American Bulldog & Lab make two

Question
Hi:

We have had a Lab since last October, who is now one year old (female, spayed.)

In May, we rescued an American Bulldog male who is now 9 months old, neutered two months ago.  His mom was purebred, and pa was an unknown.

They got along well for a while.  Then the A.B. started getting testy with the males at the dog park, which we've been correcting and made some progress with - i.e. making him submissive in the park.  (We've been going less, however.)

Recently, however, he's gotten these crazy episodes when napping, where if the Lab comes to give/get affection, or walks by, he wakes up and attacks her.  It is very disturbing, because she gets scared and makes herself scarce.

We excercise a lot (walks, hour in morning, 1/2 to hour in evening), correct his behavior - seem to be doing what we need to.  Is this going to get better?  Are we seeing genetic traits come out that can't be corrected, and he should be put in a one-dog house?  (Not aggressive to people, though he barks at strange noises and people walking by the window sometimes.)

THANKS.

Answer
If this behavior continues, I would put him in a crate to sleep. Maybe it's an insecurity thing, personal space issue, territorial response, whatever. If it gets worse, you might consider the one-dog home option.

The unfortunate thing about a rescue dog is that you never get the "real story" from the previous owner's if any story at all.

I would also strongly suggest taking him to obedience classes where he will be forced to have manners and learn proper social behavior. ABs are notoriously dog aggressive but they are also very trainable. Now is the time before he gets too much older and then it becomes real work.