At My Wits End....
My 2 Kids... Baxter & Bailey. I am at a loss. Baxter is 6 - Bailey is 4. Both are AKC Pembrokes. I obtained both as puppies, the original intent was to join the ranks as a breeder of quality, hand raised pups. Long story, but the decision was made to spay and neuter and enjoy the dogs as loved pets.
Their living relationship has been one of 2 alpha characters living under the same roof. So the challenges have been numerous. Between Tasmanian fights, always challenging "me first", with Bailey being the most dominant, until Baxter has had his fill of her. 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. Bailey is very smart, willing, but extremely dominant.
I found this site and have read and utilized many of the training techniques for dealing with the challenges of keeping the dogs in check and maintaining my position as pack leader. These 2 are very intelligent and always trying to run the show.
Lately, I feel like I am losing the battle (and my mind). Baxter has taken to forgetting his house training. He started using the room where the dog door was as his preferred place. So, after deep cleaning the rug, closing the dog door and the access to the room, that game has stopped. He has not had any accidents or intentional marking since. So, not quite sure what that was all about. But right now, the room is off limits.
Meanwhile, Baxter cannot be trusted. He has bitten me twice and has no qualms about snarling or threatening to bite if he feels he is being threatened. If you walk too closely to him, or handle him wrong. Get ready. I feel like he is a ticking time bomb. This has been going on for over a year. He will be good and sweet, then all of a sudden....
Yesterday the dogs had a huge fight. We were getting ready to leave the house. Since the dog door has been closed, the dogs are now relegated to the back yard when we leave. I usually give them a small treat or chew bone to keep them occupied when we leave. All of a sudden, Bailey challenged Baxter for his bone and the fireworks went off. Baxter ended up biting Bailey in the face, drawing blood.
Last night, they were on "restriction". No ball, confined to where they must lay down, sit and stay for anything; Dinner, outside, pets, etc. They know they are being watched closely and that I am not amused.
Maintaining that posture this morning. But really worried. I am considering re-homing one (or both), of the dogs to stop the constant antagonism between these two. Even when they play ball (a tired corgi is a happy corgi), they growl and snarl at each other. Bailey gets the ball 95% of the time, with Baxter running along side.
Suggestions?
Comment
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Comment by Jane Christensen on September 15, 2014 at 9:27pm
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Been there:( My 2 females had this problem and it kept getting worse. Bella is such a sweetheart and it's not in her nature to fight back but she eventually started to! Livvy was always my "must be in charge" dog but always with other females. Bella needed a family of her own and one of my pup owners emailed me looking for a dog for a friend. She now owns her own family. Livvy owns a 12 year old girl who loves her. I was very specific that they knew Livvy did NOT like other dogs and about her past. I agree with Bev that rescues may not take a dog who is aggressive. I took one once and the dog needed to be kennel if any of my own dogs were out...it was very hard.
I would either kennel one or but a sturdy high metal gate that fits in a door way, I would NOT trust them alone EVER!
I would think about rehoming one and keeping the other but please give them to a corgi rescue where they have a chance to be helped.
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Comment by DJ on September 15, 2014 at 9:11pm
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Katy, Thanks for sharing your story and comments. I have really beat myself up over this for a long time. I have tried to examine my behavior to be sure I am sending the dogs the correct signals. I do agree that a lot of behavioral issues are caused by the owner. I am really digging deep in my heart about re-homing one of them....liked your comment about pushing a cart sideways.
Today has been a good peaceful day. They have been kept on a very short virtual leash. I think they know they stepped in it yesterday....
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Ben, Thanks for the suggestion re "nothing in life is free". We do follow many of the suggestions, ie sit before food, leashes, going out the door, etc. I do like the shake before the ball is thrown suggestion. I appreciate you taking the time to provide this info. A trainer, yes, a great suggestion. I have read several training articles, thinking I wasn't doing things correctly. I have owned several dogs in my life, never encountered this situation.
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Comment by Bev Levy on September 15, 2014 at 8:19pm
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First Google Nothing in Life is Free and start following it. Next search for a good, positive dog trainer to call. Unfortunately these behaviors have escalated to a point where you will need to keep them separated until you can straighten them out. Otherwise you could try contacting a corgi rescue. Many rescues won't take either dog because of the aggression. Good luck!
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Comment by Katy on September 15, 2014 at 7:46pm
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Hi DJ, I had to deal with similar behavioral changes to my male (neutered, Buddha) after my mother purchased her female corgi Maddie. He is older by 2 years. Even with firm training and handling of them, treating them both the same when in the same household ( I have now moved out thankfully) Maddie will attack Buddha. He is bigger but less prone to bite, until the day he fought her back and my mother called me all upset because there was a little blood. Buddha had enough and bit her. She had previously gotten his ear pretty good.
Best course of action? They don't live together and when I'm not there while visiting y mom, I put Buddha in my room and close the door. They eat on separate levels of the house.
On occasion they can play nice together for a little while.
I would Rehome one and keep one you think will work best in your home. Sounds like they will not get along. And you can't push a cart sideways.
Sorry you have to deal with these behaviors, they are frustrating.
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