Why do my two dogs sometimes growl and bark without eye contact?

This dog is probably threatening to Bella for some reason. It may be intact (and if in heat possibly a female). Since she doesn't do this to other dogs/people walking by, it has to be something specific to that dog. I would trust Bella's instinct about the dog and avoid any interaction with it if at all possible. Sometimes growling can be more of a warning and then Bella would likely start barking if the dog approached or got any closer. When you notice this behavior, try to distract Bella away from it by offering her a toy to play with or a treat. This way she does not become too hung up on the possible 'threat'. Continue to monitor Bella's behavior. If she starts doing it to other dogs or people she may be developing aggressive tendencies. I hope this helps. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach. Best of luck!

Dogs have a whole complex body language system. They also have a series of vocalizations. Barking can be due to many causes and can indicate excitement, aggression or even fear. I recommend to read and learn about canine body language so that you can recognize what the rest of the body is telling you. Best of luck and please feel free to post any additional questions.

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! They are probably communicating with each other. This does not mean that they do not like each other necessarily. This is just their interaction which is ok. Not every dog is playful with other dogs. My dogs for example get along fine and play with other dogs but do not play with each other. It is not a concerning thing. It is just their type of interaction and how they interact with each other which I just have to sit back and respect. In summary, I would not be concerned about this. Have a great day!

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! This is likely behavioral in nature and it may be just while she realizes it is you. You can check in with your veterinarian for an eye exam to make sure that it is nothing that has to do with her vision. Otherwise, this may improve with time. Best of luck!

Hello, Duke may be hearing or sensing something that could be causing him to be alarmed. If nothing, then make sure Duke did not get into any medications at home that could alter his mentation. If this does not change and he continue to show this behavior then have Duke evaluated by a veterinarian soon. I would have Duke evaluated tonight if his behavioral changes worsen or if you note any other signs including weakness, lethargy, vomiting, diarrhea, or worsening aggression. Hope this helps and best of luck.

Before assuming this is a behavior issue, I would want to rule out a possible medical issue first. When I hear about sudden changes resulting in aggressiveness, the possibility of pain or discomfort in one of the dogs could be the root of the problem. When a dog is not feeling well, it is only natural for it to react in a negative way if one of its buddies is trying to get it to act normally. A thorough physical exam should be performed by a veterinarian in order to rule out any sort of orthopedic or neurologic pain. Thyroid conditions can also be responsible for behavior changes as well. If it turns out that no medical issue can be be identified, you will have to start considering what may have started this sudden change of heart by Mill. You will have to think back to when it started, when the problem occurs most, where it occurs most, who is around when it is occurring, who ISN'T around when it is occurring, so on and so forth. These types of issues can be long and complicated to resolve, but usually as soon as the issue is identified the road forward becomes much easier.

Belle is a young dog who, like a human toddler, has more energy than she (or your other dog) care for at the moment. If you want to stop any behavior you need to find a healthy alternative. If they ate their other toys you could try a few new safe "indestructible" toys (that you monitor them with at first to make sure they can't destroy them), chew toys that are designed to be eaten (like pet safe bones), puppy training classes, walks, hikes, dog parks, agility lessons. You need to tire Bella out. Right now it sounds like she doesn't have any toys or anything else to do so she's desperately barking at your other dog who she probably is hoping will play with her. Pets need appropriate things to do or they get bored and find inappropriate things to do. I hope this helps!