Purr-Plexed

Dear Dog Lady,

Madison, a female black Labrador is seven-years-old. We adopted her from a shelter when she was five months. From the day my wife brought her home, she has been a gift from God. She’s very lovable and getting cuddlier all the time. She has full rein in the house and is very good.

I have read articles about dogs “purring” and, occasionally, when we go face to face with Madison to kiss that big black nose or to pet her when she is on the couch, she will sound a low g-rrrr. I call it a “distant rumble of thunder.” Sometimes if we persist, she will bare her teeth accompanied by a louder g-rrrr. I call it “alien mouth.” As soon as we retreat, she looks at us as if to say, “I didn't really mean it, I love you guys.”

Sometimes we hear "a distant rumble of thunder" when we give her a tummy rub. I'm confused as to how to read her actions sometimes. For years, I’ve said to my wife Kathy that's one of the few expressions she has to communicate with us, as in, "Don't bug me now". Madison has never snapped at us. Would you say that these scary actions could be “purring?”

George, Utica, NY

George, listen to Dog Lady purr: “I don’t think soooo.” When you put your face in Madison’s face, she’s likely growling, “Get outta my face.” And when you persist, she’s adamant, “I mean it, Alien Mouth.” But she really does love you guys, although Madison is like anyone else – she needs her space. There are times when persistent attention from you and your wife may be too much for her. If your dog’s reactions occasionally seem scary to you, then back off. Your dog is a creature who loves petting, but she still needs a comfort zone free from man-handling.

Posted by Dog Lady at April 11, 2006 02:20 PM