Aggression, Protection or Exploration?

Hi,
We rescued a Staffy x JRT about 3 weeks ago and are having a few... 'issues' He's about 6-8 months and was in the rescue for about 3/4wks.

He hasn't had any night-time accidents in his crate now for about 2 weeks and learns his commands fast.
However, he barks if he hears anyone outside the apartment and will growl from the balcony if he can see people shouting outside.

I was coming back into the building with him earlier and he tried to go for a woman He does it when we're out walking; pulls on the lead, whines, 'growls' and sometimes barks and we get so embarrassed by it! We're never given the time to apologise and explain! Back to the story - I was coming into the building earlier and he started whimpering when he saw a woman. When she was a few feet away - she was obviously scared by him - I'd ended up with the lead wrapped round my arm and holding on to his halter but ended up having to pick him up for her to pass. He was trying so hard to get away from me and zones out when you tell him off. I've never seen him as bad as tonight and it's really worrying me about his future. I'm not sure if it was aggressive or trying to socialize but people are just scared off him when he's like that.

He's met some family and friends when they've come to visit and he doesn't show any aggression or dominance with them - he just gets excited and wants to play - so we're not sure why he is acting like this when we're out!

If anyone could advise it would be so great! Puppy training classes don't start until January so we're struggling on until then!

Thank you

Its still early days remember, have you tried taking toys/treats as a distraction.

Maybe come and say hi

https://staffy-bull-terrier.niceboard.com/f7-new-member-introductions

Staffys can be quite vocal at times anyway, so try not to worry about this too much. He has only been with you for 3 weeks so give him a little more time to settle into his new surroundings.

When he starts whimpering try to get him to sit and wait quietly for the person to pass by, picking him up is not a very good idea as this will make him more nervous of people and other dogs when they approach him.

Good luck with the training classes.