lab going crazy on me

Question
We have beautiful yellow Labrador Have had him since 8 weeks.He is now 14 months old an 97 ponds.  But in the last two weeks he has went extremely aggressive. at first it happen one night in 2 separate instances in our garage which he sleeps in. It was like the dog from cugo they were petting him and thank god he was on a leash.  Then it happen with a friend who has been here a thousand times an boomer knows him.  Well last night he went after my 16 year old when she went to say good night to him he went nuts twice.  I have never had a dog do this i am worried.  He is not neutered well love an apart of the family.  Has anyone ever had this problem.  HELP thank you sheree

Answer
It is hard to say just what is going on here.  Dogs tend to make leadership challenges until they mature at 3 years old.  Also, I use the word ''berserk'' for unneutered males when a female for miles upwind comes in season.  In either case, the solution is to neuter the dog and begin obedience lessons.  It is unacceptable to allow a dog with a behavior problem to breed.  If it is a female in season, be ready for anything he may do to get loose and go find her.  If he does get loose, don't count of ever finding him again.  

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

If the 16 year old is interested, 4-H would be a good idea.  In my area, clubs form soon after the first of the year.  Even many urban areas have 4-H.  For info look in your phone book under government listings for extension or cooperative extension offices.  Ask specifically about a dog or canine club.