitization (Changing Intensity Gradually) 🪜

Expose your dog to triggers at a safe distance where they don’t react.
When your dog is relaxed, reward calm behavior. Slowly close the gap over multiple sessions.

⏰ Sessions should last 5–10 minutes daily.
🎯 Always end before the dog becomes tense — success is measured in calmness, not closeness.
(SPCA Wake Guide)

👀 Step 4: The “Look at That” Game (LAT) 🕹️

This is a focus and confidence exercise designed by trainer Leslie McDevitt 🧑‍🏫 (Controlled Unleashed).
Used by behaviorists worldwide 🌎, it teaches your dog to look calmly at a trigger and then turn back to you for a reward.

How to do it:

Dog spots another dog.
You say “Yes!” or click the moment they look — before any reaction.
Reward immediately when they look back.
Repeat at safe distances.

🎯 Goal: Create a habit of checking in instead of lunging or barking.
(East Bay SPCA Protocol)

🧍‍♂️ Step 5: Behavior Adjustment Training (BAT 3.0) 🦮

Created by Grisha Stewart MA, CPDT-KA — BAT helps dogs learn calm disengagement through controlled exposure and movement.

BAT principles:

Allow dog to explore safely on a long line (5–10 meters).
Let them make decisions about approach and retreat.
Reward calm “cut-off” signals (looking away, sniffing, shaking off).

This method builds confidence & autonomy 💪.
(Grisha Stewart BAT Overview)

🦴 Step 6: Leash Handling & Equipment

Leash tension = tension in your dog.

Use:

✅ Front-clip harness (e.g., Ruffwear, Freedom, Balance Harness)
🚫 Avoid choke, prong, or shock collars — they associate pain with other dogs.
Keep the leash loose and your movements soft.

Tip: Walk with a relaxed posture and breathing — dogs mirror our body energy 🧘.

🕐 Step 7: Progressive Training Routine

📆 Week	🎯 Focus	🐕‍🦺 Practice Plan
Week 1	Identify triggers	Observe and log reactivity
Week 2	Counter-conditioning	Pair distant dogs with treats
Week 3	LAT Game	Short focus sessions in quiet parks
Week 4	Desensitization	Gradually reduce distance
Week 5	BAT walks	Calm areas with space for retreat
Week 6–8	Real-life walks	Practice under various conditions

🧩 Comparison: Training Approaches & Outcomes

⚖️ Approach	💡 Core Idea	✅ Pros	⚠️ Cons / Risks
Positive Reinforcement	Reward calm & desired behavior	Builds trust, scientifically proven	Takes patience
Desensitization & Counter-conditioning	Change emotional response	Sustainable, long-term fix	Requires control of distance
BAT 3.0	Empower the dog to make calm choices	Enhances confidence	Needs handler skill
Punishment-Based	Correct or suppress growling	May stop symptoms short-term	🚫 Increases fear & bite risk (Herron 2009)

🎯 Best combo: Positive reinforcement + gradual desensitization = safe, lasting success.

🧠 Expert Insights from Behaviorists

💬 “Growling is a dog’s language. If we silence it, we remove the safety net between discomfort and aggression.”
— Dr. Karen Overall, DACVB, University of Pennsylvania

💬 “Aversive methods can escalate aggression. We must teach through calm association, not fear.”
— Dr. Michael Lappin, Colorado State University

💬 “Training is more effective when dogs feel safe enough to learn. Safety fuels success.”
— Patricia McConnell PhD, Certified Applied Animal Behaviorist

💬 “When the leash is tight, communication is broken. Loosen your leash, and your dog’s heart.”
— Grisha Stewart, MA, CPDT-KA, BAT founder

🏡 Daily Practice Routine: The “Calm Confidence Plan”

🕒 Time of Day	🐾 Action	🍖 Reward Strategy
Morning Walk	Controlled exposure walk, no triggers too close	High-value treats for calm posture
Midday	10-min “Look at That” session in yard	Small food rewards or play
Evening	Calm leash walk, practice focus cues	Mix treats + praise
Bedtime	Gentle massage or brushing	Reinforces trust & relaxation

🌳 Lifestyle & Environment Adjustments

Avoid Dog Parks 🏞️ — until reactivity improves. Crowded areas overwhelm reactive dogs.
Routine & Predictability 🕐 — same routes build confidence.
Use Visual Barriers 🧱 — hedges or parked cars during exposure work.
Mental Enrichment 🎾 — sniff walks, puzzle feeders, slow-feeding mats.
Stay Calm 😌 — your emotional energy transfers through the leash!

🧮 Measuring Progress

Track weekly improvement ✅:

🐶 Reduced frequency of growls
🧍‍♂️ Shorter recovery time
👁️ Increased focus on you
🐕 Softer body language (looser tail, relaxed ears)

Keep notes & videos 📹 — sharing progress with your trainer helps fine-tune your plan.

🧩 Prevention for Puppies & Young Dogs

Early socialization prevents fear later in life 🐾.
According to AVSAB’s Puppy Socialization Position Statement, the critical window is 3–14 weeks of age.
Expose your puppy to safe, calm dogs 🐕, new environments 🌳, and different people 🧍‍♀️ positively.

❓FAQs

1️⃣ Is it normal for dogs to growl at others on walks?
Yes ✅ — it’s communication, not aggression. The issue is how you respond and help your dog feel safer.

2️⃣ Should I punish my dog for growling?
Never 🚫. Punishment hides warning signals and increases bite risk (AVSAB).

3️⃣ How long does it take to stop leash reactivity?
Most dogs show improvement within 6–10 weeks of consistent positive training. Severe cases may take 3–6 months.

4️⃣ Do certain breeds growl more?
No — it’s about temperament & experiences, not breed. Any dog can become reactive under stress.

5️⃣ Can older dogs change?
Absolutely 🧓❤️. Positive reinforcement works at any age — learning is lifelong.

6️⃣ Are prong or shock collars effective?
Short term? Maybe. Long term? ❌ They increase fear and cortisol (Vieira de Castro, 2020).

7️⃣ What should I do mid-walk if my dog growls?
👉 Step away calmly, avoid tension, speak softly, redirect attention with a treat or “Let’s go!” cue.

8️⃣ Does neutering fix aggression?
Only for hormone-related behavior. Fear-based reactivity requires behavior modification.

9️⃣ Can medication help reactive dogs?
Yes 💊. Under a vet’s supervision, SSRIs (like fluoxetine) or anxiolytics can support training in severe anxiety cases.

🔟 Should I hire a professional trainer?
Yes ✅ if your dog lunges or bites. Choose a force-free, positive-reinforcement certified professional (CCPDT, IAABC, CAAB).

⚠️ Disclaimer

This article is for educational purposes only 🧾 and is not a substitute for professional veterinary or behaviorist advice.
If your dog’s growling escalates to lunging, snapping, or biting — please contact a Certified Applied Animal Behaviorist (CAAB) or Veterinary Behaviorist (DACVB) immediately.