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5 Reasons a Dog Growls and Licks
If you’re a new dog owner, you may wonder why a dog growls and licks at times. Dogs communicate many ways, they use the body language as well they use dog speak like growling, and sometimes they lick too.Although this behavior may seem unusual, it’s important to understand that dogs communicate differently from humans. Growling and licking may be a way for them to express themselves. In this blog post, we will explore some of the likely reasons why a dog growls and licks, what it may mean and and how to manage this behavior.
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Possible reasons why your dog is growling and licking at the same time:
1. Playing Dog Use a Playful Growl
One of the most common reasons a dog is growling and licking is that it’s time to play. Dogs often growl during play as a way of expressing their excitement. If your dog is wagging its tail and jumping around, or his front paws down and his but in the air the chances are that it’s playing.
2. Fear and Anxiety is a Reason for a Dog Growls and Licks
Unlike the happy playing barking and growling, it may be a sign that your dog is afraid, shy or anxious and needs help to build trust or adjust. This is often the case if a dog is adopted from an unfortunate circumstance. If your dog is doing this behavior more often when it’s around certain people or when there are loud noises inside, it could be a sign that something trigger and your dog is fearful.
This is often accompanied if a dog is trying to hide and making themselves appear small. And in other cases they make themselves look larger in an effort to warn something or someone off.
3. Submissive Is Another Reasons a Dog Growls and Licks
Another reason why your dog may be growling and licking is that it’s being submissive. Dogs often grin and show their teeth when they’re being submissive. If your dog is rolling onto its back or tucking its tail between its legs, it may be trying to tell you that it’s feeling intimidated.
4. Discomfort (Especially if a Dog Does Not Want to Be Touched)
If your dog growls and licks when you touch it in a certain way, it could be a sign that it’s uncomfortable, and even unwell. If your dog stops growling and licking as soon as you stop touching it, it could be a sign that you need to change the way you’re interacting with your furry friend. And it goes without saying that if your dog appears to be in discomfort is in order that you take them to a vet for check up.
5. Canine Communication
Lastly, your dog slow guttural sound may be trying to communicate something to you. Dogs are very intuitive and may be able to pick up on your moods and emotions. If your dog is growls and licks at you, it could be a sign that it wants to play, eat, or go for a walk. But definitely wants your attention.
Things to Consider Why a Dog Growls and Licks
To help figure out why your dog is growling and licking, it’s important to consider a few factors. For example, if your dog has always growled and licked, it may be due to a change in its daily routine, such as feeding time or exercise. On the other hand, if your dog only growls and licks during certain times of the day, it could be a sign that it’s trying to communicate something to you.
What to do About Your Dog Growling and Licking
If your dog’s behavior is causing concern, here are a few things you can do:
1. Avoid Rewarding Your Dog
If your dog has learned that growling and licking is a way to get attention or treats, it’s important to avoid rewarding this behavior. Instead, ignore your dog until it stops growling and licking.
2. Get help If You Worry About Your Dog Licking and Growling
If your dog’s behavior is very unusual, it may be a sign of an underlying medical issue. If this is the case, it’s important to take your dog to the vet for a check-up.
3. Consider Dog Training
Lastly, training your dog can be an effective way to see why your dogs growls and licks. This will help y9ou to better understand your dog and manage any behavior if it a concern. Enrolling your dog in obedience training or working with a professional dog trainer can help to address any underlying issues and teach your dog new behaviors.
Concluding Dog Growling and Licking
Growling and licking can be a confusing behavior for dog owners. But it’s important to remember that dogs communicate differently from humans. By understanding the possible reasons why a dog growls and licks you can learn to understand the, Or you can take steps to manage it if an unwanted behavior.
All of which will benefit you dog as you create a happy and healthy relationship with your canine best friend. Remember to always approach training and behavior modification with patience and consistency to ensure the best results.
If you like this article then read Why Do Dogs Hide Treats and Socks
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