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Comment by John Wolff on January 18, 2013 at 1:21am

You know how a dog shrieks when you accidentally step on its paw?  Do that whenever she bites you or even touches you with her teeth.  That loud squeal is dogs' submission signal:  when they're correctly socialized, they can be having a normal canine "discussion" that looks horrendously violent to us, but if bite-inhibition is intact, there will be do blood or damage, and if anybody shrieks or squeals, the properly socialized dog will back off instantly.  Use that response.

Be LOUD, abrupt, high-pitched.  One horrific yelp.  Puppy learns, "Wow.  These humans are fragile.  I gotta be careful".  

The Rule is:  you get to stick your fingers in the dog's mouth anytime you want, but they NEVER get to initiate tooth contact.    This can be critical:  my wife's family lost a dog when she was a child because it nipped somebody's child.  And you need to examine teeth, administer pills.  

You'll get there.  Yesterday, I photographed Al's teeth, holding his gums back with one hand, holding camera in the other.  And I can clip his claws now without help, whereas at first I needed 17 people to hold him down, and the neighbors called police because of the screaming [I lie, but I wouldn't have been surprised -- Al would scream like I was amputating his head -- when I'd patiently explained that I was only going to cut off the ends of all his feet -- and Gwynnie once crawled on top of him to protect him! ]

Comment by Stephanie Borelli on January 17, 2013 at 4:08pm

Thank you EVERYONE for all the advice!!!

Comment by Lemmy Winks on January 17, 2013 at 3:32pm

I normally would say my piece and leave it at that... however, I must respectfully disagree with some of the "negative points" being made about Pinning. (( I do acknowledge though, that improper application and usage will create issues just as hitting or screaming would))
I've used the pin method on both my male dogs. 65lbs and 21lbs. I recommended it as an option, but understand not everyone would be comfortable doing this, and not all dogs need this method applied to them.
However, when done **properly** it is effective, and neither of my 2 dogs have ever lashed out at me when I've done it, and neither have become more aggressive, or fearful or developed any negative behaviors to/from it.
Mind you, I don't use it as a punishment for anything and everything, I only us it when there is aggression or dominance issues.
I suggested pinning because this behavior has gone beyond normal puppy testing and behavior problems.... her dog drew blood. I read it as, the issue is becoming out of hand and she is not only in danger of being bit, but other people and children as well.
It is to easy to see a corgi as  a cute little lap dog. They are big dogs on little legs, and they are incredibly smart. Give them an inch, they will take a mile.
I watched videos and got advice from people who used this method, I am comfortable in using it when needed. However, in addition, another method if you are not comfortable with pinning is a firm correction such as wearing a lead on your dog and giving it a firm,sharp snap and a clearly defined "NO" when doging this aggressive behavior could also help. Take all the advice you are being given, because it is all good advice and figure out what you want to do.
I wont respond anymore, everyone is entitled to their opinion and I wish you the best of luck!

Comment by Kaitlyn & Chase on January 17, 2013 at 12:39pm

I may be a little late on this one but I'm going to try anyway...
Do Not EVER spank, smack or phyically punish your dog. I can tell you from experience that my parents have done this with all of their dogs (not in an abusive manner) just like with their children. Try this with a Corgi and he/she will learn to growl and bite you. I promise.
Also, alpha rolls and scruff shakes DO NOT WORK. I don't care what anyone else has said about this, it does not work and it is VERY DANGEROUS! Dogs do not learn from alpha rolls and scruff shakes, try this and it will end up making your dog more agressive, not submissive.
Instead of trying to teach her using negative methods, use positive reinforcement. You had the right idea offering her some treats for her kind behavior. You want to reward her for the correct behavior instead of punishing her for her negative behavior.
Dogs communicate visually, they use their ears, tails, feet and general body language to communticate their intentions. Check how you're approching her, sit beside her offer her some treats and touch her on the sides of her body, not her face. Relax and don't be tense.
If one of you begins to get frustrated just walk away and try again later. Nothing good ever comes from frustration.
John Wolff has exactly the right idea. You need to do a lot of fun activities with her.
Play time, LOTS OF EXERCISE like fetch and "catch me if you can" (be careful because Corgis will nip your heels, they're herding dogs)
Training is a wonderful way of bonding, having fun and establishing trust. Do a lot of POSITIVE REINFORCEMENT, REWARD BASED training. As John mentioned, keep the sessions short and fun. Once either of you get frustrated or bored its game over. Stop the session and try again later.
I've been a trainer for a while and I can tell you that the more positive interactions you have with her, the more she will trust you. If you try to spank her or strike her she WILL become more agressive towards you. No alpha rolls or scruff shakes. Those are NEVER a good idea, professional or not.
That's my professional opinion.
I wish you the best of luck. Remember to have patience and use positive reinforcement. We sometimes forget that dogs do not communicate the same ways that we do and as much as we want them to, they don't speak English. They have to figure out what you want and what your intentions are.
Message me with any further questions.

