I wouldn't think the growling is normal, especially at such a young age. I've never experienced it anyways, unless they were being playful and growling. I would definitely put a stop to that NOW. Nip it in the butt while she is still young. I would give a slight correction and firmly tell her 'no' when she growls, but I would also use re-direction (such as a really good treat she likes, or a toy she really likes) and bring it along with you. Distract her before she even starts to growl... the minute she makes eye contact with somebody and looks like she might growl or bark, treat her for not growling (never give her a treat when she is growling or after she growls). Also, if possible, ask kids and strangers to give her treats... so she sees these people as a positive thing, not a negative one. Jackson has some shyness with strangers he's never met before, and he's gotten significantly better (he now goes up to people on his own) because I take him to kids baseball games (my cousins) and let the kids all give him treats etc and he's learned to love them all! Even though he is shy, I've never dealt with him growling at a stranger or barking (in public anyways... he barks at the door but that's it).
Anyways good luck, I hope someone else can give you more advice!! |