Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Karen on August 24, 2009 at 4:05pm

One thing to keep in mind is that corgis are notorious for this kind of behavior. Not that it excuses it, but just so you don't feel like you've gotten the short end of the stick with your pup.....

One of our vets told us that he has another client with 2 females and they are in at least every six weeks with war wounds.

But anyway - you have to show constant control and be vigilant with the training. Not easy but worth the work.

As a rule, we always feed our dogs in pecking order, from oldest to youngest. Same with treats, and they have to take them away from where they are given them (so no fighting over crumbs). No bowls on the floor and my youngest one eats in her crate, with the door shut. And I give her a time limit on her food because she likes to be picky and dawdle.

If we are not home, my oldest is separated from the other two. I never leave her along with the other two, because you just don't know. She is a little "ditzy" in her old age and defintely makes the youngest one nervous. Like Bev, I can recognize "the stare" and know when to put thier attention on me. The leash is a great idea. And, by the same token, make sure they always have a collar on, in case you have to have something to grab on to and the leash isn't there.

There are other situations we avoid - when taking them out of the car, we make sure there isn't another corgi right there waiting. Mine seem to take that as an affront for some reason. They can get out of the car and see each other in the yard, but not right at the car. Must be a protective thing. When people come to the house, they visit one at a time with them, so there is no fighting over attention.

And the NILF is excellent. Make them work for what they want. They are herding dogs and really aren't happy unless they are doing a job. Even if that job is sitting or laying down and having to wait for their dinner or treat or toy or whatever, it lets them focus on something positive.

Good luck and let us know how it goes!!!

Permalink Reply by Beth on August 25, 2009 at 8:54pm

Cheryl, I'm going to give you a mental trick that I mentioned to someone else that works for me as far as projecting authority: as far as the dog is concerned, this is my house and everything in it is mine. He gets to use things like toys, food bowls, and beds by my good graces. It's just an imagery/ attitude thing, and it might not help everyone, but it works for me because I'm not naturally a very forceful person. If I think of the toys and stuff as belonging to the dogs, I will approach them with a weak posture and the dog will read that. If I think of it as mine and the dog has been allowed to use it, then I project much more confidence and come across as the leader.

A "pack leader" is not the leader usually by force, but because they control the resources. So to show the dogs that you are in charge, you must control the resources. You don't have to be a bully or antagonize the dogs to do that. Just do simple things: put down the food bowl and make them wait til you say ok to eat. Teach them that if you touch a toy, it's in your possession and they can't try to grab it from you. Let them on the furniture, but if you say "off" they get off. And only let them up when invited if you are there first. If the dog jumps up and you didn't invite it, put it on the ground and say "off", then wait til the dog is sitting quietly and invite it up. It is amazing how fast this sort of program can change your dog's attitude.

Permalink Reply by Cheryl and Bella on August 26, 2009 at 8:57pm

Thank you Beth and to everyone else who contributed. I am listening intently! Its evident that you've put a lot of time into your furbabies and know how to keep the peace in your family. I've certainly learned a lot and see where I could have done things differently (if I didn't panic). Both are very good dogs and they deserve a lot of training and attention. Thanks again to all of you!

Permalink Reply by Cheryl and Bella on September 2, 2009 at 7:12pm

Beth, your suggestions are all wonderful. I can't thank you enough, You have done all your homework on training.

Permalink Reply by Jennifer Markley on August 28, 2009 at 3:50pm

I have always had a "pack" of dogs, at least 3 at a time, sometimes up to five. All different sexes and breeds. I have never had a problem with any of them fighting each other. You must simply be the pack leader. You are the alpha dog no matter what. Do not tolerate aggression in any way, shape or form. Take the aggressor down when they are starting to pick a fight--staring, growling, snarling, etc...Scruff their neck, and pin them down with them lying on their side. And do not let go until they are completely submissive--lying completely still with no eye contact with you. You may get bit in the process, but it is essential you do not let go--until you win. You may have to do this a couple of times depending on how stubborn your dog is, but in the end it works and will be worth it. Good luck!

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