We have a 3 month old puppy who is 50% Anatolian Shepherd and 50% unknown (though we suspect some bloodhound). She is very gentle at playing, loves meeting and playing with new people, and has never had any sort of aggression problem. We had a new person over our house just the other day and she wanted nothing more than to sniff around them and get pet.
I take her out each morning before work to 'go'. However, our neighborhood can be somewhat busy. When a jogger is running by, or a neighbor is getting into their car, she begins to 'ruff' at them, and it sometimes turns into a full bark. I take her out relatively early, and am already on shaky ground with the neighbors for unrelated reasons, so I'd rather not have my dog waking them up every morning. This also sometimes causes her to forget about going potty making accidents more likely. And, of course, I want her to be happy and comfortable.
Based on her personality, I assume that she just wants to meet and play with these people. Her body language is alert, but doesn't seem scared. And this makes me sad as its working contrary to her desires (the barking makes people not want to come meet her). However, this is my first dog and I know when to admit my own ignorance.
I read one website that suggested she may be trying to warn me, and to praise her and then give her the command 'stop barking', then if she barks again yell at her to startle her and use negative association to teach the command. However, this doesn't 'feel right' to me, and yelling at her is not necessarily realistic either outside (where it will wake neighbors) or in (where the rest of the family is sleeping).
What is likely causing her barking, and how can I get her to stop?