Serving the St Croix Valley of WI & MN

Our Training Programs are Uniquely Focused on You & Your Canine Friend. Our FORCE FREE training is a line of communication to help your dog learn what you what him to do, not forcing him to do it. No pinch collars, no choke collars...we don't use them because pain is never used with our training methods.

Classes and Seminars are held at K9 Playtime in Hudson. Click on Group Training tab for schedules.

You need to email or fax K9 Playtime proof of vaccinations (bill or certificate from vet clinic) at least 2 business days prior to the start of classes. All dogs are REQUIRED to have Distemper/Parvo, Rabies (except puppies under the age of 16 weeks), and Bordetella (kennel cough) vaccines prior to coming. NO EXCEPTIONS.

10% off one class when you present your dog's Adoption Contract from any organization. (Does not include Community Ed classes.)

Growling - Is it bad?

Yup, I am the talker in this K9 family of 3.  I bark & I growl.  When a foster dog is added to our pack, I am the one to say "let's play" with a growl and also "give me my toy" with a growl.  Humans think I am a bad dog because I growl but I am not. So here is my explanation to help you humans understand your dog's growls.

What is A Growl?
Dogs can’t use words to communicate, so they rely on body language and vocalizations (growls, barks, and whines, to name a few) to “have conversations.” Dogs converse with other dogs, as well as with people with these vocalizations. To really understand your dog, you have to know what growling does – and does not – mean.

Why Do Dogs Growl?
Not all growls are created equal. To decipher the meaning of a growl, you need to find out why your dog is growling. There are many reasons dogs growl – when playing, dreaming, protecting something of value, if they feel threatened, or scared.



 What Does A Growl Mean?
Dog-to-Dog Growls
As mentioned earlier, it’s important to take into consideration the context in which your dog is growling. Remember, dogs don’t have words. They can only use their body language and vocalizations to communicate with their dog friends. Growling is one way dogs communicate with one another. Sometimes dogs growl when they are playing happily with another dog-friend. Wondering how to tell the difference between a serious and a playful growl? Take a look at your dog’s body. Do you see the following?

 “Loose” bodies (not rigid and stiff)
Mutual playing (both dogs are content to play together, neither one looks scared or threatened)
Willingness to continue playing together (if one gets the chance to leave, does he?)
Cooperative play (dogs take turns “winning” or pinning each other)

 If you see these things, the dogs are most likely engaging in normal dog-play. If either dog looks scared, looks like they are bullying the other dog, or moves stiffly, it’s time to interrupt play-time and let them settle down before allowing them to play again.

 Dogs also growl to communicate their uneasiness. Your dog may growl at another dog if that dog is:

 Unfamiliar
Too close to a valued object
Behaving inappropriately (jumping on your dog, for instance)
Crowding your dog’s space

When I come back, I will go into Dog to Human Growls.  Hana Banana