Puppy meeting strangers issue

by Ken
(Leicestershire)

Hi
My 13 week old Miniature Schnauzer has just started to go on walks but when meeting new people has a half hearted growl or bark (we call it a gruff). Is this usual?

NOTE FROM LINDA AND MAX: It sounds like he is getting a bit more confident and asserting himself, which is perfectly normal. But make sure you socialise him properly with other dogs and humans - puppy classes are great - so that he doesn't get too big for his boots. Get friends to come round so he gets used to lots of different people, or meet other dog owners in the park. Socialisation when young is extremely importst (also get him used to traffic, loud bangs, etc, as some Schnauzers can grow up to be afraid of noise - Max included)