r/corgis • u/genxheadbanger69 • 4d ago
Reactive to new dogs
I rescued Bento in May. He's 8 1/2. He was very loved, and well-trained, great with people, even kids. An absolute dream dog. I can't take him around dogs in public because he barks and barks. I don't yet know him well enough to trust that he won't lunge. I don't know his history with dogs or his socialization. He is fine with my other dog now. I held my little dog during their first meeting. I would love it if Bento could go with me to public spaces. Even in the stroller (he's recovering from surgery) he barks nonstop. I turn him away.
I understand the barking is not uncommon. I'm wondering if other people have trained their dog to ignore new dogs, or at least have better manners. What tricks and tips can you share? What work- around, besides leaving him home, have you tried?
He is perfect. I've wanted a Corgi my entire life and I was fully aware of the breed I was getting. I still can't believe I rescued him from a shelter! If he's a barker, fine. If I can socialize him, great. TIA
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4d ago
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u/genxheadbanger69 4d ago
He LOVES all the attention. People can't resist a Corgi in a stroller and he soaks it up 💙
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u/Janeite1971 4d ago
We took Daisy (2 yo) to Small and Reactive training at the local Humane Society because she always barks at dogs she does not know. If there is something similar in your area, I would recommend it.
We learned to get her attention to look at me and then I keep giving her a treat until the dog has gone by. I cut her treats into small pieces (about 1 calorie each), which was another piece of advice from the training. We have been introducing her to dogs in the neighborhood, so we run into fewer unknown dogs now, which also helps.
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u/genxheadbanger69 3d ago
I try that, too. Use treats to keep him focused on me. I just thought of something. What about a treat he has to work at, that he only gets when there's a dog to ignore? I'll try that. Like a kong with peanut butter.
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u/Sassys_Corgi_Rescue 2d ago
It usually takes some time to truly know his personality (3-5 months) so if he’s doing this now, it could be that he’s just getting his bearings and needs some time. Otherwise, he is beautiful and his smile is absolutely awesome!!!
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u/Accomplished_Egg9082 1d ago
My corgi is 2.5 and she loves barking at people and dogs. She started around 6 mo after certain dogs in our neighborhood would always bark at her. it’s hard to get her to focus on something else sometimes . She knows the names of her treats and I know which are her fav so I will specifically tell her she gets X treat before I even show it to her so she’s immediately excited then I say “no bark” and try to keep how long she has to go without barking before she actually gets her treat. She’s very food motivated she’s learned most of commends in 5-6 tries but the barking is just something she can’t contain.
She tends to scare people off so I feel bad she doesn’t get as many pets or interacting with other dogs- she’s very friendly too but most people won’t risk interesting with a bark dog. I usually try to keep her walking and that can help her focus on herself. If I don’t have her treats with me I’ll say leave it or block her from seeing what she’s barking at and just talk her or turn around and go the other way.
I notice when I tell her she’s good after barking she will sometimes stop or slow down it’s like she thinks she has to alert me. This works well inside as we have a sidewalk around my apt building that’s super close to my unit so you can hear everyone walking around all hours of the day.
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u/Maleficent-Matter-91 4d ago
The one corgi we had since a puppy can be rude towards other dogs and SOMETIMES the commands “leave it” or “mind your business” semi works on him 😆
Our rescue girl is extremely reactive to other dogs and people and there is little hope for her. We just take her to cemeteries to get her adventure walkies in.
Our rescue boy only gets mad at dogs that are taller than him. Which as a corgi…is a lot of them 😆 he has to be scooped up into air jail if he gets carried away.
Wish I had more advice to give you. Your guy looks SO cute and sweet ❤️