growling in her bed

[LindaVass]

my working cocker has started to growl when she is in her bed at night if approached. Its a kind of submissive growl as she rolls on her back when doing it.  At no time has it felt aggressive.  This only happens at night where she has her bed next to mine.  I have another older dog who has never attempted to oust her from the bed.  My cocker is 2 and a half years old.  Any explanation or tips to help

Thanks 

Linda

 

[Adrienne]

Greetings, and welcome to the forums,

In such a case, we would need to closely evaluate what is going on. Is this truly a deep guttural growl in an awakened state or some sort of grumble of the type of a dog who was just awakened from sleep and focusing on trying to get back to snoozing? Does she look at you directly as she's growling and then afterwards rolls on her back? Or does she just grumble while she moving on her back?

What seems to trigger the behavior? In other words, what are you are doing exactly when you hear the vocalization? Are you just walking by? Or are you moving into bed and your movements awaken her and she is little annoyed? Is her bed on the floor or on the bed next you? Also, is she already sleeping by the time you go to bed?

 I would  also consider if there are any recent changes in her sleeping patterns. Is she working more and getting less rest lately? Were there any recent changes in her life that could have stressed her out?