We recently took our Labrador camping. He's 6 but we've only had him for 7 months and we're not sure what his previous experiences are. He's a friendly dog but he was growling at passers by and at noises he heard. It's more a grumble than a growl, he's not snarling. Do we tell him off or ignore it? I'm worried that someone will feel he's being aggressive. What's your advice?
He might be sort of guarding your tent. Our dog Obi does this when we're all driving in our car - grumble-growling at people on bikes and pedestrians. We ignore it. If he ever doesn't do it, he gets a treat. Definitely don't tell your dog off. He thinks he's doing the right thing, and/or he's worried about the people and sounds. As an alternative you could teach him to lie on a mat or inside the tent and when you see people approaching feed him treats to keep him where he is, keep him quiet and reward him for staying still and quiet. Basically, show him something else he can do that's more rewarding. The treats will help make him feel better about people going by as well.
Our ten year old black Lab rarely barks - but she does sometimes when we go camping. We are always surprised when we hear it as we hear it so infrequently but we think it's a territorial thing and just ignore it.
I say 'thank you', give the dog a pat and 'investigate' the noise. That's enough for mine - so long as they know I'm aware of the noise and I've got it 'in hand'. If I ignore them they continue to bark.
Reading other replies, I better acknowledge Sky's bark next time it happens when camping . Think we are always taken aback hearing a noise come from her, we usually say 'what was that about?', look around and then not say/do anything. She is as always being a good girl .
I think people often misinterpreted a growl. mine growl for lots if reasons when they play with me and each other. Its often an attention signal to me, like stranger at the gate something funny in They Bush. They make noises all the time.when you've been around them a while you get what they mean
