Help,

I have a very well natured Lab pup who is nearly 7 months old. We got her at 13 weeks so she has missed  big social bonding with people.  When at home or in my office, if anyone comes in that she doesn't know too well she will growl and bark and back into the corner (obviously feeling threatened for some reason).  When the person goes to stroke her, she is okay but very shy (ears go back) but she doesn't snarl or anything and seems to enjoy the fuss.  The thing is she knows my work collegues as she has been with me in my office since I brought her and I can't understand why she is now growling and barking at people she has known for ages. When she does grwol I speak very calmly to her and will go and reassure her that everythings alright and when people go to stroke her they too will tell her that shes a good girl etc.

My other pup, who is  6.5 months old is absolutley fine with people and is a complete people dog...except when shes escaping to hunt rabbits (thats another story)

I would really appreciate some help and guidence as to what to do, my main fear is that she will become aggressive. and thats not within her nature. 

I'm a bit concerned that you say you tell her she's a good girl when she's growling and showing unwanted behaviour - if that's what's happening, you're teaching her that her reaction is the correct one ...

Hi - TWO lab pups at once - you must have your hands full.

Have you taken her to training classes?

I'd be wary of reassuring her when she is afraid, because "reassuring" "It's ok poor little dog" etc, sounds like praise.  So you are in fact praising her fear, and making it more likely to happen in future.  I would cut out the verbal when she is displaying fear and save the praise for when she doesn't show fear.

If she was my dog, I'd be asking people to ignore her totally - let her learn that there isn't any need for displays of this nature, as people arent' a threat.  Do NOT let people approach her anyway, she's giving them fair warning that she isn't happy and it would only take one wrong move for somebody to get hurt :(

She's learnt that you actually 'like' her growling because you are paying her attention, if you ignore it too, it will help her to realise it is not a behaviour you want or like.  But at the same time, you must take responsibility for making her feel safe.

Hi Jacksw1,

I agree with the other posters that you have to be careful she is not reading your actions as reassuring that it is OK for her to growl etc :)  It's very easy for dogs to read our signals wrongly and us theirs.

As for people approaching her when she has been worried by them or given a verbal warning, please do not force the issue.  It is far better that they ignore her entirely and make absolutely no contact - even eye contact - with her.  Don't encourage them to pet or stroke her and she will become more relaxed.  It is better that she eventually approaches them, even just for a quick sniff when they have their back to her ;)  Ask your colleagues to ignore her even when she does come round to that type of approach and over time your youngster will learn to become more and more relaxed.  Over time if she become more confident and able to approach them openly, perhaps have them toss a treat on the floor away from them - but don't rush this stage - she has to feel completely comfortable around them first.

It takes patience and perseverance to bring round a dog with issues such as these but it is entirely possible
Regards, Teri  :)

Thank you all for your advice!

I will look to ignore her and ask others to do the same if she barks/growls..fingers crossed!

Thanks again xx

She sounds like my girl who I've been told isn't nervous just a cocky so and so, who gets enough attention from her owners so why does she need to bother with other people.

Within 3 days of ignoring her whacking my parents for attention, jumping up and licking them etc. she was a different dog at training last week and yesterday she went to a few people and enjoyed every second at the New Year Breed Club Party!

My lab went through a similar phase around 6-7 months.  It was odd as he'd always been a bit too people orientated before, he'd approach anyone - whether they wanted him to or not!!  It's also very difficult because people always assume a lab will be friendly to them.  All of a sudden he went very barky at strangers, ones we passed on the street, people that approached him in the park and people coming to the house. 

The trainer at puppy class suggested we got people to look away from him, avoiding eye contact at all costs, but holding a treat at his level which he could go and get, if he wanted.  This really worked for people in the house and park, and it's amazing how many people will help you, even after they've been barked at!!  No one gave him a fuss unless he was really asking for it - he rubs up against your leg and flops over if he wants a tickle! When walking in the street she said to drop a few treats on the floor as we passed strangers. He's now pretty good, and lets most people pat him on the head when we're out.  He still barks when people come to the house, but when we let them in he's delighted.
Good luck!!
~Clare

Like the others, my Lab also went through similar behaviour at the same age.  Her breeder said she thought it might be a defensive move on her part, ie. she thought she had to defend me.  What worked for us was me to put the dog under my control, on leash, on heel, in a sit while we were not close to the people, whatever was appropriate for the situation.  I would talk to the people but we all ignored the dog.  The idea was to convey to poochie that I am the leader and I decide who we talk to and direct whatever action will take place.  What also helped us was for me to greet strangers in a familiar fashion as I noticed she did not react against those I knew.  Sure took some strange men by surprise when a lone woman acted friendly and as if she knew them.

DextersLab I have also been told to do the same thing with my girl, although I do find it a bit hard finding people who are happy enough to do it myself, but we will keep on trying :d

Wow, thanks everyone. I have asked all those who enter my office to completely ignore her and its looking like its working...Thanks for all the help!

perrodeagua - I was worried about asking people, because I expected them to think he was vicious (like yours, I think it's cockiness more than nervousness), but after I explained how hard I was working at it, and the advice I'd been given most were really good.  Even parents and little kids and little old ladies helped!!  I'm always moaning about anti-dog people, but I got a lot of help!!
~Clare