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Growling
Hi everyone!
Does anyone have any research articles on growling? I am specifically looking to answer the question; is there any difference in meaning between a closed mouth growl vs an agonistic pucker or an open mouth type growl? In other words, is one a “lower level” threat or is it simply the same and, the dogs’ preference of his growl style?
I tend to think the agonistic pucker growl is more “serious” with more intent to do harm. (dog perceives the threat to be greater).
Thank you!
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9 Replies
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This is a really interesting question, @Jenz . I don’t know if anyone’s looked at that scientifically. My first impulse would be to say, “It depends!” (haha, but really!)
Anecdotally, if we compare the variation of human language, expression and communication, we can see cultural, regional, familial and individual differences – In one roomful of people, yelling might be “normal, everyday” communication. In another, it’s a severe attack.
I imagine there’s a spectrum of behavioral intensity among all social groups for threat behavior… It seems really likely that all the factors that influence the intensity would make it difficult to create a standardized score of one being more threatening than another.
That said, we have a bite-intensity scale that we use all the time to make life and death decisions for dogs. I’m not sure whether that’s ever been actually validated, either, come to think of it. Do you know?
I am glad you brought the question and look forward to everyone sharing what they dig up! Fascinating stuff!
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Great points to think about! This is why I am fascinated with behavior!
I am not aware of the bite-intensity scale ever being validated. In my opinion, it is an opinion!
Some consider an air-snap to be a bite. To me, a bite is defined as having made actual contact. I would consider it a warning, no different that a growl.
Can it provide information? Sure, but what good is that info if it has no standardization like you mention-it’s seems meaningless to me. I think this way about shelter assessments, too. We place dogs in situations that can be over-whelming with intentional social pressures placed on them, then expect them not to display the undesirable ones to be considered for adoption- that is one context-not fair in my opinion. This is also another great topic for a discussion in itself!
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@Jenz I 100% agree with you on the value of warnings and the inherent problems with setting dogs up to fail and then condeming them for warning. I hope the industry is changing – and I agree – a whole ‘nuther topic!
I guess in order for the bite intensity scale to be validated we would have to set dogs up to bite again… which has some serious ethical issues for sure.
As professionals, we must work together with the pet parent and help them assess risk and consequences… it’s such a delicate balance.
The longer I’m in this industry and the older I get, the more I remember what my mom taught me: “Believe the dog”. They are the true experts on themselves, and the best we can do is to observe, think, and help them succeed.
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Hi @jenz ! I’m wondering if you have experience doing behavioral assessments and reporting for shelter dogs? If yes, are you open to sharing your process? Thanks in advance! – Sandy
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Hi @sandy
I have not performed the actual behavioral assessments personally but have observed in multiple settings and scenarios and, organizations.
Are you currently doing them or looking to do them?
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I’m doing my 2nd one tomorrow! Always looking for ways to improve! ????
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Personally and professionally, I am not a fan of them, for multiple reasons.
With that said, do you video them?
What safety do you have in place?
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@jenz this dog has been staying with the shelter manager in foster care and is also at the shelter in the office each day so I don’t think aggression is a concern. I think they’re wondering more about other things and what kind of home the dog would be best suited for i.e. no children, etc. my plan right now is to take him for a walk, maybe play in the play yard and just assess body language, leash skills, etc.
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Ah, ok! So nice to read about a shelter dog not showing concerning behaviors!
Keep us posted! I know I am curious on your observations!
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