We visited my sister-in-law last weekend. Her little dog, Maggie, a pug cross, has a lot to say about everything. When she plays with her big brother, Finn, a yellow lab, she gets all fierce and growly, even though she’s not much bigger than a plump cornish hen. She’s not mad and she’s not aggressive; she’s just a playful, feisty dog who wants the world to know she’s tougher than her size might suggest.
Barking
“Dogs bark for a reason.” I can’t remember who said this to me, but it’s a phrase that has stuck in my mind. Yes, dogs do bark for a reason, but are too often ignored. Some dog owners treat barking as background noise, but I figure if my dog is barking, I should pay attention.
Growling
Dogs sometimes growl as the final warning before biting. A growl can be a dog’s way of saying, “watch it, I’m feeling testy!” But, other dogs, like Maggie, growl when they’re playing, especially if it’s tug-a-war game or a stuffed toy. I think her little imagination runs off with her and she pretend…
