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Comment by Holly on September 17, 2014 at 10:26am

I really glossed over the part where you discussed being bitten. Since you didn't lead with that I guess I was imagining the bites were accidental incidents that occurred when you tried to separate the dogs. Knowing that your beloved pet actually bit you is a game changer of course, but I do want to tell you how sorry I am that you have to deal with such a heart-breaking situation. I wish you all the best.

Comment by DJ on September 16, 2014 at 12:14pm

Bev, Your comment pretty much mirrors the conversation here this morning. I could not in good conscience place Baxter in another home knowing he bit me. The circumstances both times were somewhat my fault, but in the end, he crossed the line. I would not put another person at risk.

Comment by Beth on September 16, 2014 at 12:07pm

I keep coming back to this: "Prior to Bailey coming to our home, Baxter was a sweet lovable teddy bear. Now he is unpredictable, can still be sweet, but also cranky and untrustworthy."

I know it's hard, but don't BOTH dogs have a chance to live a life where they get to be sweet and lovable, and not constantly on edge? Sometimes rehoming is the best solution. You would need to rehome the one that has not bitten anyone.

Two bossy dogs often don't work without keeping them separate all the time Ideally, if one is bossy or cranky, the other should be super laid back.

I'll bet if you rehome Bailey, Baxter will return to being the sweet dog you remember.

Comment by DJ on September 16, 2014 at 10:22am

Bev - Thank you. You are right on target.  So appreciate your kind words.  As you can see, I love both dogs. But also want to be fair to them, they deserve a good life.  At times, if I could find a rancher looking for a corgi, I would share Bailey in a heartbeat. She has a very strong herding instinct.  In fact, she tries to herd Baxter a lot Again, I think a stress point for him.

Comment by Bev Levy on September 16, 2014 at 10:15am

Just an extra comment: It seems logical to me to assume that because corgis were originally selectively bred to boss large cows around and keep critters out of the garden that a fairly strong willed personality was probably favored. Now days there is less need for that very bossy little dog so many corgi are pretty easy going, I have two of those right now. However my first corgi, my heart dog, was one of the "Napoleon" complex dogs all his life. I loved him dearly and he was as smart as they come but we took classes many times over the years so I could keep up with training. Corgi like this require a lot more than the average owner is used to. It's not your fault that you probably have at least one of these in your home. All you can do is decide if you are up for the challenge or not. If you are, you will need help. If you aren't seek out a corgi rescue. Many of us know how you feel and just want you to feel supported in which ever way you decide to go.

Comment by DJ on September 16, 2014 at 9:56am

Thanks to all for your comments and suggestions.  I will contact and work with a trainer to determine if we can modify things here at home before I take any drastic measures.  I spent some extra one on one time with Baxter last night, and followed the "NILIF" suggestions re belly rubs and interaction.  It really seemed to have a calming effect.  Baxter seemed more at ease, he disappeared and went for a long nap under my bed. Usually both dogs are positioned right by my chair in the evening. One on the side and the other behind me.  I really think a lot of the stress between them is competition for my attention.  Anyway, today is another day.  If I can build on the great day we had yesterday, that would be a good thing. 

Comment by Holly on September 16, 2014 at 2:20am

Grrr... I seem to delete my comments every time I try to edit them. I wanted to comment on how helpful the NILIF theory worked for me. It does sound punitive to me, but I don't think it was meant to be, and I found it very effective. Since Sully's behavior was fear based, it seemed counter-intuitive to make her wait before eating, going through a doorway, and going for walks, but I was trying to instill confidence, not fear. I touch her all over and even remove her food briefly when she is eating so she knows I alone control it, but I never "steal" it. I would never try any tactics without professional guidance, by the way! I also make sure I say "Good!" when ever I take something from her. Also, if I take something out of her mouth for her safety, such as one of the many wild grapes on our property, I give her something else, such as a small treat, in return. I never tolerate any growling at other dogs if she is just complaining because they are getting attention from me, or someone else she loves, but I do keep her special toys and treats out of reach when other dogs are around so she doesn't have to protect them, or be on high-alert. If she complains, I say "no" calmly, and remove her from the area briefly, to the bathroom for example, then I quickly welcome her back calmly and let her stay as long as she behaves. It does seem to work in our case, but I cannot speak for everyone. Again, I would never do any f those things without professional guidance. I know this is a alarming issue. I hope you find solutions soon.

Comment by Beverly Butler Redford & Tucker on September 16, 2014 at 1:01am

I am extremely sympathetic because I am going through the same struggle.  Butler & Redford are about the same age and get along well.  Tucker came onto the scene later and is a disrupter.  After Tucker was neutered, he has a lot of trouble accepting that Butler can have any attention.  Initially we thought it was a fight over me, until Tucker went after Butler at daycare when I was 2 states away.  It required a trip to the emergency vet because Tucker went for the throat.

I am working with a trainer and we are trying to make sure that Tucker has structure.  If Butler and Tucker are both out of crates and in the same room, Tucker is muzzled (soft muzzle) and on a leash.  He gets a strong correction if he grumbles when I pat Butler.  It is very slow going.  You may also want to talk to your vet.  Mine put Tucker on Prozac as well to try to take down the emotional level.  you may also want to consider putting Baxter on a leash in the house so you can correct if he looks like he's getting wound up.  A soft muzzle may also help.  In my house, treats are only given when everyone is crated (there's been a fight over rawhides).

Good luck, I can't say I've been successful, but I'm walking the same path and I sympathize.

Comment by DJ on September 15, 2014 at 10:37pm

Wow! I have always tried to let them work out their differences and understand that one has to be the leader of the pack. I don't try to interfere, except telling them to knock it off. When they fight it is usually just some face to face snarling while they dance on their hind legs in a circle for 10 seconds or so. But even that stresses me out.

I do believe Bailey would be a model dog in a single dog household. She is devoted to me, follows me everywhere and wants to please. I would worry about Baxter's behavioral issues. I think he will straighten out with more training once he isn't competing with Bailey. But, would not want to take the risk of him hurting someone.

Comment by Jane Christensen on September 15, 2014 at 10:03pm

Mine actually escalated to a horrible fight and I ended up with a plate and 6 pins in my one finger...be careful...I had each by a collar and was trying to separate them while fighting:( They both LOVE being single dogs as hard as it was for me to do this...it was the best for them!!!! I do visit them and get updates often.

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