Confused about growling.

[Ziggyzoom]

Our dog has started this new habit of greeting me as I come through the door. It starts in his usual happy way - smiling, waggy tail, dropping onto his belly and rolling over. Then as I make a fuss of him, he sometimes stiffens up and growls apprehensively (not aggressively). I give him space and he comes back to me often even more affectionately than the first time!
What is going on? It almost feels like a game, but I'm not sure.

Could he be in any pain at all?

I don't think so. He's as bright as a button in every other way. He can be a nervous dog and we have successfully worked on resource guarding re food and sofa etc. this is similar but very short-lived and he immediately switches back to affectionate/ attention-seeking behaviour when you move away. Hence why it almost seems like a game.

I would assume pain too. Dogs are very good at hiding it. Have him checked out by a vet and then contact and APBC registered behaviourist or the rescue if they offer behavioural support after adoption.

One of my Dad's lurchers does similar. He'll come to me for affection and immediately start growling as soon as I touch him however his body language in all other ways indicates that he is relaxed and enjoying our interaction. I have come to the conclusion that he just likes the sound of his own voice If your dog is going stiff when growling that's not good and the source of his discomfort, be it pain or fear needs dealing with before it escalates. Dogs don't go stiff when they are playing games.

No my sense is that it is not a game, it is just how quickly he come out of it. He did suffer a nasty injury in February so it may be connected to that but he runs freely and doesn't show discomfort at any other time.

I don't know if this is possible, but his injury occurred when he ran to greet me as I came through the door - is it possible that it is reminding him of the injury a it was fairly traumatic!

You say he rolls over onto his back, is this when he growls?

Seems he is putting himself into a submissive posture but is maybe also wanting to either challenge your 'higher' ranking in the pack, hence the stiffening.

As soon as you back off he is happy to jump back up and carry on as usual, status quo achieved. If this is the case I would stop the fuss and excitement of your homecoming.

Also is it a proper growl? My dog 'talks' all day long! Only ever seen her growl properly once (teeth bared and everything - and that was at a fence panel being moved in neighbours garden!).

It's not aggressive growling it's more like he's nervous. He's not a jibbering wreck or about to attack but it's not a contented grumble - he does that when he's cuddled up on the sofa.

The rolling onto the back comes after the growl as a submissive, almost apologetic response. When he growls he is normally standing in a slightly lowered pose with ears down and eyes fixed - his fear response.

I tried to film him tonight as he ran to the gate when I got home wagging his tail, bouncing up and down and giving me his ridiculous grin, but of course he just did that, was fine and didn't get growly! I wonder if it is a house thing. He's pleased to see me, so I get the warm welcome, then he feels compelled to resource-guard the house, then I walk away and he's sad and so he wants me to come back to him so puts on a submissive display to lure me back?

Sorry if that's all a bit waffly!

he sound lovely.

How old is he and does he do the same with others coming through the door?

re the injury - was this something that could happen again (like him slipping on a polished floor and hurting himself) or just one of those random mishaps? Sorry for so many questions.
If you are worried about this behaviour escalating try instantly reacting to the growl with a very firm NO (or drop it, leave it, whatever command you use) and disengage with him, turn your back and walk away etc.

sorry posted too soon.

He shouldn't be guarding the house from you or his other 'pack' members.

if he has to be left alone in the house for several hours could you arrange for someone to pop in and take him for a quick walk or just keep him company for half an hour - it may help diffuse the excitement of your homecoming.

Sorry not being much help here!

Is it possible to talk to the vet, with a film if possible? I wonder if he could be suffering some sort of stress induced mini fit? We had a dog like it although on a grander scale. Any time she was over stressed or excited she would go into a fear response but she had no control over it. As soon as it passed she was upset with herself and apologetic (For want the a better word). Keep an eye out and see if it happens in other stressful situations like meeting a new dog etc. With it being over so fast you may not be picking up on it.

If it is that there's medication to try and other things too. If not perhaps a chat with a behaviourist would be a good idea?

Oh, none is right about reducing the excitement of you coming home whatever the cause. Sadly this is good old fashioned ignoring the excitement and greeting when calm stuff which I hated because it's so nice to have a happy dog great you - but it does work.

Thank you for your advice. Typically, once I decided to film it, he isn't doing it anymore!

He is lovely non and his accident was a freak thing which couldn't EVER happen again, but I don't know whether he would know that.

You are so right Red I don't want to give up the smiley waggy tailed greeting, I just don't want to cause the stress/fear reaction.

He isn't ever left alone for more than an hour or so and most days he is with one of us all day. Interestingly DH commented tonight that he is far less enthusiastic in greeting him but he still occasionally does the growl.

Interesting to hear about the fit issue. "Apologetic" is the right way to describe his reaction so I will bear it in mind and speak to the vet if it continues.