Latest Avast update blocking applications--Behavior Shield turnoff

I’ve been experiencing problems with the latest Avast edition (installed 3-5-2017) blocking Windows applications, Sketchup, etc. I just tried turning off the Behavior Shield and that fixed the problem (good news!). My question is, how safe is this? My other choices would be to disable all the shields before accessing the blocked applications or switch to a different AV program (or hope that there will be a fix).

Suggestions?

or hope that there will be a fix
Have you reported it? >> https://forum.avast.com/index.php?topic=14433.msg1289438#msg1289438

Yes.