Tips & Tricks
The simple things that make all the difference!
Have you ever heard your puppy growl and thought, “Uh oh… is something wrong?” You're not alone — but here’s the good news:
👉 Growling is not bad. In fact, it's a very important part of how dogs communicate.
Just like humans use words to express emotions, puppies growl to let us know they’re uncomfortable, unsure, overstimulated, or even just playing. It’s their way of saying, “Hey, I need space,” or “I’m not sure about this.”
🐾 Don’t punish it. Punishing a growl can teach your puppy to skip the warning signs and go straight to a bite.
🐾 Pause and assess. What’s happening in the moment? Is your puppy overwhelmed, tired, or feeling threatened?
🐾 Respect the growl. Give them space or redirect the situation in a positive way.
🐾 Use it as information. A growl is an opportunity to build trust and teach your pup how to handle that situation better next time.
With the right approach, growling becomes a helpful tool in training — not something to fear. 🐶💬
Want more tips like this? Our free resources and weekly live training sessions via Zoom are here to help you every step of the way.
👉 Free Resources
We’re here to help you raise a confident, well-behaved pup — with compassion and communication at the core.
Happy Training!
The BAXTER & Bella Team
www.baxterandbella.com
