Dog Bites/Separation Anxiety

Question
My daughter and  her fiance rescued a 10 month old yellow lab named Sophie who most probably was not properly socialized.  She ended up in the hands of a rescue person who told my daughter she would hit Sophie over the head with a pot to stop her bad behavior.    My daughter quickly arranged to take Sophie home and out of that environment, even though the rescue person said she "wasn't ready".   Sophie then was taken by my daughter to a trainer and  she did not approve of his rough methods of correction.  From there they enrolled her in a basic obedience class and she did fairly well. However, she seems to have severe separation anxiety and needs more than just basic training.  When she thinks they are leaving the apartment (they have to leave her  8-9 hours a day and they are currently in a basement apartment, but actively looking for a home with a big back yard) she will jump up on them and virtually attack scratching with  her paws and also biting them sometimes breaking the skin.  They have had her for 7 months now and tried many methods to help her overcome her separation anxiety.  Is this what one calls a "red zone" case because she has bitten them?  Is it possible she can be cured?  Most of the time she is a sweet, lovable dog who sleeps in their bed and loves hugs and kisses.
Help!  Any advise would be appreciated.  I am worried as they plan to have a family soon and although I am an animal lover  having always had golden retrievers, I am concerned. I just finished babysitting Sophie for 7 days while my daughter and her now husband went on their honeymoon.  It went well because Sophie now for the first time in her life had a house to roam in and windows and doors to look out of and a back yard to run in.  She was good 90% of the time, but on the last day when I was coming out to the backyard where she was playing, I guess she thought I was leaving because I had a jacket on, and she attacked me breaking the skin on the top of my hand.  I didn't leave the house once during the entire 7 days because I didn't want to leave my dog and her alone with her nor did I know what she might do to the house.  Also, she seems to attach herself to me and whenever my dog tries to get some attention, she barks into his face and I think she was trying to establish herself as top dog in the house.  The dogs have met previously for walks and play dates.  She will be going home tonight.  Any advice would be appreciated. My daughter and husband love her very much.  She can be so lovable and her behavior is such a shame.  It is sad.  Is there hope?
A concerned Mom.

Answer
If you are describing the dog as "red zone" I assume you watch Cesar Millan.  First, I want to be honest and say that I do not agree with most of his methods, think he has set dog training back about fifty years, and if you are having trouble with the dog, you need to avail yourself of a good behaviorist with credentials.  Dogs do not form linear hierarchies, and to assume that the dog is trying to dominate anyone is probably erroneous.  Dogs are usually concerned with gaining valuable resources for themselves, not with being boss.
Tell your kids to find a behaviorist at the Animal Behavior Society, or through the nearest veterinary college, or at IAABC's web page.  This behavior is not currently what I would like to see in a dog that is intended to live with children, especially babies or toddlers.  However, that doesn't necessarily mean that her behavior cannot be modified with the right protocols, and possibly even some medical assistance.