Comment by Jennifer Markley on January 16, 2013 at 8:39pm

She's at her teenage stage.  She is going to push you to see how much you'll take.  

Definitely do the NILF program.

Don't hit her...you have to make her respect you, and hitting her will just teach her to be scared of you.  

That being said, I am a firm believer in scruffing her by the neck and pinning her on her side to the floor.  This has been debated by many of us many times, and I'm sure I'll get another comment- but I do this with all my dogs, and they are extremely well behaved.  My vet just told me the other day they love when my dogs come in because they are so well behaved.  I have rarely had to do it more than once or twice with a dog.  If you choose to go this route, get a trainer to teach you how to do it.  I'm not scared of getting bitten, because I always win in the end anyway (and you must if this is going to work) but you can't be scared when you do it.  They can sense that, and they know you don't really mean it then.  

Comment by Snickmom on January 16, 2013 at 4:23pm

I don't know if the situation is the same at all, but Snickers does not like to be handled. She would always growl and snap when we touched her anywhere but a scratch behind the ears. I used conditioning to slowly get her used to being touched. I started by holding a treat in my closed hand and touching the top of her foot with the back of my hand. If she let me, I opened my hand and she got treat and praise. We slowly worked up to "shake" and then tolerating a hug. She is 5 now, and is starting to choose to cuddle. She is lots of fun and loves us, she would just rather play than touch.

Comment by Stephanie Borelli on January 16, 2013 at 2:09pm

Oh and yes she has bitten my with my husband home too

Comment by Stephanie Borelli on January 16, 2013 at 2:07pm

When she had bitten my I was on the floor. We dont allow her on the furniture at all. We tell her down and she gets off. Ive been bitten 4 time and once i did bleed. Im not afraid of getting bit at all. I would rather her bite me than a stranger or family member.

This morning when I went to play with her she is causious to come over by me. So I got some hard salami and did a few tricks and commands with her. That seemed to work until I was all out of salami. LOL And when I would try to pet her she would again growl and show her teeth at me and her nose curls too. So I said no and put her in a bedroom with the door closed for about 5 min. But will she learn from that. Because since we brought her home, the first day in her kennel she has NEVER made a sound or wined. Its almost like she enjoys it. So by me putting her in a room by herself will she get the point. Im just wondering?!

Comment by Cathie on January 16, 2013 at 2:05pm

I agree with Jane. Do not pin the dog. And please never, ever slap her again.

You have to regain her trust. Develop your confidence in yourself as a leader and the dog's behavior toward you will change. Teach yourself to be a good leader, not a needy "best friend." (Sounding a bit like "Dear Abby" here, but speaking from experience.)

Comment by Laura Rochette on January 16, 2013 at 1:53pm

I've been told, too, that female corgis can be more stubborn and difficult, exerting their power more often--I certainly had similar issues with Lucy when she was younger. But training and maturity has gotten rid of most of her "sass." She still does it sometimes when she is excited (growls over possession, nips or uses her teeth too much). The only time she has bitten me though (lots of blood) was when she was hurt and I put my hand too close to try to free her paw. I would follow the training suggestions given by others.

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