Comment

Comment by Judy Green on January 12, 2011 at 10:37pm

Howie is lucky to have you. Bless you for being so kind. I'm in a similar situation with my rescue, Megan. When I got her on a "trial" basis I knew, when I saw her condition and the people told me "she'll eat anything, she loves Butterfinger bars" that there was NO WAY I would let her go back to that place. She was kept outside. She was very timid. She was food aggressive. She (disgusting) ate her poo - a sure sign that she had been beaten for messing in the house. Her coat was in horrible condition.

With a lot of love and patience, investment in vet bills and really good high quality food, she's a new dog. She's fighting Madison, my corgi I've had since she was 9 weeks old, for dominance and we're working on that. But she's worth it, and I have no doubt Howie is as well. Best wishes David!

Comment by Sam Tsang on January 12, 2011 at 9:49pm

Hi Daivd,

 

1. Most corgis are chow hounds, but it depends how they were raised with other dogs.

2. No, corgis are herding dogs bred to herd ducks, sheep and cattle, driven by sights and sound, some instincts are stronger than others, some corgis are very determine and hard headed, some may require experience owners who understand the breed to correct unwanted behavior.

3. Corgis herd by barking and biting the heels of sheep and cattle, unwanted nipping should be corrected from young age, it can be corrected, be persistent and practice.

4. Stress, humidity, diet, and frequency of bath play a role in shedding. It is normal for any breed of dogs. Proper socialization / rehab can help him be more confident (if that's really the problem)

 

Let us know if you have any questions David! Most answers can be found in the forum. Howie is lucky to have you.

Comment by Jane Christensen on January 12, 2011 at 9:41pm

Hi David and Howie! Thanks for giving poor little Howie a home! From what I read the poor little guy has probably never had a chance to learn anything a dog should as a pup and it will be harder to learn as an adult but it CAN be done.

If not properly socialized with dogs and kids the best thing you can do if you can't be right there is to give him a "safe haven" and get him a big kennel so he has a place to call his own with a blanket and toys and teach him this is a "good" place. I would start by keeping him leashed with the other dogs so you can control him getting  too out of control and you will need to slowly introduce these things to him. This is not normal for Corgis but it sounds like he never had a chance to experience this. He could be reacting out of fear!

 

Check out NILF- Nothing in Life is Free. It has many valuable suggestions.

 

As for kids...is he possible trying to herd them or is he really trying to bite? Corgis are ankle biters and he may never have learned not to do this.

 

Did he have to fight or feel threatened for his food? Please make sure the kids aren't near when he eats and it may be he eats in his kennel while you slowly work at giving him a treat from your hand and then feeding him out of your hand.

 

I have many more suggestions but will write more later!  Good luck!

Comment by Melissa and Franklin! on January 12, 2011 at 9:30pm

His past experiences, being neglected and feeling he must constantly fight for resources (food, water, shelter) are likely the root of pretty much all of Howie's problems. Its difficult to teach a dog who has had to fight for survival, that he no longer has to fight. Corgis do shed....A LOT....but many dogs will "blow their coat" in stressful situations. If Howie is feeling stressed at home due to the presence of other dogs and children (all of who he likely views as competition), he will shed much more, he will also exhibit the aggressive behaviors you mentioned towards dogs and children. If you are really planning on making your home a forever home for Howie, I highly recommend a behaviorist. They will come to your home and help you address various training issues. I Howie is too psychologically damaged for a simple group training class. He will need a lot of time and dedication to learn that he is no longer at risk of starvation or dehydration. You have already done sooooo much for him, by saving his life. Now the next step is helping him heal emotionally.

Comment by Roger/Laurie on January 12, 2011 at 9:05pm

Thank you for taking in Howie. Corgi's are wonderful pets.  We have a rescued Corgi and some of what you have stated sounds very familiar.  Howie sounds very scared and confused.  I am sure you will get some excellent advice from others that have more experienced than I in dog behavior.  Just want to say don't give up, it took a long time (any many tears) but our Tenby has turned into a much loved member of our family.