Snapping at leash removal - ideas?

It sounds as though someone may have repeatedly grabbed at his collar (this happens to dogs that run away instead of come when called).  I think it's fine for him to trail his leash, at least until you get him trained to all his commands, so that you have a way to communicate.  Get him into an adult dog group class if you can.  Most positive reinforcement trainers have a playtime at the start of class, and the trainer can observe his body language to see if this is fearful, or aggressive, behavior, and can then advise you what to do.
For now, try not to trigger, and thus continue to confirm, this behavior.

Spiritdogs, thanks so much for the reply.  We do believe that he was drug around by the collar when living with family #1, from Oct 05-Dec 05.  It's odd to me that sometimes it's ok for us to touch his collar and remove his leash and sometimes it's not.
 
During training we've started the "gotcha" exercise that someone else posted in a different thread to at least get him used to us touching him in the collar/neck area and realizing we're not going to hurt him.  We're starting very basic - put him in a sit, then say gotcha, touch his collar, and then give him a treat.  So far so good!
 
We are enrolled in beginning obedience.  We had the "human" class last week and this week we start with the dogs.  Hopefully that will help some.
 
Thanks again!
 
 

It is a possible it could be physical pain has he been checked by a vet?
 
If he has and  it is behavioral  issues as cause I can give you some tips!

Hoffman, he has been checked by the vet and there's nothing physical, so it's definitely behavioural.  Tips would be great!

Many dogs are touchy about this. More so, keep up the "gotcha". Did You get the rest of that one? Don't aproach him from over  the top but from the side.
 
Sounds like he knows what he is doing and he's getting the lack of control over him that he is looking for. 
 
You are wrong in the training aspect, but correct in human nature. I'd seek an experienced Trainer with references to work with the dog and you on some confidence control tactics before this becomes a real  issue.
 
 
 
"The domestic dog can, and does, learn a variety of behaviors, some of which we desire, some not.Training methods will not be successful unless you are the pack leader, confident, secure, and communicate well with your dog. He needs to know what you want of him and you must understand his responses." Quote from the Customs Training Manual
MY Favorite! 

GESTALT   The Gestalt effect refers to the form-forming capability of our senses. 
      
Gestalt therapy sees a distinction between decisions and preferences. Decisions are voluntary choices, but are guided by a form of control (either external or internal) Preferences are the choices that in each moment the organism sees as important, through the process of the formation of a Gestalt.   This type of Gestalt is called a Gestalt controller since it guides the mental process.
 
The individual is encouraged to become aware of his or her own feelings and behaviours, and their effect upon his environment in the here and now.  This is through gestural, postural, and verbal forms. At the centre of Gestalt therapy lies the promotion of "attitude, awareness attention, Responsibility".
 
They take approaches from a wide variety of psychological and philosophical disciplines, integrating them into a therapeutic approach based on the idea of a complete organism (mind  and body  as an integrated whole )
 
Sorry so long, but this is geared toward what my approach is. You may have others in mind.

 
 
 

Hoffmann,

Are you implying that this dog owner apply the Gestalt Theory to dog training?

That's a pretty broad and complex approach compared to positive reinforcement and the 'gotcha' game.

That's sort of like analysing dog behaviour through Freudian or Jungian approaches. Wow.

 
No! I'm not. Im giving her an idea of my general and yes, broad approach.
 
It was a long version of the short story.
 
Get an experienced qualified professional to work with both you and your dog ASAP. Can't go on fearing. It will escalate problem. Don't take chances of being bitten yourself,  get a pro that is willing, and capable of  working with these type issues.
 
Sorry if it was percieved otherwise! (No pun intended)

NO FRUED!
 
NO DEEP PSYCHO Analysis
 
 
 

Thanks for the replies.  We're going to keep doing the gotcha game and see how it goes.  I'm also trying to turn off my knee-jerk reaction (or hand jerk reacion in this case []) so that when he does it I can just continue what I was doing and he can see I wasn't trying to hurt him.  I'll also talk to our trainer when we see her and see if she has any other ideas.  If nothing seems to be working we'll call a behaviourist.
 
Thanks again!

I think just being genlte, giving it time is a great way to start.  I hate when people jump and get all excited about get help NOW and that sort of thing.  The dog needs a calm, loving evironment and time to settle in it.  Each time you go to take the collar off have treats and go under the chin, not over the head.  Maybe start with petting and then go for it.  If he doesnt want you to then I agree just let him walk around and try later.  It should get better with time, if not or if it progesses then I would see help.  Good luck.