Rescued dog random 'fear biting'?

[Giselle]

Labs have extremely high pain tolerances. That's what makes them such good family dogs. It's because they can withstand a LOT of pain and they do it happily. Slap a lab? Get licked/wagged/panted on. Slap a smaller dog? Ehh... not such a happy response. That's why families with small children are so often recommended Labs- because there's less chance of the dog being hurt by the children and vice versa.

As for your pup, train what he lacks.

If he's not completely okay with strangers, use the touch desensitization training with strangers. Have a close friend or family member come to your house and just spend a couple relaxing hours working on that. If he's not completely okay with your husband, have him use the touch desensitization.

Rules and schedules are very important. Lay down some rules now, and teach your pup to be a confident, obedient dog. Remember, he's always learning, so always keep teaching!

[noellenc]

Thanks again

We started it a little last night, but it's funny because even with my husband he's fine 99% of the time. I was breaking up a very small treat into tiny pieces because I don't want him getting fat since he's mostly just always good and would get the treat, haha. But I also noticed last night that if he is eating and I pat his back he is fine but if I move my hand closer to his dish on his head he growls somewhat. So when I noticed that I immediately made him stop eating and sit and wait. Then I let him go back, did that a number of times and he stopped the growling. But then he did it again this morning, so I guess it will just take time, but that is one thing I can work on a lot. I'm not sure if in his mind he can relate learning THAT to help him learn other good behaviors, but I hope so. I taught him not to bite my hand when I am giving him a treat and he's usually very good about that now.

This poor little dog literally did not know what a treat was when we first got him. Well he didn't know any of the key words like "treat" "snack" or "cookie" at least. And he didn't even know how to play with toys, which he now LOVES. We'd try to play tug of war or throw a ball or a stuffed animal for him to go get and bring back and he didn't know what we meant. It's funny how fast they learn when it's a repetitive teaching though, so I hope we can help him with the other stuff