Growling and 2nd fear period?

[Amy and Truman]

Our sweet boy Truman will be 7 months tomorrow and seems to have picked up some alarming quirks as of the last few weeks.

First noticed him growling at the school attendant when I picked the kids up from school. It was a new environment (1st time he had been to pick up) and the guy had a 2 way radio. Assumed it was the radio when he didn't growl the next day. I contacted the trainer and treated Truman with snacks as we approached. No more problems there. This was about 3 weeks ago.

Fast forward to last week. We stayed at my mom's which he is somewhat use to. She has two dogs and my two made four. Truman is the most submissive and playful of the four.

Brother comes over and Truman growls and huffs at him several times until brother approaches slowly and lets him ease into being petted. Brother was wearing a hat and is very tall. Otherwise could not think of a single reason for him to growl or be uneasy.

Over the course of the week the same senero plays out with the housekeeper, my mom when she had a hat on, and my grandmother.

We start an advanced obedience class Wednesday so I plan on addressing it with the trainer again.

In your experience does this sound like something that could be happening because of intense fear? He is a natural "chicken" anyway. Any similar stories that ended well? Any suggestions on helping him in the meantime? We will overcome it whatever the cause may be, just wanted to get a feel for what we may be dealing with and the seriousness of it all. I have been worried sick over the whole situation.

Thanks in advance, and sorry for the novel!

[Jane, Guinness and Murphy]

I think it is highly possible that the growling is a fear response especially the way you describe Truman's temperament.  Something about these situations is making him uncomfortable.  I've always read that you should not cater to the fear....you just need to help him work through it.  I would give a firm verbal correction (not physical at this point) and turn him away or distract him in some other way.  Then help him to approach the person who is generating the fear slowly so that he sees that nothing bad has happened.  I think the way your brother approached sounds perfect.  I would definitely talk to your trainer when you start your new class this week.  This is a great time to be working on advanced obedience.  Keep us posted...and good luck.

[Lynne of Fountain Falls]

I agree with Jane's comment.  I've also found it helpful in a similar situation  to have the person in question, like your brother, be more on eye level but not making eye contact.  Let your dog approach, sniff, then find the "treats" the person is holding in their hand.  Albus is a shy dog with some people but if given the chance to approach and "check them out" in his own time, he accepts them.  I also advise some of my new owners to continue to expose(after the vaccinations are finished of course) their pup to lots of different people.  Have them wear hats around the pup.  I've even suggested after the dog shows a dislike of hats on men for instance, that the man of the house put on his hat when he is playing and interacting with the dog. You have a great attitude about working through it all.  I'm sure your trainer will be a big help!  Good luck.  

[Amy and Truman]

Thanks so much for your advice! We will implement the hats more around the house starting today and hope to see good results from the trainer in a few days as well.