10 month old pup growling at small children
My wife and I have a 10 month old puppy who typically is very gentle and kind. In the past she has always been really friendly with children and adults. Over the last week, there have been two instances where she has growled at small children, around 2-4 years old. We have never really had her around small children but when she has encountered them previously on walks, she has rolled over on her back and been very playful, loving and hyper. Last week, my wife took her on a walk, and when the neighbor kids ran up to pet her, the dog was ok with the 9 year old boy, she was ok with the mother, but she instantly began growling at the 4 year old girl. The second time was yesterday in our backyard, with my wife's friend's 3 year old daughter. She was completely fine when the child was being held or behind the screen door (wagging tail, jumping up and down), but the second the child was set down and went to go pet her, she started growling, just like on the walk. Because in the past she has been so playful with kids, this past week has left us puzzled and confused. I want to mention that my wife is pregnant, and so I am not sure if that plays a role. She is completely fine around adult strangers, and appears to be ok with older kids. Thank you.