Agressive dog

Question
Hi, My dog (miniature poodle) is a very sweet dog and is very affectionate.  We never have problems with her except when it is time for bed.  Just mentioning that it is time to go to bed makes her growl.  Last night, she got really mad and almost bit my husband twice when he tried to pick her up to put her in the kennel.  I must say that we spoil her very much, she is like our baby.  Would this make a difference as to why she suddenly becomes such a bad dog?

Answer
Yes, it makes all the difference in the world. Dogs are pretty much domesticated wolves, not our babies. Spoiling and catering to a dog just makes it think that it is "greater" than it is, and it will try to take over leadership of its pack (its human family). Last night she basically told your husband where to go and how fast to get there!

You need to assert yourself more and establish that you (all people in the family) are alpha and she is not.

Get her into on-going obedience classes and start practicing "Nothing in Life is Free" with her. You need to make her work for every single thing she wants! http://k9deb.com/nilif.htm You should also be doing Long Downs with her three times a week. http://www.volhard.com/general/artbywv.htm#tnw

More: http://www.nylana.org/RRACI/dominant.htm