I've got a bigger than average black lab too, he's 8 years old now and still not placid!

It sounds from your description that your boy is exuberant, boisterous and wilful but that's not necessarily the same as aggressive.

How much exercise is he getting? Not just in terms of hours but in terms of mental stimulation - they are working dogs, they need a lot of it! If he's got excess energy to burn off, he's more likely to jump up and be obnoxious.

Waving treats in front of his face isn't the answer, as you say, if he'll only 'obey' when there is the immediate chance of some food. But used correctly, treats are a powerful training tool especially for food motivated dogs like labs. It might be that you need to find a trainer to work one to one with you, or a new training class. What does your instructor suggest?

Sophie
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