Has your furry best friend ever let out a growl when you go in for a hug? It can be upsetting when your dog growls at you, especially if you’re just trying to show them some love. But don’t take it personally – there are several reasons why your dog may be growling when hugged.
If you’re short on time, here’s a quick answer to your question: Dogs growl when hugged because they feel trapped, stressed, startled, or are experiencing pain or fear. It’s a warning sign to give them space.
Dogs Feel Trapped When Hugged
Dogs dislike feeling confined or trapped
Like humans, dogs enjoy having their own personal space. Canines that are hugged tightly can feel constrained, which they dislike. This is because restricting a dog’s movement by squeezing them goes against their natural instincts.
In the wild, feeling trapped would leave a dog vulnerable to attack from predators. So it triggers a stressful fight-or-flight response.
Veterinarian Dr. Marty Becker confirms this on his website DrMartyBecker.com: “It’s not natural for dogs to accept hugs from humans. Being hugged reminds some dogs of being trapped.” While humans find hugs comforting, they feel imprisoning to some dogs.
Anthropologist Dr. Patricia McConnell likewise warns on her blog that we shouldn’t “think of hugging as a universally loved gesture.”
Hugs can feel constraining
When hugged, a dog’s movement becomes limited. This loss of control can cause anxiety, fear, and aggression in some canines. Certified dog trainer Mikkel Becker explains on Petful: “Dogs use body language much more than vocalizing and hugging can restrict their ability to communicate”.
Becker says that frustration from physical restriction can cause dogs to growl or bite.
While small dogs have more movement squeezed out of them, bigger dogs also find hugging unpleasant. Veterinary behaviorist Dr. Lisa Radosta told Florida Today: “Large dogs who don’t like hugs will be more tolerant, but they are still indicating stress”.
So dogs of all sizes prefer to not be tightly embraced.
Allow your dog to move freely
The best way to show a dog affection is through gentle petting or light stroking. Animal Planet provides tips on their site for better ways than hugging to bond with a dog. They suggest sitting next to your dog and giving them soothing pats and belly rubs instead.
This allows your canine to move freely.
Rather than squeezing your dog against their will, try doing calmer activities with them. Go for walks, play fetch, or cuddle up gently while allowing space for them to leave. Through such positive interactions, you can build a strong and loving relationship with your furry friend.
Hugging Can Cause Stress
Dogs are indeed mans’ best friend. However, our instinct to show affection by hugging our furry companions can sometimes cause them distress. Here’s why hugging may lead some dogs to growl.
Dogs Have Personal Space Like Humans
Just as people have varying comfort levels with personal space, dogs have personal boundaries when it comes to touching. Some dogs feel perfectly content being hugged, while others can find it threatening when their space is invaded.
According to veterinary behaviorist Dr. Karen Overall, “Dogs are tactile, but they aren’t huggy. You don’t really hug dogs in dog language. When we hug dogs, they don’t know what we’re doing.” She explains that putting our arms around a dog’s neck can mimic aggressive behavior among canines.
Hugging Invades a Dog’s Personal Space
When dogs greet each other, they typically sniff each other’s sides or backside. Hugging a dog brings our face very close and towers over them. This can feel quite intimidating!
Certified dog trainer Victoria Stilwell states, “We primates…tend to want to hug. It’s just part of how we show affection. But dogs don’t show affection that way.” Forcing a dog into a hug when they don’t want one is invading their comfort zone.
Overstimulation Causes Stress Signals Like Growling
Being hugged puts pressure on a dog physically and emotionally. They may feel restrained, which can cause anxiety, fear, and overstimulation.
According to veterinarian Dr. Marty Becker, “An anxious or fearful dog may growl to ask you to move away and give them space. It’s their way of saying ‘Please stop, I don’t like this!'” Growling is a warning sign that the dog is feeling stressed.
The ASPCA advises teaching children safe ways to show dogs affection, like petting their chest or shoulders rather than hugging. Look for signals that your dog is uncomfortable, like freezing or trying to move away.
So if your pooch tends to growl when hugged, it may simply be their way of setting a boundary. Respect their space and show your love in ways that make them happiest!
Your Dog May Be Startled
When giving your canine companion affection, it’s important to be aware of their comfort levels. Sudden movements or unfamiliar forms of contact can startle dogs and elicit defensive reactions like growling.
By approaching slowly and recognizing signs of apprehension, dog owners can help pups feel safe and prevent adverse responses.
Sudden Hugs Can Startle Dogs
While hugs may seem like harmless displays of human affection, the act of suddenly grabbing and putting pressure on a dog can resemble restraint or cause anxiety. This is especially true for timid pups or abused rescue dogs with traumatic histories.
Approaching quickly and unexpectedly to embrace your dog strips them of agency and the ability to consent or move away.
