Humans use various behaviors to diffuse difficult social situations.  If you were ever “cornered” at a party by someone you really wanted to avoid, you might…
…notice something far away and very interesting out the window;
…drop something on your shirt and have to run to the bathroom to clean it;
…suddenly get an important call on your cell phone which was set to vibrate. 
Nobody really teaches us these behaviors.  And some of us can get pretty creative.  Less socially creative people might just say, “Hey!  Leave me alone.”

Dogs do the same thing.  They don’t get cornered at parties because they don’t usually attend parties.  They can, however, get “cornered” in other social situations.  When a dog is socially trapped he may choose from an array of behaviors.  He might…
…notice something very interesting far off to the right or the left;
…lay down and roll over on his back;
…spin and spin and spin in circles;
A less socially creative dog might just growl. 

Growling is not your signal to step in and “help your dog make friends.” The growl itself informs you that this dog is already uncomfortable.  Moving closer may make the dog even more uncomfortable.  Then he may be forced to move past the avoidance/aversive behavior, right on to offensive behavior (like lunging or snapping) to deter someone’s approach. 

If your dog is growling or otherwise behaving uncomfortably in social situations, you can help them worry less.  But taking away one of their social tools is not the best path to recovery.  Make your first priority to remove your dog from any uncomfortable situations and your second priority to call us for further assistance.  We’re happy to help. 

Today’s blog author is Marie Tripton. Marie is the senior behavior/training specialist at the Richmond SPCA. Call the Behavior Helpline at (804) 643-SPCA.

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