How to Stop Dogs from Growling or Snapping at Each Other

Understand What Growling Means

Growling is often misunderstood—it’s usually a dog’s way of expressing uneasiness, not just aggression. It can happen during play, when scared, or when alerting to a perceived threat. Context matters: a growl during play is normal, but a growl with stiff body language or a snap may signal real tension. Recognizing your dog’s body language helps you respond appropriately before the situation escalates.

Stop the Behavior Before It Escalates

When dogs growl, snap, or lunge at each other, treat it as an “incident”—not a crisis, but a warning sign. Respond quickly and calmly. Avoid yelling or screaming, as this can increase stress and make things worse. Instead, use a firm but quiet “No!” or “Hey!” If that doesn’t work, distract them with a command like “Let’s go for a walk” or a long down-stay. The goal is to interrupt the behavior without adding drama.

Manage the Environment to Prevent Fights

To stop repeated conflicts, first prevent access to trigger zones. If fights happen in hallways or near the door, keep dogs separated using crates, baby gates, or separate rooms. Alternate their access to the house so they can’t be in the same space without supervision. This gives you time to build reliable communication with each dog individually through consistent training.

Train for Peaceful Coexistence

Once dogs reliably follow basic commands (like “sit,” “down,” and “look at me”) when apart, you can begin reintroducing them. Start by placing one dog in a crate in the same room, allowing them to see, smell, and hear each other without direct contact. This builds familiarity and reduces fear. While one dog is crated, train the other with simple commands and reward good behavior. This creates positive associations and teaches dogs that listening to you is more rewarding than fighting.

Handle a Fight Safely if It Happens

If dogs actually fight, your priority is safety. Separate them quickly using body blocking, a loud noise, or by calling them away. Avoid grabbing collars—dogs may bite when startled. Pulling by the back legs or tail is safer, but requires two people for large dogs. Never try to pull them apart with your hands if you’re at risk. A water spray or other distraction can also interrupt the fight without putting you in harm’s way.