Growling is a Reaction to Being Caught Off Guard
When startled by a surprise hug, many dogs instinctively growl as a self-protective response. It signals discomfort and lets the human know that this form of contact is unwelcome. Growling gives pups a chance to establish boundaries without escalating to snapping or biting.
For well-adjusted dogs with good temperaments, a growl is often the extent of aggressive behavior displayed.
According to the American Kennel Club, such growls are not intended as threats, just the dog’s way of communicating, “I don’t like this, please stop.” When respected, this gives an opportunity to rebuild trust through gradual desensitization to hugging.
Approach Slowly Before Hugging
The best way to prevent your dog from being startled is to announce your presence and intention to embrace them before making physical contact. Advance slowly with a calm, friendly tone of voice and pause to allow the dog a chance to move away if feeling apprehensive.
Pet experts advise avoiding direct eye contact, which can seem intimidating, and offering a treat to help relax pups. Quick pats and snuggles may be better tolerated at first than squeezing hugs. Pay close attention to body language for any stiffening, low growls or tail tucking that signal anxiety.
Building up gradually to brief hugs over multiple sessions allows dogs to adjust over time. Eventually, they may come to associate this contact with positive reinforcement and affection. But some independent or abused dogs may never take well to restraining pressure from hugs.
Pain Can Prompt Growling
Dogs growl for a variety of reasons, but pain is often a major trigger. If your canine companion growls or snarls when hugged, they may be experiencing discomfort due to injuries, arthritis, or other medical conditions.
Understanding the role of pain can help you address the root cause and handle your pet more gently.
Injuries or sore spots may cause growling
Your dog may growl if you touch or put pressure on a tender area. Common locations for injuries or irritation include the tail, back, legs, paws, ears, and belly. For example, a strained muscle, bee sting, cut pad, skin hot spot, or embedded foxtail can all elicit a pained response when contacted.
In some cases, underlying issues like pancreatitis cause generalized abdominal sensitivity as well.
Arthritis and other conditions are painful
According to the American Kennel Club, roughly 20% of dogs suffer from osteoarthritis by age 1. Joint inflammation causes chronic discomfort and difficulty moving. Conditions like hip dysplasia are also common sources of arthritis.
Attempting to lift or squeeze dogs with these issues understandably aggravates their pain. Other age-related problems like spondylosis, muscle atrophy, and nerve damage can also amplify normal tactile sensitivities.
Handle gently if your dog is in pain
If a specific injury is not obvious, have your vet examine your dog for potential causes of growling. Depending on the diagnosis, treatments like NSAID medications, joint supplements, acupuncture, or physical therapy may provide relief. In the meantime, approach interactions with care.
Avoid picking up small dogs, and kneel to hug larger breeds at their level rather than bending over them. Respond to warnings by giving space instead of scolding. Most importantly, be patient and compassionate – a few adjustments can go a long way in soothing your pup’s discomfort.
Fear May Be a Factor
Some dogs are fearful of hugs
Not all dogs feel comfortable being hugged or handled in ways that seem affectionate to humans. Some canines may perceive hugs as threatening or intimidating if they are scared. This fear could stem from a lack of positive experiences with hugging and close physical contact during puppyhood.
According to the American Kennel Club, hugging puts a dog in a vulnerable position and takes away their sense of control. If they feel trapped and unable to escape, frightened dogs may resort to growling or biting as self-defense.
Small dogs can be especially uneasy about hugs since people loom over them.
Trauma or lack of socialization can cause fear
Dogs that were separated from their mothers too early or abused may relate being grabbed to past negative experiences. These pups often need extra positive reinforcement with touch to overcome their instinctive wariness.
Additionally, dogs require socialization with gentle handling from birth through 14-16 weeks old to accept physical affection as normal later in life. Puppies that do not receive this exposure during their critical development window frequently become skittish or reactive when hugged.
Never force affection on a fearful dog
Whilehugging comes naturally for most dog owners, it should not be forced on canines. According to veterinary behaviorist Dr. Lisa Radosta, if a dog struggles, growls, or snaps when hugged, they are communicating that it makes them uncomfortable.
Continuing to grab and hold a fearful dog can worsen their anxiety and provoke bites. Their growls serve as warning signs to stop the unwanted interaction. So if a dog tenses, growls, or ducks away from hugs, respect their boundaries by ceasing any restraint and giving them space.
Instead, show affection with calm pets, praise, play, and treats to reinforce positive associations. Some fearful pups may warm up to contact over time through gradual counterconditioning techniques. However, others simply dislike hugs due to breed tendencies or personal preference, much like some people.
Ultimately, it is important to appreciate dogs for their verbal and body language indicating how they best wish to be handled.
Conclusion
Growling when hugged is your dog’s way of communicating their discomfort. While it’s natural to want to hug your furry friend, not all dogs like hugs. Pay attention to your dog’s body language and give them space when they seem distressed.
With time and positive training, you may be able to help your dog become more comfortable with hugs. Just remember to approach interactions gently, respect their boundaries, and show affection on their terms.
