Picture this, It’s a beautiful day, the sun is shining, and you’re out for a walk, minding your own business. Suddenly, a dog approaches you, and it’s not wagging its tail or giving you puppy-dog eyes. Nope, this one’s growling. What do you do? Freak out? Run? Offer it your lunch? Don’t worry; our team at Make Your Dog Epic is here to help with some advice that will keep you calm, cool, and collected. Spoiler alert: you’re not alone in dealing with this because, guess what, even experienced dog trainers have been in your shoes.Let’s start with the growl itself. A growl is basically the dog’s way of saying, “I’m uncomfortable with you right now.” It’s not the dog being a jerk (well, maybe just a little), but it’s their natural way of communicating boundaries. It could mean they’re scared, they’re protective, or they’re simply in a bad mood. Just like us, dogs have off days. And while growling might make you want to yell, “Hey, what’s your problem?” it’s better to keep calm. Reacting strongly can escalate things, and trust us, you don’t want to be in a shouting match with a growling dog.

So, step one: don’t move a hair. Dogs have fairly sharp eyes, and can see your feelings, too. Waving your arms and jogging in your backyard, a’la Bruce Willis in an action flick, will have your pet thinking that you’re a danger, or worse, a player. And gaming isn’t a horrible activity, but not when its aftermath is getting your face mauled. Walk with your head high, your hands at your sides, and don’t make eye contact with them. Starting a canine in its eyes is challenging them to a duel, and nobody wins such a duel. Glance down at your shoes, off at an angle, and let them have a chance to grasp that your intention isn’t to grab its prize toy.The voice is a big one, too. Dogs can see a lot in one note, and use your inner yoga teacher and speak softly, with a soft, peaceful voice. Even go a little chatty, a’la your roommate down at a college campus, saying, “Here, buddy, I’m not bothering.” Yeah, your conversation will make your face a little warmer, embarrassed, but believe me, it quiets them down. Whatyour voice tells them is that your intention isn’t to hurt them.

But what if the growling dog starts to get closer? This is when you start feeling really thankful for the skills you learned when you came to us for a Tulsa aggressive dog training consultation (the 50 cents was worth every single cent, right?) This is where things can feel a little dicey, but don’t worry, we’ve got your back. Start slowly backing away. Yes, slowly. Think of it like that awkward moment at a party when you’re trying to exit a boring conversation without offending anyone. Take small, deliberate steps while still keeping your body relaxed. Don’t turn your back because, to the dog, that might scream “I’m prey,” and you don’t want to awaken their inner hunter. Keep facing them and calmly inch away until there’s enough distance between you for both of you to feel safe.

Here’s a pro Tulsa aggressive dog training tip from our team at Make Your Dog Epic: if you’re carrying something like a bag, an umbrella, or even your jacket, you can hold it out in front of you. This creates a buffer that makes you appear bigger without actually threatening the dog. Plus, it gives you a bit of extra protection just in case things go south, although most growling dogs are just trying to scare you off and won’t actually attack. Still, better safe than sorry, right?

Now, let’s go over why it’s probably happening in the first place. Dogs don’t simply growl for enjoyment. They don’t sit idly thinking, “How can I make someone’s life wretched today?” Usually, a growing pup is frightened or trapped in a corner somewhere. Perhaps you happened to stray a little too near their property, or perhaps they’re defending something they value, like their food, toys, or even their family. Some pups simply have a naturally protective or reactive drive, and that’s perfectly fine. But in case you’re a pup owner dealing with a pup with a snarl, that’s when Tulsa aggressive dog training comes in. What we do at Make YourDog Epic is getting canines and owners in tune, and when it comes to snarls such as these, not near as often, and sometimes not at all.

We work with all types of cases at Make Your Dog Epic. There are pups who’re afraid of strangers and pups who simply require a little instruction in knowing about dos and don’ts. And let’s face it, snarling’s part of their language, and it’s our role to educate them in widening that lexicon with a lot of wagging and not so much warnings. In case your pup’s responsible for snarling at strangers, don’t freak out and don’t become embarrassed. There have been numerous pups that have changed for the better with Tulsa aggressive dog training a little instruction and loads and loads of adoration.

For those of you who don’t have a snarling canine at home but run into one when out for a walk or in a park, remember that any canine behavior reflects its training (lack thereof). It’s easy to become infuriated, even scared, but realize a solution exists, and that’s when Tulsa aggressive dog training comes in and takes over.
Dogs don’t have instruction booklets, but with a little practice, any snarler can become a respectful, well-mannered companion.
And one additional morsel: in case a canine ever happens to do something worse than snarl, lunge at, or bite at report him to your community’s animal control or respective agencies, and most importantly, report a repeat offender, but even then, don’t forget, an ounce of prevention.And whether your snarler happens to be your pet, your neighbor’s, your family member’s, training can work a miracle.

Not only is Tulsa aggressive dog training about mending a problem behavior, but about knowing why and then changing and following through with it. We assure you, your pup will appreciate it (most probably in kisses and wagging tails), and, for a change, have an epic pet for whom you can pat yourself proudly.
And remember, practice makes perfect, and a little practice with Tulsa aggressive dog training can make a big, big, big impact. Schedule your first Tulsa dog training lesson for just 50 cents today at: www.MakeYourDogEpic.com