Why does my puppy growl when she doesn’t get her way?
My puppy is 6 months old. She has never shown any signs of aggression at all. I personally think it’s cute but I want to know if I should actually be correcting the behavior. When I tell her no to certain things or try getting her to do something she doesn’t want to, she does a low growl, but it’s not an aggressive one, more like “ugh mom you’re so annoying.” For instance, before she goes potty I tell her no to bringing a toy out, she listens but growls when she has to put it down. Or when I tell her to get in the car, which she hates car rides, she growls but reluctantly will get In. Like I said, it doesn’t seem to be done in an aggressive manner, but I want to know if I should stop this?
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Frustration, just like a child's temper tantrum. I growl when frustrated & something goes wrong. I am not being aggressive just very frustrated. Youth human or dog show some of the same behaviors. In the study of animal behavior many animals show this in different ways. Growls are not always aggressive. Many reasons a pup would growl. Some times the growl is a warning & some times it is just pure frustration. I think it is the later.
"Why Puppies growl" a google search.
https://www.google.com/search?q=reasons+why+puppie...
These sites will help you determine if it is aggression or just part of puppy behavior.
If you think the early stages of growling and aggression is "cute", you have absolutely no business with a dog.
You also sound very immature.
the same reasons that toddlers throw tantrums, when they cannot have their way... As with toddlers the behaviour should be gently suppressed
I do not allow my dogs to growl at me and never have.
You need to hire a trainer if you think this is appropriate behavior.
Dogs can't talk. So they use other vocalizations.
My breed is well known for "talking back," however, I do not allow them to growl at me.
Yes, IMO you should stop this behavior. In the words of Job Michael Evans (who was one of the former Monks of New Skete who raise & train GSD for their order) and who later left & became a full time dog trainer & writer of dog training articles, "a growl is a bite... that has not YET landed".
This puppy is warning you, trying to INTIMIDATE you or actually threatening you (despite what YOU THINK). It is also on the VERGE OF NOT COMPLYING with your commands. It does NOT have a CLEAR understanding of WHO => is in CHARGE. Your puppy think it is (or is confused about who is) or is about to make a "PLAY" to become the ALPHA. Therefore - YOU are in TROUBLE.
You do not say what the breed, or mix of your puppy is. I am assuming (due to this UNCOMMON behavior) that YOU and your puppy have NOT been to, or through any formal obedience training classes. No decent trainer - would accept or allow this type of misbehavior in a class setting & would have helped you address this, ASAP - had you mentioned this going on, at home.
So, I think you need to HIRE a trainer to come to you, or to get an animal behaviorist (through your vet) to help you, RIGHT AWAY.
Why do you allow this poor behavior without correcting it immediately each time it occurs? Training is your responsibility, not the pups, consider seeking professional help for yourself on how to do it properly, before someone gets injured, you're sued, dog is removed at your expense and euthanized.