Punishing a dog for growling could turn a warning into a bite
Dog trainer Jasmine Parker warns that suppressing a growl removes a crucial safety signal and risks an unwarned bite.
A dog that growls at its owner is sending a clear warning, not being naughty. Punishing the growl silences that signal.
Owners may then be unaware their dog is frightened or uncomfortable. Next time, the bite may come without warning.
Dog trainer Jasmine Parker explains that seemingly bad behaviours like barking, jumping on visitors and destructive chewing often signal anxiety, not disobedience. Other signs a dog is struggling include panting when cool, pacing, refusing to settle, freezing, stiffening or looking away while keeping eyes fixed on what bothers them.
Understanding what drives a behaviour, rather than trying to stop it, lets owners actually change it. As the festive season approaches and routines are disrupted by visitors and travel, dogs often become clingy or vocal.
Parker recommends exercise, mental enrichment and teaching new skills to help dogs regulate emotions.
Why it mattersA growl is a crucial warning signal. Punishing it removes the only signal before a bite happens.
AustraliaAustralian dog owners can reduce bite risk and improve their pets' wellbeing by recognising anxiety signals instead of punishing them.
Corroborated bythenightly.com.au
✓ Claims checked against the source and corrected before publish. checked 15 h ago
