Protective Toy Poodle

Question
My girlfriend has an addorable toy poodle, but he is too protective and aggressive when anybody comes around her. I don't take it personal because I understand what he thinks he is doing, but I don't like it when he tries to bite, growl, or show too much aggression, especially while we could be in bed just trying to relax or go to sleep.
He's very playful, but disobedient and loves to jump high on our legs even when we're just hugging and scratches us when he jumps. Oh yeah, he doesn't listen when we say don't jump on the couch too. He'll do what it takes to be near her and protect her. As much as I admire his bravery, it really gets on our nerves.

Have any tips to get him to stop please?

Answer
Hello Jay,
What needs to happen with this dog is that your girlfriend is going to have to make her dog stop growling and snapping at you.  Since he is her protector and thinks that its his job to watch over her, the corrections will have to come from her.  She needs to hold her dog down in the submissive position (laying on his side with his head on the ground) and make him submit to you so that he will understand that she is the boss, then you, and he comes last.  To do this, when he growls at you, she needs to hold the dog down in a submissive position until he relaxes (which means that he will continue to lay on the ground without being held down and will look away when he is stared at), then you need to come over and pet him while he is in the submissive position.  If he tries to snap or growl or bite you, SHE needs to correct him then hold him down in the submissive position again, then you try again until he will let you pet him without getting aggressive.  Once he realizes that she isn't going to let him bite or snap at you, then you can start doing the same thing to him when he acts like this.  
Now even if he tries to snap or bite her when she holds him down she has to keep him in the submissive position.  He has to realize that even though he tries to growl, snap or bite that he still eventually has to submit.  

With the issues he has about the couch and jumping up on people, keep his leash on him while he is out in the living room with you.  That way, when he jumps on you, you can tell him "Off" and give him a gentle tug on the leash, then when his feet hit the floor, you can praise him.  Only let him come up on you when you give him a command to come up, such as "UP" or "Paws".  The same goes for the couch.  Give a gentle tug when he comes up on the couch and tell him "Off".  Only let him up when you give him a command for him to come up on the couch.  Make sure that you use the same word each time and that you correct him when he comes up and you haven't given him his word yet.  

You might suggest taking him to Obedience classes also.  Poodles excel in Obedience, it gives them an out for their excess energy and its also fun for the owners.  Contact an Obedience instructor in your area and give it a try.  

I hope this helps you some.  If you have other questions for me, please feel free to ask.

Thanks for using AllExperts.com,
Kim