Help with aggressive behavior
 

Hi! Thanks so much for reading my plea for suggestions..Rooney is 16 month old neutered male. We have had him since he was about 10 weeks old. He had the typical issues as a puppy with hiusebreaking and we still have the pee pads in use and he's good with them (I swore I would never have a dog using a pad, but it's the lesser of two evils)

We have 2 young sons with whom Rooney adores and they equally adore him. The past few months he has shown aggression towards visitors in our home, some that he has been around several times. Both kids and adults. He's 5lbs so he isn't hurting anyone, but that isn't the point.

For example, just yesterday a friend (whom Rooney has been around many times) came over for lunch. He sat with her on the couch, snuggling etc. When she got up to go into the kitchen he jumped off he couch and bit her on her leg. Totally unprovoked. He has done the same thing to my MIL whom he has been around many many times. When she's sitting he's fine, but when she got up, he went after her.

Same thing has happened with 2 of my sons friends. We start obedience class next week, but I would love to know if anyone has experienced this OR if you have suggestions on how to stop it. I can crate him when we have company but he's our family dog and I hate doing that... we love him dearly but can't tolerate his aggression.

Thanks so much

Looks like something I could have written.
My little boy doesn't bite them but he sure barks at them and shows aggression
I'd have to put him in his crate if I had kids around him.