[sweetlee]

Is it hard(er) to train a dog to quit doing things that are instictive? such as being protective.
My dog is a real sweetheart, to everyone. But lately he is driving me nuts with the growling and barking at people walking down the sidewalk. If we are out for a walk, he doesn't make a sound at people approaching, or other dogs. But when looking out the window, he sounds totally mean and vicious. When the mailman comes he sounds like he would tear him to shreds if he could, but when we are sitting out on the porch together and the mailman comes on the porch, Dodge wags his tail and wants a pet from the guy. He also growls when we are in the car at people walking down the street. If there is a dog involved, he does a mean bark/growl and then starts whining like he would love to go play.
I have tried redirecting him with treats, ball, whatever and it works until next time. I have tried telling him enough, leave it, made him go to his spot, or sit by my feet. I have even gotten in between him and the window and claimed that space as my own and made him back off. Then he does the "under his breath" barking, thinking maybe I won't hear it.
He is the most obedient dog in the world except for this.
He gets plenty of walks, ball playing, mental games. We are going to another advanced obedience class in a couple weeks, just to keep up the socialization.
I don't mind the warning really, but when I say thanks, and that's enough, that should be the end of it.
Does anyone else have this problem? I swear Dodge would not hurt anyone, if he were outside I am pretty convinced that anyone walking by would be greeted with tail wags.
He just turned two and is neutered, and otherwise very well trained.

sharon