Curious about my lab

Question
Hi - I have a 10 year old black Lab and he is very attached to my husband and myself. Recently, I have been spending time alone with my pup at my weekend home packing up everything because we will be renovating. While my husband is at our other home during the week working, my usually submissive, people loving pup who normally barks at passers by (saying 'hello" to them) now will actually growl at anyone who might stop at the top of the driveway (from a distance.) Once they pass by, he's ok again. Also, I just moved my horse into the area as well and when I bring him to the barn where my horse is at - he growls if either of the horses comes near me.  Some people are telling me he "protecting" me but he has never done this before.
I'm just curious if this could be becasue my husband is not here with us and he is 'taking over" the Alpha job?
thanks in advance,
D

Answer
Hello ...well i think your dog may be reacting from a couple of things..has he been at that house before for this long? he may just be being weary due to the strange place..if not, then he may be reacting  about the fact that your husband is gone. i am not thinking that it is protective but just a type of fear (of the unknown..ie horse, house, hubby not being around) ....with time it should ease up but what you DONT want to do is say "its ok boy" when he is growling. you think that means it is ok calm down,,,he thinks it means its ok..keep growling
does that make sense?
nancy