Abbie is resource guarding me. She's only 5 months old too so this can only get worse.
If she is out and about playing at the dog park or with doggy pals somewhere else, she is fine. If she is around my feet though and another dog gets in what she considers our space, she goes on the attack. She means business too. She has that pointed stare - stiff/bold body posture and everything.
Just yesterday I was out with all 4 dogs walking around town and a labradoodle approached us with its owner to say hello. Abbie sniffed it, then went in to resource guard mode and kept going after it. It was not playing - it was all serious.
So, how do you handle that type of situation? I grabbed her muzzle, told her that's enough and moved her away. I don't think that will solve the problem though.
I started hard core obedience training her last night. Up until now I've just been doing it on and off. She knows sit, down, stay. I'm working on watch, come when called and a longer stay. I've also put a stop to her getting up on the couch with me and such. She will no longer be allowed to sleep in my bed and will be crated at night instead. Most of the time her and Lily are crated at night anyway but a few times per week I let them sleep with me.
Any other suggestions? I might consult with Brenda Aloff. She doesn't live too far from me so I may just take Abbie over for a consultation.