16 week old pups aren't protective.
Growling, barking and hackling are defense displays intended to scare a threat away. They are based in fear. It's probably nothing to be alarmed about and she'll get over that fear as she matures and has more positive experiences with people. But to me it would indicate a need for more socialization.
One thing I would NOT do is coddle the dog. Don't try to soothe, pet, and reassure the dog that everything is fine. All this does is reinforce fearful behavior because the dog can't understand the words you're saying, but does know that she's getting positive attention for you in conjunction with her fearful reaction. Instead, completely ignore any fearful behavior.... absolutely no reaction from you whatsoever. And then when that behavior goes away and she moves forward confidently on her own, THEN you praise and pet her and reinforce the confident behavior.
Growling, barking and hackling are defense displays intended to scare a threat away. They are based in fear. It's probably nothing to be alarmed about and she'll get over that fear as she matures and has more positive experiences with people. But to me it would indicate a need for more socialization.
One thing I would NOT do is coddle the dog. Don't try to soothe, pet, and reassure the dog that everything is fine. All this does is reinforce fearful behavior because the dog can't understand the words you're saying, but does know that she's getting positive attention for you in conjunction with her fearful reaction. Instead, completely ignore any fearful behavior.... absolutely no reaction from you whatsoever. And then when that behavior goes away and she moves forward confidently on her own, THEN you praise and pet her and reinforce the confident behavior.