I've had 3 sessions with the trainer. The good news is that the Tig IS 'getting it'. He is quickly learning about healthy interest in other dogs vs. "Im gonna eatchoo!". But before I get into the details- I wanna send a shout out to my sister who's been driving about 30 minutes out of her way to help me during the training sessions as well as taking time out of her weekends and subjecting her kind dog to help me practice. And to Kim and her huggie bear corgi, Toby for helping us too.

Right now, we are still working with just Tig as he seems to be the one with the real socialization issues. One on One- the Tig has gotten really good at introducing himself to my sister dog Dillon and after about 10 minutes, was getting on well with Toby too. Within 40 minutes of our class, all the dogs were getting along spendidly, walking around, chilling out. We decided to up the ante (similar to what we did the last time) and see what would happen when we brought Molly into the mix. Molly came out and greeted all the dogs and then we stood with Dillon and Toby. Tigger focused all of his barking and growling at Dillon- the dog that he's now been hanging out with regularly! No issues towards Toby, but that isn't to say that it wouldn't have focused on Toby if Dillon weren't there. After 10 minutes, I put Molly away and we tried to reestablish the calmness with just the boys. We thought it was going well and then Tigger nipped at Dillon for no reason, actually it was when Dillon was turned away from TIG. We pushed it too much; while we got some good learning out of it. I hate taking a step backwards with him. Luckily, he didn't hurt Dillon and both he and my sister were unfazed by it. It always seems to be we owners are harshest and most crticical of our selves and our dogs isn't it.

So, just as with horse training- 2 steps forward and 1 giant step backwards. My sister and I are going to work 1 on 1 and I am going to work 1 on 1 with Toby and Tig. And then we are going to see if we can bring in another female, not Molly to find out if this is Tig's possiveness over Molly or if it is all females that brings this out in Tig.

We also worked on some obedience. Sit/Stay at the door and getting them to sit as I try to close the door behind me vs. them pulling me. We also worked on Tig's pulling on our walks. While the halter was helping me with better control and keeping him from slipping out of the collar, it also gave him more leverage to pull against me or to lunge at other dogs. We are doing short sessions on the walk with a prong collar. The trainer gave me a really helpful tip: put a knot in my leash just below waist heighth on the leash, so that I can hold the leash between my fingers and can effectively keep Tigger at my side, and can quickly adjust his speed without tugging, having to constantly adjust the length of the leash or have it slip through my fingers. It only took about 2 walks up and down the sidewalk to keep Tigger from pulling.

Disclaimer: I know some people might disapprove of the prong collar. But I've worked long enough with horses to know that these tools aren't as harsh as they seem and can helpful, useful and more effective with the proper training and technique. It is the right time and for the right purposes to introduce him to the collar. When dealing with 2 corgis, a combined weight of 60lbs, and some potential aggression problems- I need as much control as possible to keep him, myself and other dogs safe.

I've decided to postpone our trip to the Corgi Celebration. I think it will just be too much too soon for Tig, especially if I take Molly. I've decided to set some goals- I am going to try and make it to the Strut Your Mutt in February with both dogs and hopefully continue to progress so that we can go to the Corgi Celebration next year.

My Soapbox:
Tigger, like all my animals is teaching me a lot. If I didn't love him so much and hadn't had such a great experience with adopting Molly, would I have surrendered him by now when I found out he was aggressive? Probably not! First, he is so gentle with children and obedient with adults that it makes up for this aggression thing. Secondly, I've shelled out a lot of time and money on him and I want all the credit when he gets past this! Thirdly, I am a sucker for a cute furry face! So my soap box is this: look to the positive in every rescue dog; practice patience because it is lack of patience that keeps dogs from being properly trained and kindly treated and it is lack of patience and education that causes many dogs to be abandoned, surrendered, and even PTS. If you've made the investment to buy a purebred dog, and a lifetime commitment to maintain their health, make the investment to train your dog. And if you encounter a problem, look to your more experienced friends and look for resources in your community to help you. I know that many people on mycorgi are caring and responsible pet owners; but maybe I will strike a nerve with someone in a similar situation.