| First, aggression toward other dogs and aggression toward people are two completely different things. The motivators are completely different. Without seeing the dog it is impossible for anyone to say exactly what is motivating the behavior. Usually in young dogs, growling at strangers is a form of insecurity. It's a bluff, and the dog is saying "stay away from me". Sometimes, the dog just doesn't like people. Again, it's impossible to say over the internet. Either way, it needs to be corrected, and dealt with now, as opposed to when he is a year old and has learned this is an acceptable habit, and has the mental and physical capabilities to be dangerous and resistant to an attempt to correct him.
The first thing to do is to correct the dog whenever he growls at anyone inappropriately. The important thing is to teach him that his actions are not acceptable. Do not pet him, and talk softly to him and try to "soothe" him; this will inadvertently reinforce his behavior. Be stern with him and let him know without a doubt that he is out of line.
With young puppies, I like to teach them that other people are fun and nothing to be afraid of. With puppies that don't like strange people, I hand their leash over to strangers (strangers to the dog...not random people I meet on the street) and simply walk away for a period of time. Leave the "stranger" some of your boys favorite treats, or a toy, or something else he likes, and get him used to the idea that people are fun, not scary or mean.
For things like handing an insecure dog off to others, it is best that these be "dog people" who like and understand puppies, and are willing to let the puppy take to them at his pace. A local schutzhund club or local obedience club is usually very welcoming, and would be an ideal setting for things like this.
Others will contribute more I'm certain, but I have always found the "hand-off and walk away" method very effective at stopping unwarranted aggression in young dogs. |