Hi it sounds to me that your very intelligent CP is trying to tell you something. Telling her 'no' and your voice tone may make her growl. Never tell a dog off for growling, it may be a warning, if you stop the warning a dog may be prevented from giving one and snap instead.
My puppy is a barker and a growler, I am learning to 'read' them . She often barks 'insistently' when she she wants something from me like to go out and I have not noticed her by the door. She barks to go for a walk , when I am on the phone ( I am speaking to someone she can't see which is confusing) , when I come downstairs and she has been unable to follow ans she has been waiting for something . Growls have different tones for different situations too .
When you come downstairs and she barks /bend down/call her to you reassure her 'its ok' in a calm tone and praise when the barking stops.
On walks take treats with you , when she barks turn and walk the other way saying 'quiet' in a calm tone /treat and praise when quiet . Repeat many times.
My 6 month old puppy barks at the slightest shadow on my front door. When she does I call her to me in a calm voice no anger / she stops barking / I say sit 'good girl' . She is only doing her job of protecting her space and I am saying job done you can stop now i have got the situation under control.
