Snapping Issues in Lab pup

Question
Hi Labman

We have recently bought a female lab pup which is now twelve weeks old. I am noticing a lot of snapping behaviour with her when i try and teach her to stay down or stop jumping etc. She snaps at  the air towards me and my hands or face.

Last night we were sitting on the couch. She jumps constantly to get up. My hubby pushed her down with a firm down command and she snapped at him very close to his face.

Is this a sign of aggression or dominance or just puppy play ?

I am very firm with her and have her sit before eating her dinner etc which she will do. I can take her toys away from her as well.

Thanks for any advice
ELinor  

Answer
It is confused about who is in charge.  You need to take over as top dog.   Having a good pack structure reduces such problems.  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 learning to be top dog, not the dog learning it gets a
treat if it sits.  Start at http://www.dogsbestfriend.com/  She is too young to go to an obedience class now.  You will have to work out of a book for now.

A top dog does not put up with snapping by a lower status one.  Give a warning
stern "Bad Dog!".  In stubborn cases, I repeat the "Bad dog!" right in its face with the dog on its back. Hold it down until it lifts one back leg to show submission.  Another very effective technique at that age, is to pick it up with your hands behind its front shoulders and hold it out with its back to you.   Make sure it is far enough out it can't fling its head into your face.   Hold it until it quits struggling and relaxes.  If you can't do either of those, try the squirt bottle.  Fill it with water and a little vinegar or lemon juice.  Give it a squirt in the face as soon as it misbehaves.  Dogs
hate that.  Labs have a reputation for being stubborn.  The solution to a
stubborn dog is an owner that is even more stubborn.  Every time she snaps or
growls, she immediately gets which ever bad consequence works best for you.
Don't forget the praise and petting when she finally yields.

These are some other techniques known to work well with young Labs.  

''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 her a belly rub while she 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 her belly.  The latter cements your place as pack leader.  

We practiced several of these over the weekend.  We had 6 people and 5 dogs including a 12 week old male Lab in the house.