aloof alpha female lab mix puppy

Question
Can an aloof alpha female puppy (3.5 months old)with time and training become good family dog, interested kids?  This puppy is different from day to day, infrequently aroused by humans unless it is a stranger, mainly by dogs.  She is a good dog, a challenge but I would really like a pet for my 7 & 9 year old.  She is pretty indiffernt to them.  She is happy to see strangers, once the newness wears off, she's aloof again.  She plays very dominant.  Doesn't enjoy walking to much unless there is another dog present.  She is very calm also.
Thank you so much so your input.
S Shaw

Answer
Sounds like a dog that lived in a kennel until it was past 12 weeks old.  Try some of these exercises:

''Elevation for small puppies:  Sit on the floor and gently put your hands around your pup's middle, below his front legs, and lift him up.  He is facing you.  Hold him for 15 seconds.  Repeat until he no longer struggles.  If he is past 10-12 weeks, lift his front feet off the ground, but don't pick him up.  

Cradling for small puppies:  Hold your puppy gently on his back, as you would cradle a small baby.  If he struggles, hold him firmly until he quiets for 10-15 seconds.  With larger pups, you can do this as your sit on the floor, with your pup between your legs.

Quiet lying down:  Place your pup on the floor on his side, with all 4 legs pointing away from you.  Use your hands on his neck/shoulder area and middle, to hold him in this position.  When he is quiet, praise him.  Lengthen the time that you keep him quietly in this position.  When he accepts this position well, handle his paws and muzzle, while keeping him quiet.''

The quotes mean this isn't my original work.  It is copied from my Puppy Raising Manual.  I have long used these or minor variations of them, and they are very effective.  You may want to give him a belly rub while he is on his back too.  Helps bonding.  There is a big difference between him rolling over and demanding a belly rub, and you choosing a time to roll him over and rub his belly.  The latter cements your place as pack leader.