biting and growling, 11 year old toy poodle

Question
I have recently "inherited" my mother's 11 year old female toy poodle. Mother allowed her to growl and bite and I can't seem to break her of it.  She bites when I try to brush her, trim her, if she doesn't want me to touch her or if I get anywhere close to her food.  Believe it or not, the rest of the time, she is adorable.  She is smart and understands an incredible number of words.

I want to take good care of her and I really like her most of the time but this biting is a real problem.  Even though she weighs only 5 pounds, she can really jurt.

Thanks,
Beverly Smiley

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/

Likely your mother allowed her to dominate her, and she expects to do the same to you.  You are more likely, as a new owner, to impose change.  The sm,all dogs have very sharp little teeth.  I am surprised how many people tolerate them and even laugh about it.  I addition to the usual obedience you need to exert yourself as top dog in other ways.  She wants her dinner?  She sits until you sid the dish down and say ''Free dog''  She wants out?  She sits until you open the door.  finally, something bad muxst happen every time she bites.  

Likely you will need strong corrections.  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 her jaw to keep her teeth away from your face.  Another very
effective technique if the dog is small enough, 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.