Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Jane Christensen on August 23, 2009 at 6:05pm

Somone suggested (sorry can't remember who...) Nothing in Life is Free NILIF...I have been using that on my one year old and it has taken some time BUT she is getting better. Also somone suggested to keep your problem dog leashed (sorry again...can't remember who) and both thes are good so you can intervene when you need to.So yes, my 1 year old decided thaat she was going to herd my recue and keep her away from me...my AKC class instructer told me it was a management problem...I still have to be on top of things right now but it is getting better...you can get this online...I'm sure lots of people will have ideas but this is working for me...also if she bites I would kennel her immediately and you may have to keep them seperate when feeding also for the sake of your other dog...but I again would kennel the trouble maker not the non aggressor...this sheet also talks about the more timid dog being on edge if he has more responsibility than he can handle...that could be my Livvy also...Good luck!

Permalink Reply by Cheryl and Bella on August 24, 2009 at 1:24am

Thank you... I wish that I would have asked sooner. This has been causing a lot of anxiety wondering if this was a problem that could be dealt with. I have given both dogs run of the house, due to feeling guilty about leaving them while at work. (I go in early and come home by 2:30pm) I had them crated and in a routine. I am the one who needs training. I was not strict at all and the dogs have been running the show. I tried different tactics but wasn't getting to the root of the problem.
I really appreciate your feedback.

Permalink Reply by Cheryl and Bella on September 2, 2009 at 6:50pm

I should have said that as Bella started growing, the fights increased. Bella is not an aggressive dog at all, she is a total lovebug. She just didn't like Lexie holding her down if there was a fight over food or attention. I read that if you don't let them decide who is alpha, then they would keep on fighting until one won over the other. The dog book must be wrong and I did not realize that I had to break up the battles. The few times I jumped in, I wasn't sure who started it, because sometimes it would be Lexie. Most of the time they were best friends and would sleep and share a giant size memory foam dog bed. I feel bad now, because it stressed me out so much, that I panicked and called a friend to watch/take care of my corgi so that I could work with Lexie and get her housetrained. Meanwhile, I am missing my furbaby more than ever. She is in a loving environment and I am grateful to my friend, but I can't help but feel depressed. I miss my bright eyed happy, playful furbaby, and I also want what is best for both my dogs. This has been really hard and a bitter pill to swallow. I wish I knew then what I know now.
I am very thankful for your advice, and meant to get back to you sooner. I am trying to sort this out and wonder if I can make this work for my furbabies.

Permalink Reply by Jill, Kari & Jackson on August 23, 2009 at 11:29pm

You be the alpha and do not allow the fights. Sounds kinda dog whispererish I guess but it really works. You should be the one in charge anyways. When I first got my corgi, I let her be what she considered to be the alpha. This led to talkng back and behavior problems both in the house and in public. It didn't take me long to become fed up by this and I took charge and the change was both immediate and slow. Now when we go out in public she is perfectly behaved and walks by my left side with a limp leash. The house is a little harder. When its me, shes great, but when my father comes over it all goes out the window. He gets her very excited and does not follow the rules I have set down for Kari. It like with kids, if one parent enforces the rules all of the time, the kids wont break the rules with that parent. If the other parent does not set rules or only enforces them some of the time, the kids are more likely to break them. These dogs are like your kids, the rule is no fighting and you're in charge. You have to be committed and as we all know, yelling gets you nowhere with corgis. You're welcome to try the technique mentioned by Jane as this would not be such a drastic change or ask a trainer or behaviorist. All dogs are different and you need to find out what works for both you and your pups.

Permalink Reply by Cheryl and Bella on August 24, 2009 at 2:29pm

You are right. I was never the Alpha or strict enough. Since they were puppies, I babied them and didn't stop as they grew. They seemed to be doing fine, small things here and there. When the one incident happened where one drew blood, I was getting feedback from others to separate them asap. I had too many negative and conflicting opinions and but no suggestions as to how to correct.

. Its great how well you have trained Kari. Corgi's are so intelligent. I needed to take charge and should have checked into the dog whisperer and othe resources.at the first sign of trouble.
Thank you for taking time to write a nice in depth response to me.

Permalink Reply by Bev Levy on August 24, 2009 at 12:34pm

I have found that it is very typical when the second pup starts to hit adolescence that they are going to do a little or a lot of challenging. I agree with the others that you need to step up and be in charge. It is great that you recognize that. We have three and one was added in spite of the knowledge that my older corgi did not like her. I am probably the one that recommended the trailing leash. I used it very successfully. They really do pay attention to you better when they realize that you can catch them quickly! I am very careful to clearly define whose bowl is whose and give treats carefully so that there is no chance that there is a debate as to who it is for. We also pick up the bowls after eating so that there is no opportunity for guarding. I now can recognize when Sparty is getting upset and step in before an attack. (I recognize the stare) They get along well but you just need to get through that challenge period with the understanding that the one in charge is on two legs!! Good luck.

Permalink Reply by Jane Christensen on August 24, 2009 at 1:07pm

I also find that the minute the leash is on Livvy she acts totally different, like she knows she has to behave...

Permalink Reply by Jill, Kari & Jackson on August 25, 2009 at 8:37pm

great response, just what I was trying to get at.

Permalink Reply by Nicola Porter on August 24, 2009 at 1:15pm

My rescue mutt Rexx did not take too happily to LO joining the family. Man Rexx was vicious. I then noticed that Rexx was not actually harming LO just telling him to back off. I then let them fight it out themselves. They haven't had an incidence in months and it also toughened LO up. I would be a little concerned about the suddeness though, and see if you can ward of any transgressions.

Permalink Reply by Cheryl and Bella on September 2, 2009 at 7:01pm

It wasn't so much as sudden, I wasn't very good at explaining it. Bella was simply growing out of puppyhood. Once Bella became older and started growing, she was ready to take on her "sister" Lexie, who is about 6 mos. older. Thank you Nicola for writing to me about your thoughts and experience with this. I read the same thing about letting them work it out and not stepping in. It looks like I'm outnumbered though and I respect that,
I value everyones opinion. You've all been great. I didn't expect to have such a network of frends giving such helpful advice. I really appreciate it!

Permalink Reply by Beth on August 24, 2009 at 2:52pm

When a pup enters adolescence, it will sometimes start to try to push it's rank upwards. You've been given some great suggestions here. I would definitely physically separate them at meal times, and probably make that a permanent arrangement.

Nothing in Life is Free should help. Just be warned, though, that sometimes two females will not get along at all, so you may not be able to leave them loose together when no one is there to supervise.

Is Bella spayed? If not, spaying can sometimes help, though if the behavior is already ingrained it might not reverse what's already been learned.

Good luck!

Permalink Reply by Cheryl and Bella on September 2, 2009 at 7:09pm

Yes, Bella was spayed at 5 months, close to 6. The vet suggested the date for spaying. I can't stress enough what a delightful little dog she is. She is the most lovable dog that I have ever encountered. ~Good advice on Never leaving them have the run of the house when I'm not home, even if it breaks my heart to hear them cry in thier crate. It would have been so much better if I had kept them in thier routine. Also, separating them at mealtimes.
Beth, thank you!!

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