Little question...can't tell if this is growling or not

So far we have had a few definite play growls from Dexter, tail wagging during and it definitely doesn't sound like a real growl if you know what I mean, we still asked him to calm down before playing again and this has worked.

This afternoon however our youngest began to stroke him and go in for a cuddle and Dexter made a different kind of grunting growling, but then licked my youngests cheek, then again same thing happened, stroking, funny noise then licked his cheek. Honestly can't tell if it was Dexter saying right get off I'm chilling here or just a weird staffie noise.

Anyone know how I can figure it out? Don't want to be letting the kids encroach on his space if he's wanting to just be left alone for a bit you see.

1. I doubt it was real growling if he licked your son's cheek
2. I would still give him some space. He may be uncomfortable with close cuddling and should be left to find his own comfort zone. Once he's bee with you a couple more weeks you'll know exactly how he's going to react.

as per Caryll , a real growl wouldn't be followed by a lick but give him some space to settle , been a bit of a whirlwind romance going on here

That's what I've been thinking, cheers guys. Will make sure we keep things low key while he's settling in. My instinct when it happened wasn't 'oh my god' and although it's been years since I had so much contact with a dog I spent so much time as a child with them that I hope my gut would know if there was trouble afoot. Makes sense he may be a little unsure of the most unpredictable member of the house

It could be that he's asking to be given a bit of space, but as soon as he grumbles he knows it's wrong & so licks to pacify his human!

Agree with Caryll on this as well

I read that dogs don't always liked being hugged (unless they get used to it) so perhaps he was just feeling a bit uncomfortable. I also read that licking the corners of the mouth, in the dog world, is a submissive/calming gesture, so perhaps he made the noise and licked your son's cheek to let him know he wants some space but he's not being mean?

That sounds spot on, thank you folks. I had to check on here as I know I will get reassured properly - I'm not the panicky kind but had to make sure what I was perceiving was correct. Especially as it's early days for us and all new

He sounds a really well balanced dog tbh. If that's the only problem you've had so far then he's a star.

You may have a few problems with obedience once he settles in & finds his feet, so to speak, but as long as you're firm & consistent you'll get through that very quickly!

Yeah I did read that sometimes a rescue is on best behaviour for a while before being a bit of a tinker to see what they can get away with

We are quite big on routine here for the kids, and I think that will pass on to Dexter and help a lot. I am as loving as hell but firm, I think he has figured that out already - especially if staffies are as perceptive as they seem! They have such clever expressions don't they? Like they thoroughly understand what you say!

Staffys are very vocal, Ledger makes a low level growling sound which I call his purring as he only does it when he is snuggled in and getting his head or ears massaged its a very content sound

Similarly you will get to know the tone of bark as to whether it is attention seeking, defensive, fearful or playful etc

What about his body language while he does this grumble noise ? The link below may help you figure it out too:

http://staffy-bull-terrier.co.uk/dogbodylanguage.html

jshrew wrote:Staffys are very vocal, Ledger makes a low level growling sound which I call his purring as he only does it when he is snuggled in and getting his head or ears massaged its a very content sound

Similarly you will get to know the tone of bark as to whether it is attention seeking, defensive, fearful or playful etc

Now we have had him almost two weeks I know it to be his content and happy noise, or excitement. Learning a little more every day!

My boy, right since we got him at 8 weeks, has always done a 'rumbly growl' to greet us. He used to do it to everyone and anyone (including strangers in the street which used to get me into trouble!), but now it's usually just me or the hubby or kids. It's louder and longer now that he's older (he's almost 2) and it scares anyone else that hears it, but we know that he is simply saying' hello, I've missed you, come give me some attention!' I'm not saying that this is the case with Dexter, but just wanted to let you know that they make all sorts of noises for all sorts of reasons and a growl isn't always a bad sign