Most people hear a dog growl and immediately assume it means “back off.”
But one Staffordshire Terrier named Lola is proving that growling can sometimes mean the exact opposite.
The stylish pup has gone viral for making some seriously intimidating sounds while clearly being completely overjoyed.
In the video, Lola lets out a deep, rumbling growl while her entire body wiggles with excitement.
Her tail swings so hard it looks like it could knock something over.
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One viewer summed it up perfectly.
“The tail is the most dangerous thing about that dog right now,” @irishman705 joked. “That’s a happy pup.”
Another commenter added that the correct response is to tell Lola just how “vicious” she is.
The clip has left viewers laughing because Lola sounds fierce while looking like one of the happiest dogs imaginable.
So why do some dogs growl when they are excited?
According to the American Kennel Club, dogs can growl, grunt and make other rough-sounding noises during play and moments of excitement.
In those situations, the sounds are not necessarily a sign of aggression.
Dogs use vocalizations along with body language to communicate how they are feeling.
That means a growl should always be interpreted alongside other clues, including posture, facial expression and tail movement.
A stiff body, fixed stare or tense posture may signal discomfort or warning.
A loose, wiggly body and enthusiastic tail wagging, however, can point to excitement or playfulness.
Lola certainly seems to fall into the second category.
Despite the dramatic growls, her wagging tail and full-body wiggle make it clear she is having a very good time.
And judging by the reaction online, viewers cannot get enough of her unusual way of showing happiness.