Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Lilo Bandit & Koda's mom Shannon on August 19, 2009 at 2:13pm

Thanks for sharing your experience. Stella sounds like a cutie!
I do love my 'Rowdy'.... I think what makes it so much more difficult is that my boyfriend and his son sabotage my hard and consistant efforts when I am not at home. Thankfully the 14 year old will be back in school starting monday, so that will eliminate that influence during the day!
I do know he is still very young, and a lot of his behavior is 'normal', but some things just concerns me that this is a sign of worse problems as an adult (for instance barking incessantly for 5+ minutes...). Reading everyones posts have calmed my worst fears.
Rowdy is responding well since I laid down the law in our home and told everyone that his behavior needs to change or he will be finding a new home... although... I did find a turkey leg in his crate when I got home from work. Aaaarghh...they just dont get it.
My boyfriend (he is 44 yrs ols) and his 14 yr old son dont get it!
No wonder the dog they had was a terror and had to be given away (before I met them).
So not only am I trying to train Rowdy, but also a 44 and 14 yr old....
Maybe I will find new homes for THEM.... hee hee hee :)

Permalink Reply by Bev Levy on August 19, 2009 at 3:11pm

Boy Shannon, I know what you mean. My husband is great but doesn't listen to my suggestions re the dogs at all. Consequently Sparty does give him a hard time. The only thing I have convinced him of was that if he kept feeding them snacks at the rate he was they would both die very young after costing a lot of money in vet bills! We have been married 34 years and neither of us has been very successful at training the other!

Permalink Reply by Lilo Bandit & Koda's mom Shannon on August 19, 2009 at 4:36pm

LOL, Your hubby sound like my two guys at the house.... I could not believe my boyfriend gave him a TURKEY leg in his crate yesterday.... Sighhh. LOL

Permalink Reply by Beauty and the Beast on August 19, 2009 at 3:12pm

Throw away the Ceasar Millan books and put some pebbles in a can and tape it.
Every time your pup barks or makes a fuss in a crate or gets into something shake the can.
a 9 week onld puppy does not what no means but hates loud noises.
Please do not apply dominance theory principles on your dog, it does not always work. Sometimes it can lead to more problems.
Always have tasty treats on your hands and if your pup acts like a mad man, jumping on you, just stand still and give him a treat when he stops. You may want to give him his food that way, so you don't have to worry about overfeeding.
Walking problem is OK, a lot of young puppy owners complain about the same thing.
Go out for a very sohrt walk (like 20 steps) and take him back inside. Eventually he will learn that walk is temporary and he'll be home after. I had the same thing with Shiro.
Your puppy is not bad, he's just very young and has lots of energy. Try to ignore bad behavior or use the can, it should help.
Shiro was barking at us the first week he got home when he wanted something. It was annoying and startling, but he soon realized that it's not getting him anything.
Good luck!

Permalink Reply by Bev Levy on August 19, 2009 at 3:39pm

You know if you really read Cesaer's books he does not recommend the controversial stuff for most cases. I think he gets a bad reputation because he works with dogs that are very difficult and people tend to think they should try those techniques in less difficult situations. He does not advocate throwing your puppy down for dominance etc The Monks of Skete had the same problem years ago with people over doing the training methods they were advocating. I like watching Cesaer and he is not rough with puppys or mild mannered dogs but "for tv" the "red zone" cases get shown more. He evaluates the dog and owners needs.As an example I have to be firmer with Sparty than I do Izzy at my house. She can be crushed just by my tone of voice but Sparty had to learn that my tone of voice was just a preliminary to what would happen if he did not cut it out. Otherwise I totally agree!

