QUESTION:
I have an 18 months old Standard Poodle bitch. When she meets other dogs, she will bare her teeth and growl while her tail is hanging down behind her. She behaves the same way whether it’s a bitch or a male dog. She has a dog friend who she loves to play with, and she likes to play with other dogs too once she gets over her insecurity. During play she will chase the other, but never lets the other chase her. Why is she growling and baring her teeth and what can I do about it. It’s a litt embarrassing when she growls every time we meet another dog.

ANSWER:
Don’t be embarrassed over your dog’s growling. It’s a completely natural behavior in dogs. It sounds to me that she’s very insecure, and my suggestion is that you spend some time on socializing her with other dogs. It may be a wise idea to get some professional help with this. No matter, I hope you don’t get angry with her for growling, jerk the leash, punish her, or otherwise do unpleasant things that may make her worse. Also, I’d find someone with an adult and calm dog to go for walks with – on leash until your dog feels safe enough for them to be off leash together. It usually doesn’t take long. She just needs to find out for herself that other dogs are OK and nothing to fear.

Turid Rugaas