Keeps goin Cujo!

Question
Okay, we got a poodle puppy from some breeders that weren't exactly breeding correctly. His mother was only a year old when she was having puppies and we're almost positive he isn't a full teacup poodle like they claim. He was around 5 months old when we got him but now he's almost a year. Most of the time he is very lovable and cuddly  and sweet. But other times, he'll randomly decide to growl and bite. We thought having him neutered would help but he is still biting and growling. Once he had his paws on the garbage can and my sister pointed to him and said no. He showed his teeth at her so she slapped him on the nose and he went at her growling and biting. We really can't afford a school to send him to. We are scared to have him around children. My parents will get rid of him if he doesn't stop. I know he's good but we have to be able to trust him. What can we do to make him stop?

Answer
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/ For more on being top dog, see http://www.dogbreedinfo.com./topdogrules.htm   

A class is very helpful especially if you are having problems around other dogs.  You can easily work out of a book.  Here are some more than may be good:

The Cultural Clash by Jean Donaldson, 1996

Excel-crated Learning by Pamela Reid, 1996

Don't Shoot the Dog, by Karen Pryor, 1996

Surviving Your Dog's Adolescence, by Carol Lea Benjamin, 1993

Second Hand dog, by Carol Lea Benjamin, 1988

Dog Problems, by Carol Lea Benjamin, 1989

Super Puppy, by Peter J. Vollmer, 1988

HELP, Mt dog Has an Attitude, by Gwen Bohnenkamp, 1994

Owners' Guide Better Behavior in Dogs and Cats, by William Campbell, 1989

What All Good dogs Should Know, By Wendy Vollmer, 1991

How to Raise a Dog When Nobody is Home, Jerry Kilmer, 1991

Through Otis' Eyes-Lessons from a Guide Dog Puppy, by Patricia Berlin Kennedy and Robert Christie, 1998

Puppy Primer, by Brenda K Skidmore and Patricia B. McConnell, Ph.D., 1996

Beginning Family Dog Training, by Patricia B. McConnell, Ph.D., 1996

Planet of the Blind-A Memoir, by Steven Kuusisto, 1998

The Other end of the Leash, by Patricia B. McConnell, Ph.D.