My 7 month 80lb Boxador, Jack.

Question
Today my puppy Jack bit me...out of fear I think.  He was playing in the yard with my boys todays, fetching the ball, running like a maniac(it was really cute and funny).  But out of nowhere, he started biting at the kids jackets, pulling on their sleeves, and ignoring the command to stop and ignoring the fact that they were just playing fetch.  I came outside(i was watching from the window) and called Jack to come to me and he ran into the neighbors yard.  I called again and he came back into our yard, but refused to come to me.  He just kept running, not like he was playing but not wanting to be caught(and he did stay in the yard now, as I reminded him no ROAD,which he does listen to very well).  I called him again and he finally came to me, very slowly very low to the ground and ears back.  I put the leash on him and said, no road and no bite and started walking to the house to give him a time out in his crate.     All of a sudden he started with this crazy yelp and started bucking like crazy...(we don't hit Jack, as I don't want him to ever think that by listening and coming to me is a bad thing) I choked up on the leash a bit to get more control as I said NO! and that's when he grazed my hand with his teeth..and he showed his teeth as I reacted...I pulled my hand before any real damage was done and yelled GET IN YOUR CRATE!!!!  As I'm sure you know I am very upset over this as I (all of my family) love Jack very much.  This is, we think  the 5th time he has done something like this... always only when he is OFF the leash.  I am starting to think that Jack can only be outside with his leash on, and I guess that means no fetching the ball, which we know he LOVES!!!! Please could you give me some advise? Thank You!  Kim

Answer
This sounds like a hormone induced test of leadership.  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  That site has additional information on dogs and children you need too.  

I strongly recommend neutering him too, if not already.  It is no cure all, and takes a while to show much difference, but very important in cases like this.  You are describing a severe problem, and you need to sake immediate, strong action.

Note, you can pick up 20'-25' cables.  They work fairly well for fetch.  You just need to be careful not to throw things too far.  If you secure it where you can reach the end from the door, it makes relieving the dog more convenient.  Never leave a dog tied outside when you aren't around and limited use of it when you are.  Leaving any unattended male tied outside is asking for trouble, let alone one that demonstrated an aggression problem.  I used a cable for a long time, but now have a fenced area.  Some dogs will jump anything less than a 6' one.  I also have mine lined with flagstone to prevent digging.