My 9 week old Maltese/poodle mix growls at strangers when they approach him.
Laura Napier
I agree completely! Socializing with new people from a safe distance initially and gently and cautiously increase exposure and contact. Once the pup learns that people aren't all bad, he'll settle down some. If he never or rarely sees strangers, he'll never get comfortable with them.
Katy Lauren
Sounds like he just needs to continue his socialisation.
People are scary and he's just letting you know he's uncomfortable. I'd slow down with the socialising with strangers and let him build his trust back up. Let him go to them instead of the stranger approaching the dog.
Never tell off a growl, this is their warning and if you teach them not to growl, next time they may not warn and may just bite.
Laura Napier
I agree completely! Socializing with new people from a safe distance initially and gently and cautiously increase exposure and contact. Once the pup learns that people aren't all bad, he'll settle down some. If he never or rarely sees strangers, he'll never get comfortable with them.
Katy Lauren
Sounds like he just needs to continue his socialisation. People are scary and he's just letting you know he's uncomfortable. I'd slow down with the socialising with strangers and let him build his trust back up. Let him go to them instead of the stranger approaching the dog. Never tell off a growl, this is their warning and if you teach them not to growl, next time they may not warn and may just bite.