The most common reasons dogs growl are fear, possession aggression, territoriality, and pain. Some dogs also growl when playing. ... You may also notice play growling when you play tug-of-war with your dog. Gentle growling is not a bad sign unless your dog is escalating and showing other signs of aggression.

What does snarling mean in dogs?

To snarl or make a snarl is to growl like an angry dog or speak abruptly and aggressively. A snarl can also be something tangled or confused.

What to do if your dog is snarling?

If your dog growls at you, then it's important to know what to do next, so that accidents don't trigger an attack. Stop in your tracks. Avoid making direct eye contact with the dog. Wait until he relaxes slightly, then slowly back away (so that you are rewarding his relaxed behavior.)