Lab "attitude"

[CamoDup]

i have a black lab that turns one on sunday that is an all around awesome dog.  he minds well, fetches, not gun shy, listens ect.  the one thing that really drives me nuts is that when he is hyper or playful he kind of snaps his jaws at you (mostly my wife) when you give him a command.  its almost like a back talk. hes not trying to bite or anything its just a quick "snap".  he mostly does listen to the command and obeys but this snapping of the teeth drives me nuts! i cant yell at him and tell him no because i just told him to sit or whatever.  any suggestions??? thanks 

[kenzmad]

There is a spray that you can buy that is called "Bitter Apple" spray it on anything you don't want your dog chewing on. It tastes horrible. My obedience instructor would have us use it whenever the dog did something that we didn't want him to. Dog snaps at you, you spray him right in the mouth with it. only takes 1 or 2 sprays and he will quit snapping. It is available at most pet stores.

kenzmad

[ghosthunter]

My old lab pops her mouth when she thinks she is gong to get a treat or get to eat. I bet you could stop it with just plain water in a spray bottle in the face.
Unless it is a nervous reaction than that is harder.
I would try more retreives or birds if you have them. A lot of those problems get cured with a tired dog. Or after training a longer play time.
Just my  two cents.

[RadSav]

Two or three nicks from a shock collar and problem solved.  One should come with every new pup!

[Michelle_Nelson]

The question I have is, if he just gave the dog a comand and doesn't want to say NO.  How would spraying the dog with water and that bitter apple spray be any different than saying NO?

[CP]

“when he is hyper or playful”   

- just be patient with him, he will likely out grow it.  But it doesn’t sound like something you want to punish him for; that would most likely have an undesired affect.

[Happy Gilmore]

Teach him it isn't acceptable behavior by teaching him not to jump (off)or to sit when you say sit. When he does the behavior say sit. If he doesn't sit, make him sit.

[Pathfinder101]

“when he is hyper or playful”   

- just be patient with him, he will likely out grow it.  But it doesn’t sound like something you want to punish him for; that would most likely have an undesired affect.

My thoughts exactly.  They outgrow the hyperactivity somewhere between 2 and 3 most of the time.  In the meantime, be patient and train often and consistantly.  Mine is about to turn 3 and is just starting to calm down a little...