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Comment by Beth on March 6, 2012 at 6:32pm

Think of him as a toddler throwing a temper tantrum, because that is what he is.  It is very rare indeed for a puppy to be truly aggressive.  A dog who intends to harm will give a hard stare and then strike.  Picture a cobra targeting and going in for a bite.  A dog who is frantic and upset and has not learned self-control yet will behave as you describe.  Just stay calm.  For the brushing, back up and start rewarding for having Franklin let you pass the brush over him once or twice and then call it a day and build back up over time.  If he resists being stopped from doing something, just stand firm with your hands over your chest and let him have his fit and when he calms down, redirect him to something that you can praise him for.  Remember, it's easier to teach a dog to DO something than NOT to do something.  Instead of telling him no, direct him to do what you want him to do.  Instead of, for instance, teaching him not to jump on you, teach him to sit whenever he's in front of you.  If he really gets out of control, pick him up, plop him in a secure area (baby-gated, or ex-pen) and give him a time out for maybe two or three minutes.  When he's calm, try again.  

Puppies don't have any self-control.  They still need to learn that they won't always get what they want, and how to deal with that.  They act out with their teeth.  That does not mean your puppy is aggressive.  Be calm, be consistent, work on his basic obedience, and give him a healthy outlet for that fighting energy; tug is good as long as he follows the rules (no teeth on you, will leave the toy when asked).  And don't get too worked up about it.  Good luck!

Comment by Jennifer Markley on March 6, 2012 at 5:50pm

Seanna does this very rarely anymore.  She used to a lot when she was a puppy.  I think a red-zone dog would try to bite you when you grab the muzzle, and the fact that he doesn't is good.  I did the same thing to Seanna when she was a puppy, and still if she gets too big for her britches.  It doesn't hurt her, just her feelings, and she'll come make up right away.  I personally don't think there is anything wrong with it.  Just be consistent, and let him know you are boss.  But, praise well for good behavior, and do the NILF for the next couple of days.  That usually puts them back on track.

Comment by Bev Levy on March 6, 2012 at 5:43pm

I think if you have a strong willed corgi that the pin down method will just make him worse and if he is submissive it will make him afraid. Either way not a great method. The dramatic, high pitched yelp will work but you have to be very persistent and use time outs only if the biting continues. Corgis were selectively bred for hundreds of years to be strong willed so they could tell livestock way bigger what to do. This has developed a dog that does not wish to back down. You are better off using very positive training methods. One of mine was an extreme biter as a pup and now he is great with everyone and would never think to bite. If I had pined him I am sure he would have become dangerous.Grabing is also a little too aggressive. At 4 months he is not red zone. Try googling Nothing In Life Is Free.

Comment by Stephanie Ward on March 6, 2012 at 5:02pm

Thanks for the suggestions.. I've tried the crying thing and Franklin has no response to it what so ever. 

Jennifer- the "pin down" is basically what I've been doing. At first it seems to make things worse because he feels threatened like he needs to fight back. But my fiance always tells me that if I let it go he will think that he can dominate me. I do not want anything happening when I'm home alone with Franklin, so I've been standing my ground. I'll just keep it up and make sure to keep him active! Thanks!

Comment by Jen on March 6, 2012 at 4:25pm

Ginger has a huge problem with this.  Up until now, nothing we've tired has worked.  Well, last night, I started making the high-pitched, growly, whiny noise that she makes when she's doing that to us or our other dog when she's PO'ed and she ran over to the other side of the room and laid down. I was afraid that I'd really scared her, but when I went over to her she was her usual, lovey self.  She was a perfect angel for the rest of the night.  I think I may have scared her into submission.  I'm sure I looked like an idiot in the process, but it worked!

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