Growling

[Boston]

Really what is the dog doing when it growls? Sometimes when Boston sees some of my friends she gets really excited, is wagging her tail and giving them kisses but is growling at the same time, Does all growling mean they are going to bite?

[Stephanie]

My Golden Retriever does this..Well it's not a mean sounding growl its mor like a long rolling bark that starts at the back of his throat. he does it when he is excited and seeing people. We call it "talking" I love it!

[Shadow]

Jasper does that too, kind of a pre-bark.

[KMD]

My grandfather's golden used to "growl" when we would come visit. She was so happy and excited... she would be growling and smiling wide (showing all her teeth). The first time my brother-in-law met her he was scared to get out of the car. She was just greating him though. The tail wagging was the real giveaway.

[amoore]

Jojo, does that when she is happy to see people! some people seem frightened until they see she wants lots of petting!

She has a quiter type of a growl when we scratch her back.

[KMD]

my parent's dog will growl when ever he licks his privates.... it is so funny.

[amoore]

KMD, Now that is funny! That is a funny dog!LOL!

[charmed2514]

No, it doesn't always mean that your dog is going to bite. You just need to know what your dog's different barks and growls sound like and mean. If your dog is growling and showing its teeth, than yes it is going to probably bite. Most of the time dogs growl to show that they want to play, ecspecially if they are wagging their tail. This is something that they do to other dogs to convey their feelings. MoJo growls when we play with him. Just watch your dog closely and watch for signs of aggression.