Barking at other dogs - advice needed

[frustratedpants]

Hi. My year old lab has started barking at other dogs in the street. He is generally an over friendly bouncy chap locally known as a bit of a fruit loop (he is neutered) but if we pass another dog who isn't so friendly or is on the other side of the street his hackles go up and he starts barking at them. but it's not every dog or even the same dogs. Any advice as to why he is doing it or how to stop it?

Dogs go through a fear stage sometime between 8-14 months, in which they become frightened of unfamiliar things (and sometimes of familiar things too). If it's this then I wouldn't pay much attention to it - just get him past calmly, and if possible keep a bit of distance between him and the other dog. It will pass as he matures.

Thanks for the reply redwingS I guess that fits. I wasn't aware dogs went through that stage. He has got jumpy at unfamiliar objects on walks (like plastic bags or things that aren't usually there)