[Ostory]

The best thing to do is to avoid these type of situations. Any time you have two individuals in close contact with each other a conflict is likely to occur. Just a mentioned in the first response, the act of sitting in the lap is an act of dominance. More than likely your friend felt easy in this situation and tried to manuever the dog in some manner. This in return caused a negative response from the dog.

This is where owners need to understand that, Owners have the responsibility to control the enviroment. At that point in time you had very little control. The owner should never allow themselves to be in such a situation. Dogs should travel in Crates in Cars, period.

Being the Alpha is more than just "obedience". It means being in control at all times, and to consider all situations with a dog that is more than just a "puppy dog".

An Example: Many people come up to my dogs, and ask if they can pet my dog. They do this as they start to pet my dogs without even considering that I might say, "No". They just expect it to be OK. I watch out for such idiots, and I block them from my dogs and I tell them NO. It is not because I don't trust my dog, I don't trust the intruders. Besides, I don't like for strange people to rub my head, so why would my dog like it? Other dogs may be weak enough to accept this invassion, but a good strong dog might not be so forgiving. The point is that Rottie owners have to be more aware that Rotties are not going to be passive. And with that awarness, take on the responsibility to control the enviroment.