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Comment by Elizabeth and Eevee on November 14, 2013 at 10:28pm

The first couple of days I brought Eevee home, she was a complete angel. She walked super well on the leash even for the first time. She was so quiet for awhile. And she slept a lot, which was convenient. She is seven months old now and she drives me crazy sometimes! She's still a great pup, and I love her, but she sure does test me. She is quite stubborn and sometimes just disregards whatever I have to say. She doesn't walk loose leash most of the time, but that's mostly my fault for not properly teaching her. And she barks a lot. Mostly at my mom's dog, but it's very obnoxious when she won't stop. So I guess my point is, don't get too comfortable! As others have said, just keep up the good work. NILIF is a good way to prevent problems in the future, so it's just a great guide to follow. I do it with Eevee, and she's never had any guarding or aggression issues. Keep up the training, and practice every day! Especially the important ones like coming when called. Even when you think you don't have time or don't really feel like it, just grab a couple treats and practice something she already knows, just to keep it fresh. You sound like you're doing a great job already. Congrats on your new baby!

Comment by Edward Hoang on November 14, 2013 at 8:38pm

It can be used for more than just correcting problems.  It's also good for addressing potential problems down the future by setting a precedent for how you want her to behave.  Because corgis are so intelligent, they will eventually figure out how to manipulate you!  This article does a good job of explaining it:

http://www.humanesociety.org/animals/dogs/tips/training_nothing_in_...

 

Comment by Marissa, Bandit, and Bacon on November 14, 2013 at 7:45pm

Thanks everyone!  I know to expect some trouble, just enjoying her perfect puppy-ness right now! If she gets the all clear from the vet tomorrow morning we can start puppy class on Saturday with a local trainer who holds the classes at her home. She requires all puppies be up to date on shots and be parasite free before attending her class. I plan to complete the Canine Good Citizen test and might consider doing agility, just for fun (I'm not a big fan of competition). 

I'm glad I'm doing all the right things! That just means that all of my questions asked and research has paid off.

Edward - I had always thought that NILIF was geared more towards dogs that seem to have a problem with authority (if that terminology isn't correct then I apologize) rather than using it with every dog. I will have to look into that some more!

I am enjoying every minute spent with this girl. I am going to start introducing the dremel over the next few weeks.

Comment by Edward Hoang on November 14, 2013 at 6:54pm

It didn't take long for the accidents to come.  It was the same with Edison when I first got him.  He doesn't really have trouble areas... I still think he's a good dog.  But whenever I notice he does things I don't want him to, I correct him.  When he does things I want, he gets a treat.  I recommend reinforcing this with NILF (Nothing in Life is Free), which is essentially making her do things like sit whenever she eats, goes out, etc.  It reinforces who is the boss.  Have fun with your pup!  They grow up way too quickly.

Comment by Linda on November 14, 2013 at 3:39pm

What Natalie said.  The teen years can be a bit of a handful but if you keep doing what you are doing she will already have a good backgound and know what you expect of her.  Doesn't mean she won't test you but you will have a better handle on it.  I agree about obedience class...it's fun, it's a great bonding experience and a well behaved dog is welcome any place.  And you never know when that one command that she obeys instantly will save her life.

Comment by Natalie, Lance &Tucker on November 14, 2013 at 12:52pm

Great to hear shes being a good girl for you!!  Remember keep up the things you are doing so she stays used to all the things you have mentioned.  She is still really little, and as she grows she will test you, during her teen years.  Enrolling in obedience class will be the best for you and her both, and even once she has the first level mastered, I would keep going.  Corgis are very intelligent and if you aren't the boss they will become!!  It is common for pups to have accidents even once you think they are fully trained which takes a good year.  They are quick learners and if you stay on top of it, they seem to be potty trained, which is awesome.  Glad to hear everything is off to an awesome start.  Welcome to this wonderful site and congrats on your puppy :)