[Bhikku]

i think this might have been something we've done because we play with him roughly because he likes it. we rough him up and use our hands so i know it's our fault.

First and foremost and listen well>>>> You did not cause this by rough housing it is what it is and yes maybe rough housing should stop until you have better control but do not blame yourself.

I respectfully disagree with this. Every dog I've ever known that was taught to put teeth on their masters in play eventually developed some kind of aggression/dominance issue. Rough housing is what sibling dogs do with each other. Pack leaders do not rough house with their subordinates. Therefore, if you rough house with your dog, it will not respect you as alpha, which seems to be the case here. In my opinion, rough housing did help create this issue (though the dog might have had some kind of dominance issue innately - rough housing just exacerbates problems like that).

It doesn't sound to me like the dog respects you or anyone in your family, since he feels he has earned the privilege to put teeth on them. Also seems like the dog got no proper bite inhibition training as a pup. This is a socialization problem that should have been addressed at a much younger age.

I suggest you take back the alpha role in your dog's life. I agree with YorkieMother that a "Nothing In Life Is Free" training program will help reestablish your dominance over the dog. And some rigid obedience training.

You could also try grabbing him whenever he attacks your family, putting him on his back, baring your teeth at him, and telling him no in a low, gruff, authoritative voice (think growl). The added emphasis and the physical restraint will reinforce your superiority. He'll probably resist at first (after all, it seems like he feels he's been in charge of your family for awhile) but it may help.

Also, whenever he shows aggression, try immediately shutting him away from you (not in a happy place like his crate, but in a separate room). Every gesture of body language, every tone of your voice, your eye contact, and your posture need to tell your dog, I am your alpha, and this is unacceptable.

You have got to stop your dog's behavior, or someone in your family is going to get seriously hurt, and your dog may end up being put down for aggression. It will be harder to undo this kind of behavior than it would have been to prevent it.

Good luck!