2 year old yellow labrador male

Question
Hi,
My two year old labrador won't stop barking, he starts barking at men that come in to our home and he gets close to them and his hackles are up. We brought him of a breeder do you think something has happened to him? Plaese help thank you.

Answer
Dogs aren't mature until 3 years old.  As they develop, they take on more and more responsibility for the protection of the pack.  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

If you are in charge, then they are your responsibility.  Control you emotions.  He will sense and interpret any stress you feel as confirmation of his suspections.  Greet them as positively as is reasonable.  Perhaps have them show up with treats for him.

Neutering him if not already will help too.