Woody is a 7 month old lab, Since we got woody as an 8 week old pup. He has literally been everywhere with. We did this to socialise him. He has continued to go to most places with us. Last week, when I was out walking with him and my 5 year old boy. A man came up to us, he's a bit strange, and does kinda creep me out. Woody pulled back on his lead. and started woofing. Its not a bark so to speak, but more a deep woof, woof, his hackles went up. (They do anyway when he is off lead for a run). Later on during the day, I was out again, on a big old open cast mine. I was aware of a man, jogging. So anyway I shouted woody back to put him on lead, As I didnt want woody running up to him and licking him to death. Anyway he went in the other direction. About 10 mins later he suddenly appeared from nowhere. Woody did the same again woof woof. He was off lead, and he didnt run at him, just kind off backed up a little. I apologised.

Anyway this is starting to happen at least once a day. Apart from that 1 time, The rest have been while we are street walking with woody on lead. Its always been at men, not them all, but some who we are walking past,

Because I now wonder if he's going to do it again. So ive started  coaching him when we are walking past men, I know he is not agressive at all, He is a great big softy. I know when he's woofing that he doesnt mean any harm. But it is getting embarassing. Be obviously the passer by does not know it. He does not like the post man at all. And always woofs at him. when he comes in the front garden. If woody is sat out front.

He gets on great with my hubby, me, and my son. In fact he loves nothing more than a fuss, off people.

I know for a fact that it is not an agressive bark, thats why ive said woof. There isnt an agressive bone in his body. He is normally a very sociaable dog. In fact more often than not, he always puts his nose out when we walk passed people for a sniff. I always thought, he thought it was natural for all people, who walk passed us to get a stroke off them.

Hope you understand what im trying to say
Any ideas
Alix

I wonder if he's picking up on any nervousness you may feel about strange men when you're out alone?

well not really, on the way back this morning, I said hello to a bloke i knew, And he did it again. Im not a nervous person at all.:)

Alix

but actually, the 1st bloke he did it to. does make me nervous. We live on the edge of a council estate. And the council houses are being done up. (wish ours was). this guy is one of the workers. But he does unnerve me a bit. But this is the only one. as a matter of fact we walked past him again this morning. Woody just ignored him. Till we came to the 1 i said hello to :(

folk are gonna be thinking. "watch out thats her with the mad dog"

Hi Alix,

I was inclined to think with JG on this but then perhaps it's your pup who is showing nervousness - particularly as he's "woofing" - often wishing to actually bark but not quite confident enough to do so ;)   Most of us excuse unusual behaviour in bitches as oncoming seasons and forget that the boys are going through ongoing hormonal changes too every few months or so until around two years of age.  He may just be losing a little confidence at the moment particularly with men.  In my own breed being wary towards men is not unusual - even when they live with several :rolleyes: - and it is something that just needs gently worked on with lots of gentle patience and, crucially, NO pressure. 

HTH, regards Teri :)