Lab snaps at people

Question
Hi - I hope you can help.  We have a 3-year old Lab named Bailey.  She is a sweetheart, but every time a neighbor comes over and we are talking to them and "introduce" them to Bailey (you know how people always want to pet your dog), she snaps at them.  Yes, we know she is probably just protecting us, but it's embarrassing and worries us that she might actually bite someone.  I didn't realize Labs were like that.  She is a loving and gentle dog (except when she's ready to play rough!).  Your thoughts?  Thanks!

Answer
Dogs don't read breed descriptions and often let their individual genes and early socialization lead them away from what is typical of the breed.  Most Labs may not snap, but yours does.  You need to work on a few things.  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/  Also see http://www.dogbreedinfo.com./topdogrules.htm  If you are firmly established as top dog, then it is up to you to protect her from the people she has had to snap at.  If the top dog accepts them, then they must be OK.

If they have treats, that is further proof they are OK.  It may help to gently toss them on the floor in from of her at first.  If you haven't made excess use of them, treats don't have to be fancy.  I usually use some of the dog's regular kibble.  A lady once made a great point about what her spaniels would do for a single Cheerio.