@DebraDownSouth:
The issues isn't alpha… as the others pointed out it is bonding time, feeding, letting in and out.
That said, sometimes it won't matter. The heart does what the heart does. I do full care of Cara, but when my college student is home, it is clear beyond any doubt that she is her person. Utterly, totally her dog. No it isn't novelty cause it's the same over long breaks and summer. My daughter is currently studying in France and Cara CRIES for her on skype.
As for the last post... please I am begging you let go of the dominance/alpha etc thinking. It is old, outdated and has done more damage to relationships and training than any other concept.
The old adage "let sleeping dogs lie" is not for nothing. SOME DOGS HATE BEING WOKE UP. You need to call his name FIRST, rouse him before you actually move him. He has been there a month... guess what? Honeymoon is over. Fortunately you are already laying great groundwork with training. And while putting teeth on you is not ever okay, that there was no real bite tells you that the dog was simply showing displeasure, not intending to harm. I would suggest that you write more about what is going on when he growls, or if it only when awoken. Basically when a dog growls I tell them NO GROWL and totally ignore in many situations. Others take more effort, like if the growl is to threaten/bully to not comply. It really depends on what is going on.
Debra, good advice. Ever try to wake a sleeping husband? I've DEFINITELY heard growls from Darrel!
Weitzel, Kipawa growls as well when he is in a deep sleep. I do what Debra has mentioned - I talk to him first, not loud at all, almost a whisper. Then I work up to my normal volume voice. By then he is cracking his eyes open. When his eyes are fully open, I start to softly rub my hand down his back. I continue to talk to him until I can see he's pretty much awake. We also use 'no growl' and try to make as little commotion about the growl as possible.
Clearly Maverick loves his sleeping. And loves being on your lap. While he is on your lap, before he gets to sleep, maybe try just petting him/massaging him lightly. Kipawa will let me do that until my arm gets tired.
So glad that it's all going well!