Aggressive Miniature Poodle

Question
Our miniature Poodle, George, is about 11 months old.  We obtained George from a breeder when he was about three (3) months.  As far as we know he was not abused or abandoned or anything like that.

George has never been really affectionate and is not entirely house broken.  He spends most of his time in the kitchen.  Recently, George has become more aggressive.  He always played by biting, but you knew he was playing because he did not bite down hard to hurt.  Now George is snapping and biting "for real" more often.  (He has caught / cut our fingers on occasion.)  George seems to have these episodes later in the day after a walk when we try to take his harness off, but more often when he is protecting something (something he has picked up to bite on, but should not have).  Lastly, he recently snapped for no apparent reason while sitting with me.  

Going to the bathroom in the house is one thing, but we now have concerns about George's temperament and are starting to question his future with us (Which is very upsetting because we really do love him.)  Your thoughts are most welcome.  Thank you very much.  

Answer
Many people fail to take small dogs seriously.  They take themselves seriously. Without proper training, many of them turn into the nasty dogs that give small dogs their evil reputation.  It is confused about who is in charge.  It is quite possible it is used to being in charge, and intends to stay in charge.  Likely it is already neutered, but do so now if not.  Dogs with behavior problems should never be bred.  Then you need to take over as top dog.   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 learning to be top dog, not the dog learning it gets a
treat if it sits.  Start at http://www.dogsbestfriend.com/

A top dog does not put up with biting by a lower status one.  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 his jaw to keep his teeth away from your face.  Another very effective technique for small dogs, 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.  Poodles have a reputation for being stubborn.  The solution to a
stubborn dog is an owner that is even more stubborn.  Every time he snaps or
growls, he immediately gets which ever bad consequence works best for you.
Don't forget the praise and petting when he finally yields.