Growling Poodle

Question
I have (or had) a well trained poodle. Nowadays, when he is being corrected he has started growling. More at my husband than myself, but occassionally me also. When he knows we are about to leave the house he will not come inside. He'll just lay outside with this "what are you going to do about" it attitude. After I have tried to call him in I will go out and pick him up and carry him inside. As I reach for him he will start to growl. If he does something wrong and my husband goes to correct him, he will growl at him and show his teeth at the slighest raise or lower of my husband's voice. At that time my husband's automatic response is to spank him. Then my dog really starts freaking out. I will make my husband back down to the dog because I am afriad he will hurt my dog because he gets so mad. After all is over the dog will lay on his back and put his legs in the air. He does not do this with food at all. If he is eating, whatever he is eating I can open his mouth and take it out without a problem. This happens only when he thinks he is in trouble. Help!

Now, question number two...this one is fun. When I am home I am usually in my bedroom on the computer with dog at my feet. He has all kinds of bones and toys all over my room. When my husband comes up to ask a question or something my dog will run around all nutso trying to find something to put in his mouth before husband gets up the stairs. He never throws his food away or takes anything from him so that can not be the reason. I can't see him protecting his things because husband never takes any. What is he doing?

Thanks for your help.

From A Fellow Expert.

Angie

Answer
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 being top dog, not about rewarding standard commands with
a treat. Start at http://www.dogsbestfriend.com/  I just came across this link with a great list of ways to show him you are top dog, http://www.dogbreedinfo.com./topdogrules.htm

Neuter him if not already.  It is no cure all, but can make a big difference in cases like this.  Dogs showing aggression like that should never be bred.

The toys thing sounds like he is demanding attention.  My 12 year old Lab, Aster, sleeps on a tie down, a short length of chain.  I careful gather up a supply of toys and leave them in reach each evening before going to bed.  In the morning, she grabs one and bounces with it in her mouth until I can let her loose.