What just happened?!

[3AndADog]

My 10yr old DS arrived home with his friend and my people loving excitable playful cockapoo (9mo) stood up and started growling and barking at him. The poor boy loves dogs and she wouldn’t let him anywhere near her. We calmed her down and he approached her again and she started up again with fierce growling and we have now separated them.
I’m a bit freaked out tbh.

Also I do think meeting friends outside and arriving home together might work but I might wait a while before trying that.

My theory proved correct - we arrived home to find my dad had let himself in and was sat on our sofa, and The dog just ran over to him and snuggled up on his lap. Not seen him for a few weeks. Got a vet appointment tomorrow.

Hi, I wondered if your dog has had her first season yet? If she hasn't, it could be due soon. I only ask as my dog became more nervous and hesitant with people that we met out and about before and during her first season. At home the nervousness might be amplified as home is the dog's safe space. Maybe something to consider. I hope the vet has some answers for you.

No, we haven’t had first season yet but no physical signs. Maybe? Seems quite a severe character change for that?

Had another episode of growling and barking today at the window when the neighbours were out in their garden - not a new thing. Really getting anxious about all this now
We saw the vet and she’s referred to behaviourist and also prescribed a few months of Clomicalm. I was a bit unsure tbh but she was confident it could help break the cycle and calm her enough for behaviour work to be effective.
She was absolutely lovely in the vet - trembly up on the table but the vet said most really anxious dogs are aggressive with vets but she let her prod and poke all over.

I wondered if she was coming into season as well, i have heard it can cause bitches to be much more anxious. If not this could be secondary fear period when they suddenly get much more anxious for no obvious reason.

Has she ever been crate trained? I wonder if having a safe space for her to go to especially when visitors turn up would be useful.