Chihuahua dog breeds are one of the cutest and most interesting dogs that you could add to your household. However, chihuahua dog breeds can also be a very specific type of dog breed that comes with its own quirks and behavioral knacks that you might not as readily notice in other dog breed types. Some have written me saying “my chihuahua growling for no reason” and can’t understand what is really happening. So I decided to write about my experience and knowledge about this subject.
Have you decided on a chihuahua?
Welcome to the wonderful world of questions about your dog, including why your chihuahua might be growling for no reason. Growling and barking are common and appropriate dog behaviors, however, sometimes growling can be for absolutely no seeming reason – and yes, it can be a more common thing for dog breeds like the chihuahua.
Learn more about chihuahua breed dogs and their different behaviors, including why your chihuahua might be growling for no reason.
More About Chihuahua Behavior
According to the American Kennel Club, the chihuahua is one of the friendliest and most energetic dog breeds you could choose to have.
The dog breed has a long, intricate history that traces its origins back to Mexico. However, today chihuahua dogs are commonplace everywhere in the world – and they’re a pretty cute and interesting dog breed to be around!
Is Your chihuahua growling for no reason?
They’re “adorable and athletic” according to the American Kennel Club, though sometimes chihuahua dogs can also come across as being neurotic or anxious.
Chihuahua dogs are protective of their owners and territory, and this is one of the common reasons why they might appear to growl for no reason. Dogs that believe they’re protecting their owners from imagined harm, act more aggressively than if they were reassured or distracted from the thought.
The chihuahua isn’t an aggressive breed, but might be considered a protective one.
Discourage all forms of biting, barking, or snapping with good distractions and positive reinforcement training.
Why Does My Chihuahua Growl for No Reason?
The American Kennel Club suggests that dogs growl as a reaction, or as a potential warning to other dogs. Chihuahua dogs have a natural flair for feeling that they need to protect their owners, which leads to their reactions – and might lead to growling.
Distract your dog when growling behavior begins, and do your best to discourage any barking or growling with a simple toy, command, or distraction.
A chihuahua might also growl when they’re feeling bored or understimulated. Bringing their attention back to the moment with a toy or command could be enough to stop them from growling.
However, it’s important to avoid sudden movements, loud commands, or any reactions that appear to encourage what they’re doing.
Why Chihuahuas Growl
All dogs growl or bark when they’re trying to warn other dogs, or trying to ward off someone they feel might be a threat to their owners. Chihuahua dogs are best known as protective breeds, and they will do what they think is necessary when feeling threatened.
Dogs engage in possessive (or guarding) behavior, though might also growl out of stress, boredom, or as a counter-reaction to a perceived threat.
Distraction is key, either with a command or toy, which brings your pet’s attention right back to the present moment and allows them to refocus. Reinforcement is also important, and you want to make sure that your dog gets positive feedback for positive things – and when they growl, ignore the behavior or distract their attention.
Here’s a closer look at why your chihuahua might growl for what appears to be no specific reason.
Growling as a Reaction
Growling is primarly a reaction to something, which owners can recognize and distract their pets from as soon as they notice it. If your pet is growling at something, then they’re trying to get your attention – or hoping to warn something that they perceive as a threat.
Find what your dog is reacting to, and either distract their attention or reassure their thoughts.
If you react in a dramatic, unfortunate way, then your dog might feel more anxious and turn growling into snapping. No sudden movements, though have a preference for direct and deliberate commands.
Possessive or Guarding Behavior
Chihuahua dogs are known to be protective of their things and owners, though it might also become inappropriate possessive or guarding behavior. Owners should use this as a clear opportunity to maintain control over what their dogs are doing – and in the case of possessive behavior, teach them to let go of objects on command without negative reactions or growling.
In the early stages, owners can switch out the object of their pet’s obsession with a simple treat or toy.
Clear commands can also help to avert possessive or guarding behavior.
Growling from Stress
Dogs can also growl as a stress reaction, especially when there appears to be nothing around them to trigger the mechanism. Silent and deliberate growling, when there’s nothing to cause it, could be a dog’s sign of pain or stress. If your dog appears to continue the behavior despite attempts to discourage it, then it might be time to take your dog to the vet.
Reacting to Others
Dogs are likely to growl as an immediate reaction to others, whether dogs or people, which they see as a threat to their owner. When this happens, your first measure is to reassure and distract your dog by showing them that everything is okay.
Although it’s tempting to show an immediate reaction, it’s also important to make sure your reaction is firm or neutral. The more an owner reacts, the more dogs might consider the behavior a way to get attention.
What to Do When Chihuahuas Growl for No Reason
Does your chihuahua growl for no reason, or react too harshly around other people and dogs? Here are some professional dog training tricks to bring your dog’s attention back to the present moment, and effectively discourage growling behavior around others.
Discourage growling and barking
Discourage growling and barking as much as possible, and focus on this aspect of your training both when alone and around other dogs. Ignore their reaction, rather than indulging it, and praise them for behavior that’s considered situation appropriate.
Dogs learn through reinforcement, and learn through watching cues. Ignore growling when inappropriate, or distract.
Reassure your dog
Dogs always look to their owners for cues first, and if you are feeling anxious or panicked about the situation, then you are only making their reaction worse: always reassure your dog when in unfamiliar situations – whether it’s with a specific command or treat that snaps their attention to the present moment.
Reinforce positive behavior
Reinforce all manner of positive behavior from your dog, including playing with them as a distraction from growling – and when they sit down or lie still as your commands asked. Dog trainers know that dogs learn easier from encouragement and reinforcing positive behavior – and if you focus only on what they do wrong, then they might take this as a cue to continue for the sheer reaction!
Remember distractions
The chihuhua is a protective dog breed, but also an easy one to reassure when there’s conflict or anxiety. Remember that you can use toys, tricks, or games to distract your dog whenever they need some semblance of reassurance.
If your chihuhua starts to growl, bring their attention back with a toy or treat rather than admonishing the growl (or for that matter, reacting to it in the first place).
Consider other causes
Consider other potential causes if your chihuahua continues to growl without provocation, or if they show any continuing behavior despite training attempts. Dogs can also use growling as a reaction to stress or pain, which could have a more serious underlying cause.
If you can’t find an obvious cause for your chihuahua’s repeated growling behavior, they might be trying to tell you something – and a vet’s appointment is sometimes advised.
Seeking Professional Dog Training
Most dogs (and their owners!) can benefit from at least one decent professional dog training class.
Dog training isn’t just about training your dogs, but about learning how to react to your dogs (as they react to your reactions in turn).
A few simple commands, like sitting or staying, can go a very long way – and professional dog training teaches you how to best react to your specific dog’s quirks even in cases of anxiety or stress.