Why is he barking?
Our corgi has 2 specific barking behaviors that I'm trying to understand.
1 - when we take him to the dog park (including corgi outings), our dog is the loudest. He runs up to other dogs, barks at them and maybe chases them, then backs off. Of if other dogs are running, he'll go running after them, barking. If the other dogs make any move toward him, he'll quickly back off (he's pretty submissive overall). He's a very nice, sweet dog, but is becoming a nuisance at the dog park. It's not a "corgi breed" thing, since the other 15 corgi's at the park don't behave like him. He mellows out after he gets a little tired.
2 - when anyone in our house gets physically close (maybe I'm roughhousing with my sons, maybe I'm hugging my wife), he gets agitated and starts barking at us. He just doesn't seem to like people having physical contact with one another.
If anyone has any insight into why he behaves this way, that would be great, so I can develop a plan to train it away. Thanks,
1 - when we take him to the dog park (including corgi outings), our dog is the loudest. He runs up to other dogs, barks at them and maybe chases them, then backs off. Of if other dogs are running, he'll go running after them, barking. If the other dogs make any move toward him, he'll quickly back off (he's pretty submissive overall). He's a very nice, sweet dog, but is becoming a nuisance at the dog park. It's not a "corgi breed" thing, since the other 15 corgi's at the park don't behave like him. He mellows out after he gets a little tired.
2 - when anyone in our house gets physically close (maybe I'm roughhousing with my sons, maybe I'm hugging my wife), he gets agitated and starts barking at us. He just doesn't seem to like people having physical contact with one another.
If anyone has any insight into why he behaves this way, that would be great, so I can develop a plan to train it away. Thanks,
Replies to This Discussion
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Permalink Reply by Bev Levy on
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It sounds like he is insecure. Obedience classes would help a lot. Helps them with confidence and gives you better control. I would give a firm no when he barks and if it continues a time out (in another room). I read your profile and since he is a rescue you really don't know what he has been through. I still think classes are best plus they give you the opportunity to talk to a trainer that has met your pup.
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Permalink Reply by Beth on
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At the dog park, he may be feeling a bit insecure, but this sort of behavior can lead to fights if the other dogs are highly sensitive to doggy rudeness. But there are many reasons for dogs to behave this way, and I think it would be good to have a skilled trainer assess his behavior. It could be poorly channeled herding behavior, too.
Barking when people hug could be as simple as jealousy, or could be something more. Again, perhaps it would be good to let a pro assess his behavior. As Bev says, obedience classes are a good place to start.
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Permalink Reply by Jane Christensen on
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I have a dog that does this only to my dogs and when I brought it up at obedience class the instructors told me it was a management problem...my Livvy is submissive but she also tries to herd my other dogs...go figure...it's frustrating...but she doesn't do this to people just other dogs. I'm still working on this...Since your dog is a rescue like Bev said it's hard to know what he's been through so yes classes may be a good thing!
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Permalink Reply by Stephanie on
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I had a friend who actually trained her dog to act like that when someone tapped her on the leg or anything. She would say "hit my leg" - if you did it, she yelled OW and the dog would come RUNNING up growling and barking. Yorkie or not, it's not cute nor does it help make a dog stable - someone could have very well taught your dog to do that.
I would get an extra set of hands and when you all are hugging, have someone distract puppy and give him treats whenever he looks away, kind of like leave it.
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Permalink Reply by Heather and Ella on
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I'm no expert, but Ella does both 1 and 2. 1. I think is more "herding" related, your dog is trying to herd the other dogs. Ella will do this when she is playing, she will run up bark and then back up and wait. Then she will proceed to "herd" the other dog. Luckily she will only bark once in a while to get the other dogs attention. Perhaps you could try to get him settled/calm/sitting at the park first before she plays.
2. Is a protection thing, X person is his. I've been trying "hush" when she does it, but she still doesn't like the roughhousing unless she's involved.
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Permalink Reply by Frank on
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This makes a lot of sense. It does seem a bit like he may be trying to herd the others. If I try to calm him before he plays, he will only do it if I correct him. If he's on a leash and there are other dogs around, he bolts toward other dogs and can seem aggressive (again, even though he's a pussycat and would run from a fight).
It sounds like he's probably insecure AND he has some funny herding behavior that causes him to act funny.
On the protection issue, he gets agitated when any of us are involved in a hug, a wrestle, etc.
Thanks.
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