5 month old aggression help

[sh3ph3rdluv]

My five month old female has started displaying semi-aggressive behavior. I have a one year old male I am comparing her too, but as I have smaller kids I am concerned. My male has never displayed any aggressive behavior and rarely barks at anyone. He is just a happy go lucky friendly pup. In the last month Lady has begun to be very protective of me. She barks and growls at any new person she sees. My boyfriend shaved his head and came out of the bathroom she jumped off the couch hackles up growling at him because his appearance had changed. The other night we were watching a movie and she was laying at the end of the couch. My daughter was in her bed and tossing and turning around. As soon as Lady noticed she sat up and growled at my daughter and continued to do so every time she'd sit up in her bed. She is very attached to me but she is loving to the kids and to my other dog. Is this behavior something I should worry over? Any suggestions would help.

[RocketDog]

It's not protection, it's a fear-stage. It is something many many puppies go through. Don't encourage her fear, encourage her to either check it out, or act like it's no big deal and to forget about it. Are you using a clicker to train? You can try the LAT game for things outside the house, because if she's doing this inside, she will most likely do it away from home too.

If mine doesn't settle after one bark and me going "Whatevs. It's nothing", then I say, "Go check it out! Let's go!" in a happy voice and show him it's fine.

[sh3ph3rdluv]

I haven't tried the clicker training method. She settles once I reassure her that it is safe, she is a good guard dog. I don't like to discourage her from alerting me if she senses danger, but my 6 year old getting out of bed at night is inevitable.