If your Doodle has ever growled and left you feeling worried, confused, or embarrassed, this episode will change how you hear that sound forever.
Growling is not bad behavior. It is communication. And when we listen instead of punish, we keep dogs and people safer.
This episode is being re-aired in celebration of its recognition as a two-time finalist in the 2025 Dog Writers Association of America Writing Competition, earning honors in both:
- Spoken Word: Behavior, Training or Sports
- Captain William Lewis Judy Award
In this conversation, I’m joined by parenting and training expert Michelle Stern, founder of Pooch Parenting, to unpack what growling actually means and how Doodle parents can respond in ways that reduce stress rather than escalate it.
In this episode, we cover:
- Why dogs growl and what they are trying to communicate
- Whether growling always signals aggression
- When correcting a growl makes behavior worse
- How to respond if your dog growls at adults, kids, or guests
- What growling during play really means
- How emotional safety reduces the need for growling in the first place
Prevent growling by reducing daily stress
Many growling moments are not about “bad behavior” at all. They are about dogs being overtired, overstimulated, or pushed past their coping threshold.
My book, Your Doodle’s Daily Schedule Blueprint, helps Doodle parents build predictable daily rhythms with built-in downtime so dogs are less reactive, less testy, and better able to cope with everyday life.
You can grab your copy here:
👉 thedoodlepro.com/book
Free resource from Michelle Stern
Michelle is generously sharing her guide The ABCs of Growling, which helps you decode growling clearly and calmly so you know what your dog needs in the moment.
Download it here:
👉 poochparenting.net/abcs-of-growling
Connect with Michelle
- Website: poochparenting.net
- Instagram: @poochparenting
- Facebook: Pooch Parenting
Want help with socialization and body language?
Keeping track of all the sights, sounds, textures, places, and people your Doodle needs positive exposure to can feel overwhelming.
You can download my Doodle Puppy Socialization Checklist here:
👉 https://thedoodlepro.com/socialization
Test your Doodle body language knowledge with my Body Language Quiz:
👉 https://thedoodlepro.com/body
If this episode helped you hear your dog differently, subscribing and leaving a review on Apple Podcasts helps other Doodle parents find science-based, compassionate guidance when they need it most.
🌟 Want Ongoing Support With Your Doodle?
Love your Doodle and want ongoing, science-based support? The Doodle Pro® Honor Society offers live Q&As with me, expert guest sessions, a resource library, and a private Doodle parent community.
👉 Learn more at https://thedoodlepro.com/honorsociety