MariaM, I don't want to hurt your feelings so please dont' take this the wrong way.

In training a dog, you have to be 100% consistant. If you let the dog bark and yip sometimes, and discipline him sometimes but not others, he's going to do it all the more for all the times he gets away with it. Same with biting and nipping. No matter HOW you decide to discipline or reward him, you HAVE to do it 100% of the time. Not just when you feel like it. And biting/nipping behaviour only gets worse if it is ignored.

The truth of the matter is, it is HARD to be consistant when he is outside and you are up in your room. That means that it is going to be that much harder and that much more work on your part. Labs are playful and oh-so-energetic, and cannot be ignored. When you ignore them, they turn nawtee, and start chewing, and barking, and biting, all for attention. (Believe me, I've been through it all, especially with Malone!)

Puppy classes are definitely a good thing. Also, EXCERCISE EXERCISE EXERCISE. Keep him occupied playing and running around. He isn't going to play and run around by himself, he needs to be stimulated to play. Go for long walks, and in general pay him lots of attention. That's what he is craving for, and that is going to be answer to a lot of your problems.

I found with Malone that he didn't just "love" me. I had to earn his friendship by giving him lots of attention. The more you give him, the more he gives back.

I hope this helps you. Please don't think that I am being harsh or critical. Please play with Major and give him lots of attention. THAT IS WHAT HE NEEDS!!!!

And is it sometimes frustrtating?? YOU BET! But the reward in the end is SOOOO worth it!!

If you have any questions, problems, or frustrations, feel free to ask. I've been through a LOT of what you are going through, and not so very long ago.