Actually I did read your post--more than once.


Did your last dog attack you?

 Quote: Samantha Hawley

I felt unexplainable fear and felt myself bracing for whatever the dog might do next ... and he's just a friendly little corgi. It was an illustration.

I want to know how I can overcome this fear. Because I can recognize it, I can deal with it, and maybe someone out there has some pointers on this because it is a misplaced fear.



Perhaps I made a mistake in posting here? If so, I'm sorry.

I don't think you made a mistake by posting here. I read every post in the tread and I honestly think people are going off what you told them and trying their best to help you.

As far as your fear. I hope this don't sound offensive, because I am not trying to be that way. But,....
I think your fear comes from lack of knowledge and understanding. Mis-placed, irrational fear, normally comes from lack of understanding. Example.... Peoples fear of snakes, or horses, or dogs(EI. PitBulls).
When you don't understand the cause and effect of something, or why something is happening, fear normally comes next.
I still say you should find a good trainer in your area and work with him.

I hope I did not speak out of line, as I really am trying to give you honest, helpful advice.

David.

Hi Samantha.

I would like to second Marcia's suggestion of checking out the Groundwork info on the site. At this point , life with your corgi will be a lot less frustrating for both of you if you take the simple approach of controlling him using a crate and a leash..

Doing it this way its not even a question of if he will listen to you, he will just have to follow you and pay attention. Since he is little, you can just tie him to your belt. No coming when called worries anymore! lol

It really reduces the stress an helps you bond. It works for all dogs, but it is especially good if you suspect that he is a little independent.

Following the advice in the article also sets the stage for good obedience later on.

Stick around. There are lots of people with awesome dog knowledge here.

 Quote: Lauren Jeffery

Since he is little, you can just tie him to your belt. No coming when called worries anymore!

I wish I had remembered to mention tethering the dog to the new owner!! Bonding, learning, and more .... in one simple protocol.

I wish I had learned that decades before I did.

Play with the dog.


If my dog isn't learning, I'm doing something wrong.

 Quote: connie sutherland

I wish I had remembered to mention tethering the dog to the new owner!! Bonding, learning, and more .... in one simple protocol.

I wish I had learned that decades before I did.

mmm hmm.

I wish I had known about it when my dog was a little puppy, it would have saved a lot of frustration. By the time I heard of tethering she was already a 60 pound knucklehead.

There is often misconception among dog owners that a dog will just know certain things. I know I suffered that myself. Most dog owners have had or known a dog that "obeys"... coming when called, not bothering you at dinner... ect..

Dpg trainers know that those dogs are just the really soft dogs.

Dog owners find themselves with tougher dogs and they don't have any idea why their dog is a acting like a little beast!

Thats why I like the pack structure info so much. As a dog owner it bridged the gap for me. Before I found Leerburg I had never known anyone who kept their dog on leash in the house! I didn't even know that was an option

Now I will never raise a puppy or take on an adult dog any other way.

Hi, Samantha and welcome!
I understand the fear thing. I am dealing with that right now albeit with a newly rescued horse that literally tried to remove my head the first time I tried to feed her. I now (with my daughther close by with the phone - just in case a 911 call needs to be made lol) spend time just 'hanging out' with her. No pressure, no demands, just quietly sharing space. You may try just sitting by in first thing in the morning with a cup of coffee, just the two of you, and share space. Tether him to you to keep him from wandering off if needed. I cheat, I have fenced off my back porch so I can let a dog just wander around while I drink my coffee or whatever, there is a treat bowl on the table. When the dog looks at me or comes when I quietly mention his name, he gets a treat. It's how I teach new dogs/fosters their names and 'make friends' so to speak. I also do the tether thing, but I have noticed that I bond quicker during our 'alone' time. It's pleasant and relaxing. Then, you can go out and play in the yard or do your reguler chores, etc.
Good luck managing the fear. Remember, I am kind of going through a similar thing right now,so you're not alone. And, thanks to the good folks here - they're even helping me with the horse.
Best wishes, I hope you make a new best friend out of him!

 Quote: samantha hawley

Our relationship has quickly digressed into his being toted around the house on a leash and being tied up when I stop moving.

Samantha, you say this as though you may feel tethering is a bad thing ... As you're working on the up-beat training that was mentioned you can work through the "toting" part, but keeping a new dog on leash for the first few months is a great idea

As mentioned earlier, tethering takes a lot of negative possibilities out of the equation. It allows you guys to focus on bonding and learning to trust each other, hopefully soothing your fears and making you more fun to the dog at the same time :

 Quote: randy allen

Play with the dog.

Training and bonding will make the dog more predictable for you and predictability tends to ease fear.

Mike, as usual, great post.

Samantha, welcome!

You will get the best of advice here, but always, always the focus will be on what is best for the dog. Please don't perceive this as slights on you; listen to what people are suggesting with an open mind. Read, read, read and ask specific questions about specific problems you are having.

I think Mike summed it up nicely:

 Quote:

Treat the dog as a tabula rasa - a blank slate - and don't burden it with your memories. It is a new dog and deserves the same unbiased beginning that you hopefully were willing to assign your previous dogs.