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Comment by Shelbi Hart on May 17, 2012 at 11:24am

I tried the radio thing a few times when i first got him, he wasn't a huge fan.

I was looking into those thundershirts, but my boyfriend wants me to wait until we are sure it will work.

Comment by Kaitlyn & Chase on May 16, 2012 at 5:03pm

Thank you for the links on the OCD/CCD I checked them out and a few other sites.
I haven't had any problems with Chase and the laser pointer so far, but I will be sure to end the game with the Dot landing on a few treats or something that he can catch. Chase has already figured out that the dot comes from the little keychain-like laser pointer and he has realized that I have the dot. I will be sure to monitor him while playing and not to play for very long. We don't usually play for very long anyway because we are in PA and it gets cold most nights. He seems to enjoy the exercise and he hasn't shown any signs of OCD or CCD.

That being said, I am not saying that this couldn't happen. It seems to be a very real problem and risk that I was not aware of and I appriciate the information.

Comment by Kaitlyn & Chase on May 16, 2012 at 4:17pm

Yes, Hannah and McKenzie are also correct! I forgot to add that in my previous comment. I always always always leave the TV or the radio on for Chase when I leave. My fiance used to think that I was crazy for doing that, because as he said "he's just a dog."
Then I asked him if he would like to be locked in a crate for (a few) hours and left in a SILENT house. No, it would drive you nuts! Don't get me wrong, I love some peace now and then, but it would be miserable to be left alone in the house with no noise.

Comment by Elisabeth Spector on May 16, 2012 at 3:59pm

I don't have any great advice regarding barking per se (one of our corgis is quite a barker herself, and seems duty-bound to "tell" us what is going on throughout the day.  She's quiet as can be when we leave, though (we've set up Skype to watch her when we've left, esp. in hotel rooms).  If the barking is related to separation anxiety, I would look up threads on that topic.  As others have mentioned, several have reported that calming chews seem to be helpful. 

Just a quick comment regarding laser pointer toys that came up in the discussion below:  Until I read about them on MyCorgi, I wasn't aware that *some* dogs can develop an OCD-like reaction to the laser pointer, which can develop into similar obsessive behavior over light bouncing off reflective surfaces.  Some people have reported that a single session of laser tag seemed to set off a long-lasting problem with light sources/flickering shadows, etc.    The MyCorgi.com discussion is here:  http://www.mycorgi.com/forum/topics/a-laser-helping-with-faster?com... .  And here’s another link with people reporting their experiences with laser pointers (both positive and negative):  http://ask.metafilter.com/130914/Wheres-Mr-Dot-There-he-is

I sure don’t want to be a fear-monger, and I imagine that the vast majority of dogs probably have no problem with the laser pointer.  Still, I don't think it's a bad idea to be aware of the potential downsides, esp. if there is no way to tell in advance what the reaction of any particular dog might be. 

 

Anyway, good luck with the barking.  Let us know how everything works out!

Comment by Kaitlyn & Chase on May 16, 2012 at 2:20pm

I have considered getting Chase a thundershirt. I have had several people (that I know personally) tell me that they work wonders. Chase doesn't bark SO much when he's at home with us, but he loses his mind if he's in the car with the windshield wipers on. FREAKS HIM OUT.
The way it works is almost like a blankie. Put it on him during a calm, relaxing time for a few weeks or so. Then once he associates the thundershirt with calm/safe/relaxing you can use it to help keep him calm in uncomfortable or stressful times. Like when you're away or car rides.
I have not tried the Kong or the calming chews but I think anything is worth trying once. Unless of course it's harmful.
Definately though, tire him out! Take him out to play fetch, on a walk or jog. If it's dark outside, we play laser chase. Chase LOVES laser chase. Just get a cheap little $3 laser, many times they are in the cat sections. Take him out and move it around the yard. It's entertaining for you as well!!

Comment by Snickmom on May 16, 2012 at 10:14am

I have had luck with the pet corrector. It is like the can of air you clean your computer with. Makes a hissing sound that gets their attention better than your voice. I would use it when you are home to help train him that one bark is enough.

Comment by Emily & Scout on May 16, 2012 at 7:26am

There are A LOT of people on here that have gotten calming chews for their dogs and give them to the dogs before they leave.  One dog turned from tearing up the house to being well behaved when his owner was gone.  Definately worth a try as others have had success. 

Also, have you looked into a thundershirt?

Comment by Bev Levy on May 16, 2012 at 7:18am

Have you tried spreading peanut butter and a little kibble inside a Kong,freezing it, and then putting it in the crate with him? Sometimes that will help him settle down after you leave and sleep. Also, be sure he gets a minimum 30 minute walk before confinement and leave a radio on fairly loud when your gone.