Karen:

She feels sad that this is happening. Since we have no children, our little "J.R." is sort of our child. She feels sad he is rejecting her and it hurts her. She's truly confused and sad as I am as well.

I agree that it would appear he is trying to claim a higher position in the 'pack' order. We have both been trying to discipline him when he sneers by telling him NO and also putting him in his crate for a few minutes. (just 2 or 3 minutes) Then when she lets him out, she will have him follow some commands like come, stay, sit to encourage her authority over him. Thanks for your inputs.