My puppy bites and barks too much :( Please help!
I've had Widget for almost three weeks now and just this last week I've noticed a big increase in his biting and barking. Whenever I try to pet him or even when I'm playing fetch with him (one of his favorite games) he bites my hands, arms, and legs as much as he can. I have the scabs to prove it lol. It doesn't matter how much I say "No! Bad boy, no bark!", he still latches onto me with those sharp little puppy teeth.
As for the barking, he does it all the time. When he wants to play with Phoebe (my mom's 10 year old min-pin), when he wants to play with me, when he's bored, when he wants out of his bed, when I'm sitting on the floor with him, etc.
I've tried saying "No, bad boy!" and putting him in his pen for a time out, but once he calms down and I let him out a few mins later, he's all hyped up again in a matter of minutes. I've tried the "ignore" tactic. It just makes him bark louder, it seems. I haven't tried the spray bottle yet, but he loves water so I'm not sure how well that tactic will work, either.
If anyone has any other ideas I would really appreciate it. I understand that biting is just part of being a puppy, but there has to be some way to tone it down a little. Thanks for any advice!
Replies to This Discussion
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Permalink Reply by justine moeller on
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Ignoring should work, get up and leave the room if the ignoring doesn't work right away. He needs to understand he doesnt get what he wants when he does that. As soon as he is quiet give lots of praise - although try to keep the excitement level to a minimum as to not get him "going" again... Stay calm. Barking is common in herding dogs - corgis are typically very vocal. Same as I mentioned before though - dont give him what he wants when he barks - ignore, or leave and then priase when you get the response you want.
I would also avoid using the crate as a "time out" area, especially if you plan on crate training. The crate should only be used when associated with positive things! Lots of treats and even feedings can be done in the crate - but never for punishment. If he barks to get out I think at this stage it is up to you what you want to do depending on how far he is with toilet training. If he is barking because he genuinely has to go potty then let him out for sure. If he is barking, just to bark to get out because he wants to - wait it out. It can be a rough few nights but he will get it pretty quick that when he barks it doe not mean he comes out. Then, when he is quiet reward him with a good boy and he gets to come out... get the idea?
The main thing for you is to stay calm - I would avoid high pitched NO's and STOP ITS! Give a firm deeper version of it once and then move on. Try not to repeat - he heard you the first time! :)
Good Luck - he is so cute! :)
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Permalink Reply by Alyssa Linton on
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Thank you! Widget and I appreciate the help very much :)
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Permalink Reply by Chris West on
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Here are a couple of other recent discussions regarding biting that might have some ideas for you. I know there are also a lot of good ones about barking too. My #1 piece of advice = obedience class. It really does make a huge difference for you and your puppy!
http://www.mycorgi.com/forum/topics/help-with-corgi-aggression
http://www.mycorgi.com/forum/topics/pant-biting
http://www.mycorgi.com/forum/topics/chewing-and-biting
http://www.mycorgi.com/forum/topics/does-anyone-have-good-tips-on
These are just from the last 2 months. I am sure you can go back further than that for lots more good advice.
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Thanks! We're planning on obedience class soon!
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Permalink Reply by Jane Christensen on
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I agree with Justine...how old is he? If he is teething then you can also trade up and give him something appropriate to chew on! I say "owe" in a growly momma wolf voice and turn and ignore!
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He's about 3 months old. I bought him some toys that can be frozen to soothe him when he chews on them.
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Permalink Reply by Aber, Ragnar and Kelso on
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Ragnar can be a barking menace and after a year of this, since he's showing no signs of relenting, we've resorted to the water sprayer. "No" in a deep voice and ignoring don't really work, plus he's like that at the bark park too. The sprayer is like a magical tool from the gods! When he and his little brother get going over a toy a little too loudly (someone said in a different thread something about them sounding like wolverines and it's true) and it seems like things could get a little out of hand, the sprayer stops them dead and they either play nice or just lie down together. And Kelso loves water, so I think it's the quick shot of it and the surprise that just startles them out of whatever bad thing they're doing.
Good luck--he's adorable!
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Thank you :) I got a spray bottle yesterday and have been shooting him with it when he gets too crazy. He stops whatever he's doing and tilts his head at me lol
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