Peggy has been a growly poodle since day 1. At first it was alarming and the circumstances that provoked it pointed to an urgent need for positive socialization. We committed to that and now have a very happy, social 19-month-old girl.
But even though it’s much less likely to happen these days, growling is still her default response to situations that make her—I assume—nervous. Situations that would have prompted my last dog to bark or tremble or even run away, but never growl.
For example, today on the trail Peggy passed loads of dogs and hikers (and even mountain bikers!) with no issue. But when a man with a mask and two big walking sticks came around the bend? Grrrr.
I know I’m not supposed to want to stop the growling. It’s an important form of communication. But....it’s embarrassing. I can admit that, right? It’s also potentially frightening for people who don’t know her and can’t tell she’s not being “aggressive.”
I’m guessing the best thing we can do is keep improving her confidence with good experiences, mental and physical exercise, and bonding. But is there anything else? Her progress has been steady and positive. I just wish there was a way to teach her an alternative—more socially acceptable—method of communicating concern.
But even though it’s much less likely to happen these days, growling is still her default response to situations that make her—I assume—nervous. Situations that would have prompted my last dog to bark or tremble or even run away, but never growl.
For example, today on the trail Peggy passed loads of dogs and hikers (and even mountain bikers!) with no issue. But when a man with a mask and two big walking sticks came around the bend? Grrrr.
I know I’m not supposed to want to stop the growling. It’s an important form of communication. But....it’s embarrassing. I can admit that, right? It’s also potentially frightening for people who don’t know her and can’t tell she’s not being “aggressive.”
I’m guessing the best thing we can do is keep improving her confidence with good experiences, mental and physical exercise, and bonding. But is there anything else? Her progress has been steady and positive. I just wish there was a way to teach her an alternative—more socially acceptable—method of communicating concern.