usmclove

Today, she was on my lap in the car (I always take both pups with me to pick up dad) and a guy (my husband is in the military) walked by in cammies and she growled at them inside the car until they were across the street in the other parking lot. But my husband walked up (in cammes) and her nub was wiggling. This growling happen ed on two different occasions. She would watch them, growling a very low kind of serious growl, until they were out of eye sight. They came with in like 2 feet of the car, weren't like doing anything, just walking by my car.... any thoughts?

Shes not aggressive to people I introduce her to, she goes to the pet stores with us about 3-4 times a week, lots of people pet her and what not and interact with her, no problems there and spends time at the doggie parks around, and friends come over often, no issues. So IDK. She doesn't have any issues with my husband or kids or friends coming near me at all.

I'm not concerned other than the fact that from what I've seen online that true protectiveness is rare at the age of 12/13 weeks. should I be concerned?

Beaumont67

I could be wrong, but:
Your 12/13 week old dober puppy is probably showing the "fear stage" more at that very young age...and not necessarily a bad thing.

Our girl is also 3 months old, and shows a similar "serious barky-barky" at one neighbor (coming & going) across the street, late at night.
Our last adult dobe would growl for real (big time) in the car, seeing a shady man approach (walk by) the family Volvo (in a mall parking lot).
- she was always very protective of my wife, once she matured / we related it to a good thing, and never did it get out of hand
- quite the opposite, I truly respected her judgement in meeting new people...she was right, every time judging character (as an adult dog)

I think some puppies will grow into the protection stage, while still being balanced and safe around others (good people).
- our pups awareness, I view as completely normal and quite acceptable / and hopefully will have similar good instincts to come (looks like she will)
With your pup on Mom's lap, I would stroke her confidently with your hand and tell her she is a good girl / Mommy OK...and not discourage (like saying ENOUGH) unless it gets to frequent...I would be more concerned if, my pup never-ever growled at some strangers.

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------------Kelly & (Amy - RIP @ 11.7 y/o)

Burns

At that age, its a fear response, not a protection response.

I didn't allow my puppy to growl at friendly passerby'ers on the sidewalk while we were walking, or otherwise out in public. Firstly, it does nothing for the reputation of the breed to have my dog growling at friendly strangers while we're out, and secondly, a mature dog who is truly protective should be able to tell the difference between a threat and a non-threat.

I continued to socialize my dog while he was young so he wasn't afraid of people, but encouraged behavior like barking when people pulled in the driveway or people walking through our yard uninvited.

Socialization is very important at your puppy's age, but don't worry, it won't impact his natural protective instinct should a real threat present itself when he's older.

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Gorrmae's Fantasy Red XIII CD RE CGC TDI
DOB 2/17/07, red/rust, male neutered Doberman

Rouleaux

I agree with the above. Even hackles up, this is fear and nerves showing. It is the 'Back off" bluff... Surprisingly a lot of people are scared of the doberman puppy fear stage

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usmclove

oh ok then, I was like, whoa thats a new growl i havent heard before! My husky doesnt do that at all except to Sacha, and occasionally the kids when they get way too rough or nasty with her. So I wasnt sure if I should be concerned or not... thank you.