Why Is My Dog Growling At Nothing At Night: Reasons And Strategies for Training

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Understanding Dog Growling At Night

First of all, the term “growling” is what we’re using in this blog. However, the sounds your dog makes go beyond growling. It could be a whine, a snort, a whimper of discomfort, or a woof escalating to a snarl. 

We’re going to look at all these sounds and why your dog is making them. 

What I suggest we do at the very start is to understand why your dog growls.

What Does My Dog Want If They’re Growling?

As humans, we use a lot of words to communicate many things. There are also feelings and expressions we show through sounds: we sigh, we go “tut tut,” and even say “Huh?”

These sounds are such a big part of our communication, we instantly understand what they mean. 

Just like us, dogs use sounds to communicate their feelings and needs. A sigh, a whimper, or a growl all have different meanings. So, what are they trying to tell you when they have nighttime growling?

Common Reasons Why Dogs Growl at Night

Reason #1: Your Dog Growls Because Of Fear And Anxiety

Your dog, like people, can feel nervous and scared.

A young puppy, or a dog that's recently left their pack might feel particularly unsafe in a new home, especially at night when everything is quiet and unfamiliar.

They might whimper, bark, or even growl at the slightest sound. Most of the time, there's nothing there but the wind rustling the leaves outside.

Your dog's behavior is similar to separation anxiety in humans, where the fear of being alone can trigger feelings of insecurity and panic.

A nervous dog might overreact to any touch or loud noises, like a jumpy person who startles easily. This is because their heightened anxiety puts them in a state of constant alertness. An anxious dog is more sensitive to their surroundings!

Luckily, there are many ways to help your dog feel more secure and relaxed, which in turn can help both of you get a good night's sleep.

After all, a good night's rest can do wonders for dog and owner, reducing stress, improving mood, and promoting overall well-being.

Reason #2: Heightened Senses

The second reason why your dog suddenly starts growling at night is heightened sensitivity to smell, sights, and sound.

Some dogs seem to go on full alert when they sleep, their ears half-cocked, picking up even the faintest noise.. Their hearing and sense of smell are far superior to ours, so even in the dark, they haven't lost their primary senses. They're incredibly sensitive and can react to sounds and smells we can't even perceive.

For example, I once dropped a tiny piece of orange with a worm in it while I was outside. Later that night, my dogs went out for their last bathroom break and found it. They could identify that tiny piece of fruit or the scent of my fingers from a considerable distance. 

A dog's sense of smell and sound are truly remarkable!

So, when we say they're growling at nothing, it's not entirely accurate.

Most dogs are actually hearing or smelling something, and they're simply asking, “What's that?” In a dog pack, just like in a wolf pack, there are always some dogs who are like alarm sounders. These dogs, often the more nervous ones, are more alert and have better hearing.

It's like having a nervous dog with heightened senses in the dark who's always listening for everything. They might make a noise like “ruff,” and that's all it is. It's like they're saying, “What's that? Wake up, guys? Can somebody identify that smell?”

It could be anything from a neighbor cooking dinner, a small rodent scurrying around outside, or the wind blowing.

Reason #3: Underlying Medical Issues and Feeling Unwell

Sometimes, your dog starts growling at night because they're not feeling well. This could be physical pain or even emotional distress. It's important to remember that dogs have feelings just like us.

Imagine being given a thin blanket on a cold concrete floor as a bed. You wouldn't feel safe, loved, or comfortable. You wouldn't get a peaceful night's sleep, and every little noise would wake you up. 

It's the same for your dog. A comfortable bed can make a big difference to their well-being and sleep, especially if they have health concerns.

Reason #4: Discomfort

Your dog's environment plays a big role in their comfort, and therefore, their sleep. If you live in a cold climate, a thick, cozy bed is essential. In a hot climate, your dog might prefer a cool marble floor.

Consider your dog's breed, too. A husky in Arizona will be hot most of the time, while a Vizsla in Alaska will likely be cold. Think about what your dog needs to stay comfortable temperature-wise.

Also, consider their emotional needs. Your pet naturally prefers den-like spaces with only one entrance to guard so they can relax. Just as you wouldn't feel safe sleeping in the middle of a warehouse, your dog might feel more secure in a smaller space like a corner of a room, a crate, or a kennel.

Crates can be especially comforting for your dog because they mimic a den, especially with a blanket draped over the top. They offer a sense of security and protection from drafts.

I always make sure my dogs are warm at night, either with blankets or a little jacket if they get cold. We even leave the fire on sometimes for extra warmth. These small things can make a huge difference to your dog's comfort and sleep.

When your dog is free of physical discomfort, their nighttime growling lessens, too.

Reason #5: Separation Anxiety

If you've recently brought a dog home from their pack, they might feel lonely and insecure. Letting them sleep in your bedroom for a week or two, then gradually moving them out, can help them adjust. While I don't recommend letting your dog in your bed, having them closer to you can make them feel safer.

Think about where your dog sleeps in the house. Keeping them in a kennel far from the house can feel like isolation for a pack animal who craves companionship. Your dog wants to be close to you, so try to accommodate that.

Reason #6: Territorial Behavior

Dogs are naturally territorial, and this can lead to nighttime growling. Even inside the house, they might hear or smell something outside that they feel is intruding on their territory.

My dog Willow had different growls for the postman, a cat, a deer, or a rat. She even had specific barks for intruders, dinnertime, or when she wanted me to check something out. By learning her language, we understood what she was trying to communicate.

Try to learn your dog's language too. They might be growling because they smell something outside, and that's perfectly normal. The more you show them they don't need to react, the more relaxed they'll become.

Environmental factors like ambient noise, low light, or any changes in the environment can make dogs more vigilant. It could be a windy night, rustling leaves, or even a twig brushing against a window. All these things can contribute to nighttime growling. We need to help our dogs feel safe and relaxed.

Sometimes, our dogs know there's no danger because we're there and have reassured them, but they still feel the need to stay alert for our sake. We need to show them it's okay to relax and let us take charge. It's our responsibility to help them feel safe and secure.

Reason #7: You Haven't Shown Them You're the Pack Leader

Our furry friends are programmed to look for a pack leader. Your dog's natural instinct is to search for leadership in the name of survival. If your dog doesn't see leadership in place, they will assume the role of the leader. 

And for your dog, leadership means guarding and protecting you and the property. This is why they're always agitated, anxious, and protective.

“Doggy Dan, are you saying my dog doesn't see me as their leader even if I walk and feed them?” 

That is correct. Dog psychology works differently. You have to follow certain rules to help your dogs understand “Hey, I'm in charge here. You can calm down.” 

I've taught these rules — I call them The Five Golden Rules — to thousands of dog owners, and they work like magic to change dog behavior. Once these rules are in place, training becomes much easier. 

I discuss The Five Golden Rules in my FREE webinar you can join here.