Permalink Reply by Lilo Bandit & Koda's mom Shannon on August 19, 2009 at 4:26pm

Maybe you misread my post, I in no way have thrown around Rowdy or used 'controversial stuff' on him.
But his principles such as Exercise, discipline, then Affection work wonders. I dont want you to have the wrong impression... his books are full of good stuff that applies to regular dogs, not just serious problem dogs.
I definitely do appreciate your feedback though, I just didnt want someone to read your post and misunderstand what my troubles with Rowdy are... :)
PS I love your two CUTIES!!! they are adorable!!
Thank you

Permalink Reply by Beauty and the Beast on August 20, 2009 at 8:39am

The principles are definitely a good thing, but too many times inexperiensed people use the techniques in wrong situations on wrong types of dogs. I think he puts a little too much in word discipline. You really have to be very careful with what and how and to who you do. I don't hate Cesar, but a lot of things that he does seem to be too intimidating. He uses quick and shocking strategies rather than slow and stress free. Although they seem to work, I would not apply them myself because I am really not sure I'd do the right thing. Positive reinforcement seems to be easier on dogs and handlers. Also, nothing says better "I'm a pack leader" than control over food. That is exactly what positive reinforcement is about.

Permalink Reply by Lilo Bandit & Koda's mom Shannon on August 19, 2009 at 4:24pm

I understand what you are saying, but I am not treating him like a bad dog, I know he is not 'bad' at heart (Please see through my frustration, LOL)
I dont apply Cesars principles about aggressive adult dogs, as far as the dominance, 'dominance' itself is in no way abusive or mean.
It just means that I am the leader, and this is something I understood with even my other dog who was easy going.
Dont misunderstand me referencing Cesar Millan.
My issues with Rowdy, is he does not react like most dogs I have had in the past.
If I were to shake a can that made loud noises with Rowdy, he would go even MORE ballistic. So instead of punishing him I just have to not react in any type of way... I cant even yell 'No' or he gets riled up. I have started using the hissing noise I used to use for horses, and clapping once if he does not notice. He is really responding very well.
Rowdy's problem with 'walking' was not him pulling or whatever, my problem was is that I could not walk those 20 steps without him rolling on his back and no amount of coaxing pulling, etc would get him on his feet.
Thankfully a change in collars worked and he is walking, although still fighting me from time to time, but that is normal for his age.
Thank you for the input though, I appreciate everyones opinions.

Permalink Reply by Beauty and the Beast on August 20, 2009 at 8:46am

Well, what we did with Shiro might seem rough, but I think it wasn't that bad.
If laid on his back, I'd just keep on pulling. If he's on flat and hard surface he'd get up right away. If it's in the grass, he might let me do it for a few feet, but as soon as I get to the curb, he'll get up. The important thing is to let him understand that he does not decide when the walk ends, you do. It is your walk, he's just along on the leash. Of course, it's all for him, but he doesn't need to know that.
My pup wants to stop and sniff everything on his way and mark every tree, but I just keep on walking and he follows me.
It is helpful to have treats on you when you walk. Reward him for attention - every time he looks at you or walks next to you. Of course he's too young and his attention span is way too short, but it wil get better.

Permalink Reply by Josie and her side kick Pete on August 19, 2009 at 4:29pm

Josie is 18 months and is still a handful. She is an Alpha Female...always running the house and very obstinate. We purchased Petey who is now 6 months to help run off some energy. He is a male, very laid back and non-assertive, I did not think it was possible with Corgis. Josie is doing better but I think she will always have the never ending energy while Pete would rather lay around in the shade.

Permalink Reply by Lilo Bandit & Koda's mom Shannon on August 19, 2009 at 5:19pm

I am actively looking for a grown Corgi... although I really wanted to wait and get a full sister to my stolen Corgi... I just dont know if I want to go through the whole puppy routine again, it can be exhausting! So I like to browse the classified and petfinder just to see whats out there. I figured if I am meant to rescue an adult, the opportunity will present itself. :)

Permalink Reply by Cintia Allsup on August 19, 2009 at 4:56pm

My puppy Cajú is also 9 weeks old if you read the post "Puppy out of control nipping and bitting"you will see. Today, I got a bump on my head when she went for my foot (with socks) and I bent down to defend myself and hit my head on the table. But i think since yesterday, also applying one of Caesar Millan's tips (after watching and episode about a dog named Chloe). It's working....I think it really is. I feel I have been having more control today. She is being a lot of work. i also hope she will became an awesome adult dog.

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