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Comment by Jane on January 16, 2013 at 1:32pm

I highly disagree about rolling/pinning the dog. A novice owner should NEVER attempt this without the supervision of a  trained professional. Not to mention if this is a fear based issue it may only escalate the problem, not fix it. Seeing as how you have already been bitten, this is just asking for a nasty gash to the face and an ER visit. Don't do it.

 

I would google Nothing in Life is Free and implement it immediately, both you and your husband. Make her work for absolutely everything. Every ball you throw, every time she goes outside, every treat, etc she needs to do a sit, or a down, or a shake, whatever. Make sure you are the one feeding and walking her. I also think obedience classes will really help - I'd suggest going to a few on your own with her, and then some with your husband too.

 

If you do get bit, or even the tiniest bit of teeth on skin. I would give a firm NO! and immediately put her on time out for 10 minutes. She will figure out that if she wants to play, she cannot use her teeth.

 

I should also ask - when you've gotten bit from petting her, was she on the couch with you? Was your husband there?

Comment by Lemmy Winks on January 16, 2013 at 11:17am

Sounds like she see's your husband as alpha, and herself above you. Pinning works.
If she growls at you and shows her teeth, put your hand on the back of her neck and push her down to the floor ( be quick about it) with a sharp " No" And hold her down until she stops resisting and lays on her side/back.
You need to be firm, quick and do not hesitate or show fear of being bit.
You need to be firm but calm.
I've dealt with this issue , not over petting, but food aggression ( over garbage) and pinning worked well.
All my dogs know that I am not afraid of being bit, because they've all gotten testy with me and I didn't pull away, I pinned them down and kept them pinned until they submitted.

Comment by Stephanie Borelli on January 16, 2013 at 10:33am

Thanks for all the feedback!! I think she is honeslty afraid of me. I tought her all the tricks she knows, Im the one that feeds her too. Its just hard. From now on i'll try to put her in a timeout. And we have traning classes for her in the second level since she knows everything in the first. Wish me Luck and lots of patience! :)

Comment by Bev Levy on January 16, 2013 at 7:51am

Google Nothing in Life is Free and use some of those techniques. Your corgi is still a puppy so that is good but she is obviously thinking that she needs to train you. Do not hit her,if she growls, turn your back on her and ignore her for a minute or two. If it continues use a time out in a room where she can safely be by herself. For bites I use a very dramatic, high pitched yelp and if her teeth continue to touch your skin use the time out. At her age a time out should not lase longer than 5 to 10 minutes. Remember each interaction is new to her so you have to let go of your irritation too. When she doesn't bite or growl be sure to reward her with either very nice puppy talk or petting or even a game she likes. Try teaching some easy tricks such as sit, speak or shake. Teaching is a very bonding activity and good for you for signing up for classes. Little pieces of hot dogs are a very high valued training treat. I find that dogs often choose one family member that they like best but still love the other members too. Try not to take it personally, she is still a baby living in a strange land!

Comment by John Wolff on January 16, 2013 at 1:15am

Read "The Other End of the Leash", McConnel.  McConnel    Might not be your answer, but it's a good book.  Includes a tale like yours, I think.  You may want to consult a professional behaviorist/trainer if you can.  Something may be going on that you can't spot (can't see the forest for the trees).

I hear your frustration -- I have an issue with Al, who was perfectly behaved until his 2nd year, when he started snapping at/attacking larger dogs without provocation, and I have no idea why -- since I don't understand the behavior, I can't deal with it.  Somehow, you have to figure it out from the dog's point of view, then you can deal with it.

I'd suggest wooing her and winning her heart:  you feed her, take her on walks, play, teach tricks.

Never hit her.  If you punish her, 4 minutes later, make sure she knows that you're friends again; they have short attention span.  Be very patient with her; she will always know what's in your heart.  Biting must not be tolerated, but use positive reinforcement as much as possible.  Could it be that she feels some frustration with you?  If you've been using a lot of negative reinforcement, she might be associating you with punishment.  More carrot, less stick??? (not sure this is right; you do have to be in charge).  Do lots of training, but make it fun, a game, lots of praise for successes, but keep sessions short enough so it's not "work".

I would get a little airtight portable treat can, always handy, tiny treats (so you can give rewards often), always pair treats with praise.  Someone wrote, "Why bribe your dog with treats when they are perfectly willing to work for praise?"   

We wish you success.

Comment by Bogart the Cardigan on January 15, 2013 at 11:01pm

Dogs are dogs, not humans (just almost!) and I don't think they feel the emotion "hatred."  I don't think this dog hates you at all, just that she is afraid of you.  You can change that with some patience. Maybe you have a friend or two who has a dog, ask them for some advice.  You have never had a dog before, even as a child? Does your dog play well with other dogs?

Comment by Stephanie Borelli on January 15, 2013 at 10:42pm

Ok, I wont. My fear is that are relationship will be ruined. Thats my biggest fear that she wont like me or hates me. Im hoping the trainer will give me good advice and help us out. I just dont want to make it worse. And we play lots too. She never stops!! LOL

 

Comment by Bogart the Cardigan on January 15, 2013 at 10:33pm

First thing, NEVER use your hand to punish your dog. Now your dog fears your hand instead of welcoming the hand that is supposed to pet her and make her feel loved.  Call a pet trainer in your area and have him/her come and give you and your dog a private session.  It will be worth the expense. Don't wait until the end of the month, by then it could be worse.  Make sure you and your dog do fun things together, play with toys, throw the ball, go on walks. I'm really sorry you are having this problem.

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