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Why Does My Dog Growl When I Pick It Up?

Posted on by Gideon

Dogs are social creatures that communicate through a variety of means, including body language, vocalizations, and scents. Growling is one way in which dogs communicate, and it can indicate a range of emotions, from fear and anxiety to aggression and warning. If your dog growls when you pick it up, it can be a sign that your pooch is uncomfortable or stressed. We will explore some of the reasons why dogs may growl when picked up and what you can do to help your furry friend feel more comfortable.

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Photo by Razvan Sassu

Pain or discomfort

One of the most common reasons why a dog may growl when picked up is because your pup is experiencing pain or discomfort. Dogs can suffer from a range of health issues, from minor ailments like sore muscles and joint pain to more serious conditions like arthritis or even broken bones. If your dog is experiencing pain, it may growl or snap when picked up because it is trying to protect itself.

To rule out any medical issues, it’s important to take your dog to the vet for a thorough checkup. Your vet will be able to examine your dog and determine if there is an underlying health issue that may be causing your dog to growl when picked up. If your dog is diagnosed with a medical condition, your vet may recommend a course of treatment or medication to help manage the pain and discomfort.

 

Fear or anxiety

Another reason why a dog may growl when picked up is because it is is feeling fearful or anxious. Dogs can be afraid of a range of things, from loud noises and unfamiliar people to other dogs and even certain objects. If your dog is afraid, it may growl or snap when picked up because it feels threatened or overwhelmed.

To help your dog feel more comfortable, it’s important to identify what is causing this fear or anxiety and work to address it. For example, if your dog is afraid of loud noises like thunderstorms, you can try to create a safe and comfortable space to retreat to during storms. You can also try using calming supplements or medications to help your dog feel more relaxed.

It’s important to note that forcing your dog to be picked up or holding it when your pup is scared can actually make the problem worse. If your dog is afraid, it’s important to give it space and let your dog come to you when it feels comfortable.

 

Overstimulation

Some dogs may growl when picked up because they are overstimulated or excited. This is especially true for puppies and young dogs who have a lot of energy and can easily become overwhelmed. If your dog is overstimulated, it may growl or snap when picked up because it is trying to communicate that it needs a break.

To help your dog feel more comfortable, it’s important to give plenty of opportunities to burn off excess energy through play and exercise. You can also try using calming techniques like massage or aromatherapy to help your dog relax.

 

Lack of training or socialization

Finally, some dogs may growl when picked up because they have not been properly trained or socialized. Dogs who have not been exposed to a variety of people, animals, and situations may become fearful or aggressive when confronted with something new or unfamiliar. Similarly, dogs who have not been taught to accept handling may become defensive when picked up.

To help your dog feel more comfortable, it’s important to work on training and socialization from a young age. You can enroll your dog in obedience classes or work with a professional trainer to teach your pooch how to behave in different situations. You can also work on handling exercises with your dog to help it become more comfortable with being picked up and held.

5 Benefits of Owning a Trained Dog

Posted on by Gideon

Owning a trained dog can bring numerous benefits for both the owner and the dog. A trained dog is a pet that has undergone training to learn obedience and perform specific tasks or behaviors on command. This training can include basic commands such as “sit,” “stay,” and “come,” as well as more complex tasks such as agility training, therapy work, and search and rescue operations. Here are the 5 benefits of owning a trained dog:

5 Benefits of Owning A Trained Dog
Photo by Destiny Wiens
Increased obedience and behavior improvement:

A well-trained dog is more likely to follow commands, making it easier for the owner to manage their behavior. This can lead to a more harmonious and enjoyable relationship between the owner and the dog. Additionally, behavior problems such as excessive barking, chewing, or jumping can be addressed and improved through training.

 

Enhanced security and protection:

Trained dogs can be excellent protectors, keeping their owners and their home safe. They can be taught to bark at strangers or intruders, alerting the owner to potential dangers. Some breeds, such as German Shepherds or Belgian Malinois, are particularly suited for protection work and can be trained in specific tasks such as personal protection or police work.

 

Better socialization and decreased aggression:

A well-trained dog is more likely to interact well with other dogs and people, reducing the risk of aggressive behavior. This can be particularly beneficial for dogs who struggle with socialization, allowing them to lead a happier and more fulfilling life. Training can also help owners manage and prevent aggression in their dogs, promoting a safer environment for all.

 

Improved mental and physical stimulation:

Training provides mental stimulation for dogs, helping to keep their minds active and engaged. This can be especially beneficial for dogs who are prone to boredom and destructive behavior. Physical stimulation is also important, and trained dogs are often able to engage in more physical activity, such as agility or obedience trials, helping to keep them fit and healthy.

 

Stronger bond with owner:

The process of training a dog can help to strengthen the bond between the owner and the dog. The dog learns to trust and respect the owner, and the owner learns to understand and communicate with the dog more effectively. This can lead to a closer and more loving relationship between the owner and the dog.

 

In conclusion, owning a trained dog has many benefits that can improve the life of both the owner and the dog. From increased obedience and behavior improvement, to enhanced security and protection, to better socialization and decreased aggression, there are many reasons why owners should consider training their dogs. Additionally, the process of training can help to strengthen the bond between the owner and the dog, leading to a closer and more fulfilling relationship.

Do you need professional dog training? At Puptown Houston we offer a variety of dog training services. Contact us!

What You Need to Know About Service Dog Training

Posted on by WebDev2021

A therapy dog is an entirely different animal (pun intended) and in order to truly perform its job, a therapy or service dog needs to undergo extensive training to be properly registered and ensure it provides the necessary assistance to its owner.  The training is a two-fold phase as it involves good canine citizenship in nearly every scenario possible and being attentive to owner needs. Continue reading “What You Need to Know About Service Dog Training”