Corgi Puppy is a terror!

[emma]

I have a sticky situation. My Oliver is 1 year old and a fantastic guy. He adores people and gets along with dogs and is generally a big love.

So, I decided to get another corgi. But rather than go back to Oliver's breeder (who is fantastic), I opted to rescue a corgi. I found Simon, who apparently lost his mom in a kennel fire and was raised by a vet before going into a rescue program. He is 11 weeks old. Based soley on his appearance, he is poorly bred. But he is a little love with people.

The problem is that he is extremely territorially aggressive with Oliver, even though he is about 1/10th the size. Outside he is okay, but inside, he snaps, snarls, bares his teeth, and attacks Oliver.

My question is this: Can I train little Simon to get along with other dogs, or is this just a part of his makeup? Any advice/suggestions?

[Michael Romanos]

I have not got all the answers but I would keep Simon away from Oliver inside your house and let Simon develop a better, sounder relationship with Olliver through outdoor situations and take the whole thing slowly, slowly. So for inside, place Simon in a crate. When Simon misbehaves with Oliver, immediately pick Simon up, no need to scold or handle harshly, and take him to a quiet place such as his crate or better still, the bathroom and let him stay enclosed for 10 minutes before letting him out again. If he has been quiet, reward and praise. Do this as often as you can. What a shame you didn't choose another Corgi from the breeder. Temperament and a wonderful early puppyhood are priceless.

[Jane Austen]

I agree with Michael as to treating the puppy's behaviour, and I am not an expert either.
I do honor you though on taking in a rescue. You may have had a better chance on getting another dog of good temperment by getting a well bred corgi, but there is never any guarentee of that either.
Lots of luck and good wishes go out to you. Jane

[emma]

I'm happy to report that little Simon is doing much better. He really is a little marshmallow and quite an easy puppy. I think he was just totally overwhelmed with being rescued, flying on an airplane, meeting Oliver, etc. and it was too much too soon.

He and Oliver were playing quite nicely outside and today little Simon was trying to play with him through the X-Pen. He met the neighbors little dogs and played with them for awhile. I'm going to keep all interactions positive to not overwhelm the poor little guy. But I think he'll by fine...

[Philbiker]

Great to hear! Moving and being adopted is really hard on a dog - they take months to get settled in.

[glencorgi]

Good to have a few more pieces to the puzzle. At 11 weeks and being raised primarily, it sounds by humans, Simon hasn't learned many doggie skills, etiquette and how to speak dog. The dam and littermates help teach bite inhibition, keep a puppy from getting too over the top in rambunctious or aggressive type behaviors. Those are some of the behaviors you were seeing in initial interactions with Oliver. Also alllllllll those changes he'd been through in such a very short time were contributors - think like a 2 year old child who hasn't had their nap and running on an overload of overstimulation.

That Simon is relating better with Oliver and with neighbors' dogs is a good sign. In his case, a puppy kindergarten class might also be something to look into. He can learn dog skills from the other puppies in the class and in time Oliver can teach him as well. IF you decide to follow up on a puppy kindergarten, be sure to fill in the instructor on Simon's background. That will help them understand him and his behavior better, as well as, help him get the most out of the class.

Sounds too as if you've got a good grasp on the situation and will work to make things come together.

Debbie

[emma]

Little Simon is sweet as can be! He and Oliver are absolute best friends. They play and cuddle and wrestle and lick each other (and yes, spat!) It is so much fun having two corgis!

Simon starts his puppy kindergarten today. There is something "abnormal" about Simon, though. He has not nipped once! Very strange, a corgi puppy that doesn't nip. Hmmm.... LOL

Attachment 1197

[HemiBee]

that is just too precious!! I really hope that Hemi takes to my new Cardi pup well... I have a feeling though that he'll be glued to my hip even more and get jealous.

[Michael Romanos]

Just gorgeous.

[Chip's Mom]

Beautiful corgis

[mycorgi.com]

I'm glad things are working out for ya! Beautiful corgis!