Gaining a dog's trust?

I'm glad he is going to be vetted soon. 

An excellent book to help understand some of his behaviors is Patricia McConnell's "The Other End of the Leash."  Also, I can't remember the author, but another is called "Culture Clash."

He may be in pain or fearing you.  I'm not sure what you mean by scolding, but he doesn't speak human, so you must figure out a better way to communicate in his language.  It's also good that you'll be taking him to obedience.

It will take time.  All the crap you see on TV is not an instant fix.  It takes constant reinforcement and work. 

 Yeah, but I've checked him over for any outside wounds, and even rubbed his back a little to see if it was sore. Didn't seem to bother him any. It could be something internal, I guess...I really hope not. And when I say scolding I mean by saying "no" assertively.

In all honesty, nobody on the internet can see what is happening.  We are not all experts, and even if we were, nothing will beat the face time you'll have with the vet.  Take a list of your questions and concerns when he goes to the vet on Tuesday and ask them.  Get as much info as you can and ask for clarification about anything you are unsure of. 

This little dog is dependent upon you and will be for +/- 15 years, so it's best if you learn as much as you can now and continue to be his advocate.

NightSwan

I can't think of any reason that would cause him do this all of the sudden; he had an ear infection, so I'd have to put drops in, which he hated, but that was about a week ago

He hated the drops being put in his ears and he could have made an association between you and something he disliked.  Since he's also recently started biting/growling at you, it's time to change the way he feels about you.  The only way to do this is with gentle positive reinforcement.  I can't stress enough how important it is to NOT scold him when he acts aggressively.  You don't know yet if he is in pain or if he's associated you with pain and unpleasantness but scolding or any type of punishment will cause him to distrust you even more.  You should be the person feeding him all meals. 

Get some treats.  Good treats that he really loves.  In a non distracting environment (only you in the room with no other pets) sit on the floor and say his name.  If he looks at you toss him a treat. Don't try and force him to be close to you.  Repeat this over and over.   Wait for him to make eye contact before you give him the treat.  You want him to associate being around you with something good.  If and when he approaches you, even the tiniest step, give him a treat.  Don't forget to praise him with your voice too.  Move slowly so you don't make him think you're going to put the yucky ear drops in.  BTW, he could still have a problem with his ears and they could be painful.  Have the vet take a look when he gets neutered.

It would take a book to describe all the things you can do to regain his trust. Mostly you need to learn how dogs learn and, for lack of a better term, how they think.  There are some great books out there and the two Tina mentioned are always at the top of my list.  Culture Clash by Jean Donaldson is available at dogwise.com.  It's not expensive and worth every penny.  If you just can't afford to buy anything now, try googling Jean Donaldson, Patricia McConnell, Pat Miller and Sophia Yin.  They're all great dog trainers and authors with blogs and advice out there on the net.

 Dogs think in positive/negative terms and not really grey areas. You mentioned that he hated having to get ear drops for his infection and in his mind he's made a connection with something unpleasant and seeing you. You need to change that thinking in his mind.  I would try making his most favorite meals and hand feed him. Also when you call his name and if he comes to you give him his most favorite treat and say good boy and see if he will allow you to pet him.  If he nips you say ouch in high pitch voice and walk away. if he likes walking with you feed him treats when you put his leash on praise him verbally while you walk.  You want to do things he likes and have him make the association that it's coming from you.

The only problem with this is, I have the pickiest dog in the world! Seriously, he doesn't even like bacon! And even with things he does love, when I offered it to him when he was having a growling fit, he just looked at me. Even when I tossed it to him, he ignored it. I guess I'll just have to be even more stubborn than he is and not give up =P

He has still been rubbing his ears on the carpet... But last time I checked his ears looked pretty good. I just want my puppy to be happy, preferably with me. 

NightSwan

even with things he does love, when I offered it to him when he was having a growling fit, he just looked at me. Even when I tossed it to him, he ignored it

You can't expect him to take a treat when he's already growly and upset.  The time to bond and train him is when he's hungry and not upset or worried.  

If he's still rubbing his ears on the carpet, mention that to the vet.  Ear infections can be very hard to clear up and can get very serious and expensive if ignored.  They're also very painful for the dog.

 Well I just let him lick peanut butter off my fingers (his favorite treat) and he magickally turned back into his old, loving self. I forgot how much I loved him when he's all happy and loving! Speaking of which, he's asleep in my lap as I type <3 I don't know if it's permanent, but I'm thankful that at least I know peanutbutter will help lol

Well, I gave him peanutbutter a few hours ago and as of yet he's acting like his old self, all playful and happy as can be. He's sleeping in my lap right now.

Yeah, he's had an ear infection since I first got him, pretty much. So that's been a solid year. Poor thing, I didn't know they hurt, I figured ear infections just itched or something. 

Thats good, you are seeing playful and happy.  Jackie's advice is great!  Remember that it will take some time...don't expect quick fixes.   It will be really good for you to go to the obedience class.  You will learn a great deal.  You sound like you are sincere in wanting to bond with your dog and to have him as your companion.  Read some books.  I like "For The Love of A Dog" by Patricia McConnell. 

 Yes, I love my pup. I've always wanted a dog, and it took 14 years of pleading and begging to convince my mum. Sadly, my first dog ran away. But my friend told me about some free pups and her mum talked my mum into letting me get one. Which I'm ever thankful for, although having a dog makes some of my future dreams difficult, but wherever I go, I plan on taking him with me.

I'm not sure, though, that I'd have the patience to read a book for it. Googling something is more along my attention span. 

http://animal.discovery.com/videos/its-me-or-dog-top-tips/

I spent almost an hour carefully composing a post in response to your last post. But my post got eaten by the computer gods.

 I spent the time and effort because I wanted to somehow get across to you that training your dog could very well be the difference between life and death for him.  The number one cause of death for dogs in this country is death by euthanasia.  Dogs are dumped in shelters every day because of behavior problems that could have been prevented or corrected with some time and effort.  You say you love your dog and you begged and pleaded to have one.  It's now in your hands to help him.  You are his human and you are responsible for learning how to help him.  Good luck. 

 Thanks, I shall certainly try. The woman going to help me with the obedience classes said it would probably help him stop biting. I certainly hope so; plus, it'd just be nice for him to know those general things, especially "come."