Okay, I guess I'm not sure if he is really really biting, but I think he's trying! We got a Corgi puppy about four weeks ago and he was 12 weeks old, so now he is about 4 months old. We are having a lot of success with the suggestions for pack structure; he displays submissive behavior with my husband and I--ears going down, tail wagging, etc. He is not an extremely mouthy puppy and has been doing well with training.

He has been great around people, including kids, when we have had him on walks, etc. My nieces came to visit, who are a little scared of dogs. (They're 5.) He barked and growled at them. I told him NO. My nieces backed up and climbed onto a chair, which further excited him. Later in the visit, one niece came and sat by me, then the puppy acted fine, let her pet his belly, etc. He still acted weird about my other niece, who would not approach him. What should I do? Should I just not let him around them at all? (They come to visit often.) Or should I try some things? I have read/watched everything I can on here about it!

Also, the other day, a black lab from next door entered our yard when we were outside with our puppy. He was friendly, but when his owner called and he ran back to her, our puppy started to follow, so I called him, then reached down and picked him up when I saw that he was still going to follow. (Should I not have done that? I realize he should have been on a leash, that is completely our fault!) He immediately turned around to bite me. I did not let him go. I told him NO and brought him into the house. He has displayed this behavior one other time when I tried to get him away from a puppy. NEED ADVICE! I am a new dog owner, but I am trying to learn! At this point, I cannot afford to buy the Dvds on this site, so any help is appreciated!

Gia

I think that your dog is sensing a fear in your niece that makes him reactive.

The next time they come over, have the pup on a leash (with you holding the other end) before the girls enter the house. Or keep him in his crate, and let him out after they are inside and sitting, to avoid the excitement that occurs at the door.

Keep your puppy on a leash or tethered to you when your nieces are over. Don't let it get to the point where the girls feel they have to climb on chairs to escape the puppy. This is definately sending the wrong message to the pup.

Have you tried to have your nieces give your puppy a treat? This may help to create a positive association for the pup, and may help the fearful niece get over her fear.

If the girls want to pet the pup, explain the right way to do it (ie scratch his chest or tummy, avoid leaning directly over the pup, and keep their hands and face away from his head/mouth.)Always with you closely supervising.

I would do this, one niece at a time, with you closely supervising. I think with the fearful niece I would not force her to pet the pup. Wait until she indicates that she is ready to do so.

If the pup can be calm when your nieces are there, then let him remain tethered to you. If he can't, put him in his crate.

Yes, I think my dog is sensing fear. (Dogs are so amazing aren't they!) Lynne, thank you for those suggestions. I am definitely going to try that. I'll probably print it just so I can go through it step by step. I'll let you know how it goes.