Hi all, I am after some opinions/advice.  My Afghan hound is now 20 months old and has never been very vocal - Until now!  About a month ago I was walking her down a lane when a man approached me - he's a sweet old guy and I have said hello to him before, only on this occasion he put his arm on my shoulder - I wasn't worried but Lana really growled, no teeth just a low rumbling growl that said "BACK OFF" I told her to stop and dont be silly but apart of me liked the fact that she got angry at someone for approaching me (always wondered if she would or not)  Then at training a few weeks ago I got chatting to the trainer at the end of the night it was dark and cold so we took our conversation into the pub :D  Lana was sleeping half under my chair until a man got up and accidently stood on her - she jumped up barking at him another real "Back off" I didn't really react because I thought well he did stand on her and she was fast alseep, again no teeth just mouth - However my trainer was concerned that Lana thought it OK to try and take charge of the situation in the way that she did!  Other incidences recently have included other dogs always having a pop at her on walks - I have been assured by my trainer (who works very closely with Angela Stockdale) that it is not Lana's body language - in fact her body language is so good she acts as a stooge in puppy classes to help teach some manners.  The thoery is that because Lana is big and black and her hair covers her eyes she may cause worry to other dog's.  She has always taken alot of doggy abuse but now she has started to answer back in a kind of enough is enough I've been pushed to far kind of way!!  Now she is barking at certain people that approach us on walks - not all though and not just men - never children.  I just dont know how best to deal with it at the time of her barking, do I tell her off, circle her away, ignore her?  Any ideas greatfully received :)
Sarah
(Sorry its long!)

Hmm, i don't really know how to deal with it, but i suspect that at her age she has now become mature and more confident about telling people to back away. My collie started her aggressiveness towards other dogs at this age, because she suddenly felt able to protect herself. My other dog (just turned 2) also strted barking at random people on walks, usually people doing really strange things. I have found that by introducing them and them offering a treat usually helps, but this isn't always an option.

Mine barks in the back garden, when all the school kids are going home. i think its because she cant see them through the gates and walls. i might cut out a peep hole for her or put a little window in the gates lol.

I wouldn't mind her barking so much if I knew I could stop her!  I want her to allow me to take charge of a situation and if I say someone is ok - dont panic, she should stop.  She has just come into season as well so I am wondering if its a hormonal thing?  Otherwise she is the most laid back hound you could ever wish to meet ;)
Sarah