My 6 month old corgi barks at every dog he sees

[sweetlychee]

Hi,

I need some help on this. My 6 month old corgi is wonderful and sweet. He has some issues with barking at dogs. Whenever he sees a dog, he barks ferociously and would not stop. I'm guessing he's fearful and aggressive. He won't bark at people and loves to play with even strangers. Why does he bark at other dogs nonstop? What can we do to help ease him in socializing?

Any help would be appreciated!

[Michael Romanos]

This advice is better if you have a short, very lightweight chocker chain attached to your leash. When your Corgi starts to bark for no good reason - and often Corgis love to talk - say out loud NO and make the sound of SHUSH and pull firmly (but no more than firmly) on the lead at the same time. When he stops yelling out loud, reward him with praise and a little treat. Keep doing ths and the little darling is almsot certain to gain peace of mind and therefore co-operate with you. After a few times - cease saying the word NO and just retain the sound of SHUSH.
Let me know how you get along.

[CorgiMum]

I had similar problems with Dylan, after trying leash corrections, which in our case didn't work out well I realized that I needed to build his confidence and keep him focused on me when we crossed paths with another dog.

I taught him to focus on me by teaching "watch" (me). I held a treat close to my eye, said "watch" and as soon as he looked at me and away from the dog, he got the treat. I lengthened the time I wanted him to look eyes at me, until I was able to keep his focus for a good minute or so, long enough to pass any distractions.

Good luck, hope this helps.

[corgimom]

Barbara, I like your idea, I think that is a good one - I use that with Cody
when we are sometimes walking and he is distracted by someone jogging by, etc. I show him a treat and get him to focus on me.

Linda

[CorgiMum]

I perfected that method when I read "Choose to Heel" by Dawn Jees.

Here's the DogWise link for it.

http://www.dogwise.com/ItemDetails.cfm?ID=DTO162

I know it (Watch) was a great part of the reason that Dylan finished High in Class when he got his CD a few months ago.

[CorgiMum]

I perfected that method when I read "Choose to Heel" by Dawn Jees.

Here's the DogWise link for it.

http://www.dogwise.com/ItemDetails.cfm?ID=DTO162

I know it was a great part of the reason that Dylan finished High in Class when he got his CD a few months ago.

[darci]

Great advice Barbara.................

[sweetlychee]

So, we just have to use a food to entice or let him refocus on other things? I was thinking of the choker chain before but he's so tiny and we didn't want to hurt him.

I will tried the biscuit method a bit but I will have to keep on trying. We took him to Petco yesterday and he was wild. I want him to have friends but with the way he's acting, I don't know.

Another dog owner said he was just trying to protect me. I highly doubt this because he doesn't bark at strangers - just at dogs. I think he was trying to protect himself. Hahah!

Thanks for the suggestions. I hope the watch method will work.

[corgimom]

SweetlyChee,

Have you enrolled him in any puppy classes yet? Now would be a good time
and it would give him a chance to be around other dogs more his age.

Linda

[darci]

It sounds like he's barking because he hasnt been socalized with other dogs.
I ditto the puppy class.

[CorgiMum]

Originally Posted by sweetlychee

So, we just have to use a food to entice or let him refocus on other things?

I will tried the biscuit method a bit but I will have to keep on trying. We took him to Petco yesterday and he was wild. I want him to have friends but with the way he's acting, I don't know.

I hope the watch method will work.

When I am training, and especially something new, I use a special treat. Usually cheese, but a very very tiny bit. Probably pieces of hard cheese cut into 1/4 inch squares. Or, one of those single wrapped cheese strips, easy to bite off, and really keeps the dog's focus up towards your face.
Training treats should be small enough so that the dog can swallow it without chewing.

You have a young pup and am sure that in time he will be a model citizen when visiting Petco, Dylan almost always is, and he is only 9 years old.

Six months is a perfect age to start training classes too.

[Fluffypants]

I agree with the classes! Socialization with others of his species/age will do wonders!

[sweetlychee]

Thank you CorgiMom and Fluffypants. Thank you all!

I think it's a good idea to enroll him to obedience classes. What's the best way to start? He does know basic commands or sit, stand, come, and stay. He even knows fetch! So, will I have to restart all these trainings again?

Some people suggested going to Petco for training classes. Does that sound good?

Thanks all!

[CorgiMum]

Looking for a puppy class...if you don't have any friends with dogs that can recommend a trainer I would suggest that you talk with your Vet's office and see who they would recommend.

Also, when you find a class, ask the instructor if you could sit in on one session before you decide to enroll, without your puppy.

[corgimom]

Barbara has a great suggestion.

Stop in and sit in one of their classes before you enroll if you can - but yes, ask your vet for a recommendation or if you have a local Kennel Club, they could also offer some. There are lots of trainers out there, and some not so good, so best to do some research. I am in a class right now that I am not crazy about.

As for Petco, do they do their training during open hours - I know PetsMart and not sure if you would like that.

Even though your dog knows some basic commands such as sit, lay, etc. you will probably be enrolled in the basic class for dogs 6 months and up. While it is good that puppies know these commands, you will also work on the "wait" command and "leave it" command, learn to get your dog to "watch you"(focus) on you during distractions and the "come" command and other important things , liking coming in contact with other dogs and learning to behave - see what the instructors have to say, they will be the best judge

Linda