The majority of dogs I’ve worked with that have this problem live with children. After asking a few questions, I find that the growling and snapping started when the children were lifting and carrying the dog around a lot. This usually happens when the dog is young and a little intimidated by its new surroundings. The children tend to grab the dog as though it’s a human baby. They hold the puppy under its front legs and let its body hang down. This means the puppy’s full weight is now being supported only by the front legs. It is uncomfortable for the dog, and sometimes downright painful. When the puppy growls or cries out, it is trying to tell you that it’s scared or hurt. It can’t say, "Put me down! You’re hurting me!", so it does the best it can to enlighten you. If it is consistently carried this way, it may bite, and when biting occurs, the dog is often dropped by a surprised and shocked person.

Pay attention to the puppy. If it objects, don’t assume it’s just being stubborn or obnoxious. Maybe it’s in pain, and you aren’t listening.