Fear

 Did you know that dogs go through fear stages?  Young puppies and adolescents can go through different stages where they suddenly find things scary.

Booker has always been a very social and outgoing dog.  But just over the last couple of weeks he's started growling and barking when strangers approach.  This has only seemed to happen when we've been sitting somewhere and people start approaching.  It doesn't seem to happen when we are walking and people walk by us.  

We're trying to figure out exactly what is triggering the fear or protective reaction.  More importantly we want to help him get through it so he doesn't get stuck and make this an ongoing issue.

While at the beach we were sitting in our beach chairs and a party boat pulled in near us.  As they started getting off the boat Booker emitted a low growl and then a bark.  

I immediately got up and walked into the water calling him.  He followed me giving a few glances over at the people but not growling or barking.  My goal was to distract him and also let him know that I am not distressed so he doesn't need to be either.

It didn't take more than a few seconds of playing with him for to forget all about our new "neighbors".  No need to makeit a big deal.

Shortly after, I leashed both dogs up and walked him past several groups.  This is when the 2 kids came running over asking if they could pet them.  Booker gave a slight hesitation, so I dropped Sisko's leash who happily ran over to get some loving.  Immediately upon seeing his brother getting attention, Booker decided to join him.  

Again, as long as it is safe for your puppy expose him to everyone you can.  Don't force interactions, but show him there is nothing to fear and hopefully he'll be confident to engage.  And when your puppy shows fear, never ever reinforce the fear by babying him or overreacting.  Distraction and providing calm confidence will help get him past his fear.