1 yr lab biting children

Question
Hello,

I have two labrador retrievers.  My choc lab, just turned one.  We just adopted a yellow lab 1.5 mths ago who is about 2-3 (they weren't sure).  Both of them are neutered males.

My problem is my choc lab.  We have had some aggression problems with him with my son who was 4 when we got him (had him since 8 weeks).  I have had him in 3 classes of obedience training.  We have tried to correct both the dog and the child.  

About 2 months ago my choc lab bit my 4 yr old in the ear and head (he was provoked, but that doesn't make it ok).  We purchased a muzzle and used it some and also took action with our son too.

Well things seemed to calm down again and we decided to add to our family.  Ever since the new dog has come into the home our choc lab is showing more aggression.  Now when my 4 yr old even walks near him he will growl.  He is even growling at my 6 yr old occassionally and this has never happened.  Also, he is very aggressive with our new dog at feeding time (we do feed them in separate rooms).  He becomes territoral and even attacked him in the throat area while i was petting both of them while my husband was preparing their food.

Well last night he bit my 6 yr old and drew blood on his thumb (front and back).  I'm very shaken by this.  I love this dog dearly, he is like another child to me but I am very concerned for the safety of my children. I've spoken with a trainer (they are currently taking more training) and they just suggested integrating my children into doing the sit, down, stay commands.  But what if this doesn't work.  And my concern is other children also.

Do you have any suggestions for us.  Thank you in advance.

Gena, Pennsylvania  

Answer
It is confused about who is in charge.   It is quite possible it is used to
being in charge, and intends to stay in charge.  Likely it is already neutered,
but do so now if not.  Dogs with behavior problems should never be bred.  Then
you need to take over as top dog.   Having a good pack structure reduces such
problems.  A top dog does not put up with biting 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.  Use one forearm under his jaw to keep his teeth away from your face.  If you can't do that, 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.  Every time he snaps or growls, he immediately gets which ever bad consequence works best for you. Don't forget the praise and petting when he finally yields.

A biting dog is no end of problems.   I suspect he has had a yearsof doing
as he pleased.  I doubt he will give it up easily.  In time, he will and be a
happier dog for having the strong leadership dogs need.  and yes, let the children run him through his commands to teach him they outrank him, and he must do what they say.

If you bought him from a breeder, let the breeder know you are unhappy with his
aggression.  It is absolutely wrong to breed aggressive dogs.  If the dog does
not respond to discipline, you may have to destroy him.  Let everyone else know
where you got the dog and the problems you are having.  Breeders that breed
aggressive dogs, should be run out of business.