my lab is snapping at my son

Question
Hello, we have a 7 1/2 year old emale chocalate lab. She recently has become somewhat moody when it comes to our 8 year old son. Now she has had no problems with anybody else. But on several occations she can be laying on the couch or a bed and my son will sit down next to her and pet her and she has quick snapped at him. No skin has ever broke but this is a concern a to what the heck is going on. I know she has sensitive feet and frequent ear problems, but is this soemthing that would ake the dog all of a sudden just snap quick?? She otherwise behaves awesome and even sleeps in m sons bed. Please help.

Answer
It is possible she feels she outranks him in the family and that as he matures, he is no longer sending signals of submission to her.  At his age, 4-H dog training is a great idea. In my area, clubs form soon after the first of the year.  Even many urban areas have 4-H.  For info look in your phone book under government listings for extension or cooperative extension offices.  Ask specifically about a dog or canine club.  The 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 a treat. Start at http://www.dogsbestfriend.com/  For more on being top dog, see http://www.dogbreedinfo.com./topdogrules.htm  There is additional material at that site on dogs and children.  If it is too late to get into 4-H thins year, it is still essential she is taught her proper place in the family, and she must submit to him.