I'm glad this thread has a more serious approach to addressing the problem. It's refreshing
Tracy I wanted to add something - Anytime I am working with a new client and they start going into problems that have happened, I will usually get one of only two scenarios:
1. They have had the dog for awhile/since puppyhood/a few months/whatever, it never had rules, boundaries etc, there were warning signs all over the place (one dog was stalking and killing cats - had killed more than 20 before biting a child running down the street) but the owners missed them. According to the owners "he was so good when we got him, so we never got a crate/did obedience and one day he just snapped for no reason."
2. The owners have at least half a clue. They do crate training, OB work, at least some leadership work, then they slack off because "he was being so good!" and that is when the problems start.
I'm amazed how many people do this. Truly! Dogs are not like your children. They don't need a weekend off from chores because they got an A. They need to do their "chores" every day, every week, etc. The reason the dog is being so good with all the rules is because of the rules. A dog wants that stable predictable environment. When the owners take that away from the dog, it is very unsettling! The dogs don't see it as a reward (I've been so good in the house that I don't have to be in my crate anymore!), they see it as weakness.
It's really easy to do - I've taken shortcuts as well! We get busy, etc... next thing you know you are having a V8 moment! (shoulda had a V8)
Just remember this little incident, and hopefully it reminds you that at the end of the day, your dog wants you to be the same as you were yesterday, the day before...