Comment

Comment by Ellen Andersen on December 1, 2010 at 12:15pm

Lisa, I soooo understand what you are going through! I have three, and my one male, Nimh, who is a registered therapy dog, is the terror of my neighborhood as far as other 'strange' dogs go! It's embarrasing! He's sweet as pie with people and dogs he's bonded with, but he's just a major pain in the heinie with some neighborhood dogs! I live in a rural area, so lots of dogs roam and he has a hissyfit when one of them gets on his turf. A friend down the road has two Newfoundlands, easily 150 pounds each, and they don't want to walk by my house!
So, no helpful advice from me....but alot of commiseration and understanding.

Comment by Renee Kovacs on December 1, 2010 at 10:03am

I have this same issue with my Cardigan. He's totally submissive to us, to anyone we introduce him to, and is best friends with our cat (who was here first). He is 'tolerant' of children, but I sure WATCH him, he doesn't recognize small humans as HUMAN - to Ed, any living creature that is high-energy, under 3ft tall, causing commotion or is too invasive of his personal space - even if they're only 2-dimensional (TV) - is in obvious need of his directives! Since he's absolutely NOT aggressive towards the cat, I know he CAN be taught the difference and likely would even be motivated to (since he does like to play).

The key for him is the energy level, that's his biggest trigger. While I will always diligently prohibit aggressive behavior (even if it's aimed at the TV, my rule is absolute), I give up romantic images of us socializing at the dog park. I came to terms, I'm okay with it - I was the disappointed one, and Ed is living a wonderful life without that added facet. He'll stoically tolerate a quick sniff from other dogs we meet on walks, but he is clearly ONLY doing that for ME. Dog park?! The energy level would be too much for him to reliably keep ME in the forefront of his mind as his Ultimate Power. =)

Comment by Susan Stanton on December 1, 2010 at 9:20am

He sounds actually pretty reasonable! I'd definitely try classes and working with the teacher (or behaviorist if you find one) to understand what he's doing and why. My Ethel was actually bitten by a small dog and has become wary of others, so I've been working with her too. Baby steps, introducing her back to dogs she knows and likes, bit by bit.

Comment by Lisa/Cody on December 1, 2010 at 1:13am

Thanks! More than anything, I wanted to see if other people had similar problems with their corgi. I've had Cody for about three or four years now and I got him when he was about a year old. My dog is overprotective of his food but, as passionate as he is about his toy, he doesn't get upset at our other dogs when they steal it. When we took him to a dog park, we sat him on the outside of the fence. He curled his lip but doesn't really lunge so much as he just sort of i guess stood his ground and protected his territory. He was okay with them as long as he wasn't near them and pretty much ignored them from the other side of the fence until they got close. I haven't looked into a behaviorist or any classes. Classes seem like a good idea. I would just hate to muzzle him because the behavior is inconsistent . Maybe if I muzzled him at the dog park? I want so badly to socialize him without risking other dogs.

Comment by Diana Stone (Nett) on November 30, 2010 at 11:25am

Hi Lisa- I have several corgis and all have wonderful temperament and get along except Panda, my "pit bull in a corgi costume". She's very snippy toward the others over food, ME, and absolutely HATES outside dogs, even her own grown pups when they come back to visit. She will lung at any unfamiliar dog that comes near and has attacked my male several times. She also hates being away from me and will bark non-stop if I put her out in the run with the others. In the name of safety, I started putting a mesh muzzle on her when I took her in public or when she was barking excessively, and I'd stress the word "muzzle" to her. I didn't expect it, but she hated the muzzle so much it has effected a permanent change... now if she's barking or acting aggressive, I just tell her "no" and mention the muzzle and she stops the behavior. I don't know anything about "dog psychiatry" but this worked for Panda.

Comment by Jane on November 30, 2010 at 10:28am

I would agree with the suggestion of seeing a behaviorist. It can be very hard to diagnose behavioral problems without actually seeing the dog in action. I would look into some obedience classes or something similar as well, but make sure the facility is aware that he is dog aggressive. They may have special classes for reactive dogs or have other suggestions for you.

Comment by Susan Stanton on November 30, 2010 at 10:26am

Agree with all of the above -- can you describe more specifically how your pup acts around other dogs? On leash or off leash, does that make a difference? Does he let dogs approach and give a warning grrrrrrrrrr and lip curl, or does he truly go after other dogs without provocation. Is he okay unless there are food/toys that make him protective? There's a wide range of dog behavior/communication, some of which might not really be "aggression" per se. And have you had him from a pup, or did he come to you as a an older dog?

Comment by Bev Levy on November 30, 2010 at 8:08am

I am not sure where you got the idea that corgis were never aggressive. they were bred to tell much much larger animals what to do and to keep critters out of the garden. Both of these things require major attitude. But the other side of the herding breeds is that they are very trainable so find an obedience class and sign up. A good class will include very positive methods and the instructor will evaluate your dog and may have very good suggestions for you. It is not unusual for dogs to be more reactive while leashed possibly because they feel more vulnerable with out the ability to flee if necessary. Don't give up your pup can be trained!

Comment by John Wolff on November 29, 2010 at 10:49pm

The word "aggressive" is broad and often misapplied, I think. If you can consult a dog behaviorist who really knows what they're doing, they might help you diagnose exactly what is going on.

Comment by Jane Christensen on November 29, 2010 at 9:37pm

My 1st thought would be to put him on a leash in your house and keep him with you if he's aggressive to your other dogs.Keep him near and correct him with a eheh or no as soon as he starts anything and kennel him if you can't be watching him. Are there classes nearby that you can take him to that would help you?