Divebombing Chocolate Labrador

Question
We have a 10 month old, chocolate lab.  Bruce.  He is a large and lively dog.  He has not been neutered.  He is not aggressive in any way - even when meeting less than friendly dogs outside of the home.  However, occasionally there are brief episodes, of a couple of minutes or so, where he 'goes mad': - he tucks his tail under him and races around the garden or wherever.  This is ok but on the way past us he divebombs us before carrying on rushing about.  He sometime nibbles a trouser leg on the way past too. He hasn't hurt anyone (yet) but I am very concerned that he could knock someone over or hurt someone or frighten them.  Your advice would be greatly appreciated.  Thank you.

Answer
It is common for Labs to run like that and best to just let them go.  The biting as he goes by calls for action, but will be difficult to deal with.  You could carry a spray bottle with a little vinegar or lemon juice added to the water.  As he approaches, give him a blast in the face.  That should stop it.  Unfortunately, he may learn he can do it is you don't have the bottle with you.  It is very important to correct each and every time.  

If your position is secure as the leader, a stern bad dog when you don't have the bottle, may help.  The key to most behavior problems is approaching things using the dog's natural instincts. Dogs see all the people and dogs in the household as a pack with each having their own rank in the pack and a top dog. Life is much easier if the 2 legged pack members outrank the 4 legged ones. You can learn to play the role of top dog by reading some books or going to a good obedience class. A good obedience class or book is about you being top dog, not about rewarding standard commands with a treat. Start at http://www.dogsbestfriend.com/ For more on being top dog, see http://www.dogbreedinfo.com./topdogrules.htm