Year old Lab biting

Question
Dear Labman,
I have a one year old chocolate lab. We have had him since he was a puppy. My question is that he has bitten my dad and I once each. It happens in the morning and he usually is playing with something he shouldnt be playing with like a rug, pillow, or clothe. When I would go to grab it from him he would growl at me and then as I would take it away from him he would get furious and bite and nip at me. I would get upset and yell at him and he would back down right away. He then would lay down and try to lick me knowing he did something wrong. He has only done thins twice and I need some help on what to do.
Sincerely,Paul

Answer
Obedience training should help, but it may not be enough.  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.

You may need the help of a private trainer or behaviorist.  Good ones are hard to find.  Try www.apdt.com