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Permalink Reply by CorgiMama & Bronwyn on July 23, 2008 at 3:20am

Is he actually biting or mouthing your hand really hard? If he's actually biting (or wanting to) and this happens only when you're hugging him, it sort of sounds to me like the hugging is the problem. He may not want to be hugged and could very well outgrow it. The more you correct him for biting at you when you're trying to hug him, the less likely he'll be willing to get hugs and cuddles. He'll equate that hugs means correction.

Perhaps he's doing something important to him when you want to hug him and he's not in the mood to be interrupted? How are you hugging him? Maybe it hurts when you pick him up. He might have sore ribs or something. Try another sort of hug - like getting down on the floor with him to cuddle him and see if he puts up with that.

I feel bad for you - it must be hard not to get to hug your puppy but there must be a good reason behind his biting at you only when he's getting hugged. I'd explore that a little bit.

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Permalink Reply by Amanda on July 23, 2008 at 8:23am

Dax has been like that since the day we brought him home. I've tried everything. Thump on the nose, holding his mouth shut for a second, squirting him with water, yelping and walking away, replacing my hand with a toy when he bites,everything...and nothing has worked. I just dont know what else to do. I know most of the time he's just mouthing but sometimes when I correct him he gets mad and really bites me. I mean not really hard but there is a noticeable difference. Its only if I have my hands near him though. He won't just run up and latch onto me. Not when he's really trying to bite me anyway. If you do find something that works I'd love to hear it!

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Permalink Reply by Angela on July 23, 2008 at 11:26am

Thank you, folks! For the difference between mouthing and biting, I think usually he is mouthing at first, and then if we correct him, he sometimes gets mad and starts to bite. CorgiMama, you brought up a good point. Correcting him may get him to associate hugging with correction. Now I even found that he is reluctant to come to us when we say 'come here'.
This is really frustrating, and I feel very bad. what should I do?

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Permalink Reply by Sam on July 23, 2008 at 1:08pm

Corgi pups are cute and who doesnt want to hug one. Often times though they have pent up energy and are not open to the restraining feel that a hug gives. May advice would be to choose the most suitable times to hug. A good time would be after a good energy outlet and they are more likely to be mellow. A pup in play mode is far less likely to be receptive to hugs. Corgi pups go through several mouthy stages. What has always worked for me is a sound such as "ah ah" Occasionally I will grab a snout but flicking their nose or spanking them certainly offers no true training value. The spray bottle also offers an alternative. It is merely a redirection. Many pups at this age are exploring their world and much is done with their mouth. Remember no "hand wrestling" with them and have a good assortment of things for them to chew on. Good timing is imperative for the redirection. Good news is most grow out of this phase.

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Permalink Reply by FuzzyButt on July 23, 2008 at 1:22pm

Just like children teeth puppies teeth. They NEED to chew, their gums are sore. The best thing you can do is give them items that they can chew on. Chew toys, frozen towels, anything that will help the pain and aid in the teething posses.

Don't take it personally, and NEVER take it out on the puppy. Like Sam said choose when is the best time for cuddles.

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Permalink Reply by Sylvia & Timmy on July 23, 2008 at 1:30pm

I know exactly how you feel and I've had many many scratches and bites, some serious, over the years. Many people will give you different suggestions. Look at each, then decide what will work best for you. What will you be able to do each and every time biting behavior comes up. Yes, each and every time! Mouthing and biting anything and everything is quite common during teething. Make sure he's got plenty of chewing and biting outlets at his disposal. (frozen stuffed kongs work great).
I
I'm not the first, nor will I be the last to say this, don't look for quick fixes. Frodo has to now learn that each and every time your hand touches him, it will be with kindness and love, not punishment. You'll have to work on regaining his trust. Don't despair, It's not as daunting as it sounds. Treats, can work magic. And no, you don't have to become a walking treat dispenser.

I encourage you to read Pat Miller's book, "The Power of Positive Dog Training" and learn from her experience and knowledge. In my experience, no one has presented positive reinforcement training in such an understandable way.

Finally, as Cesar would say, think "animal" first, "canine" second, and "breed/corgi" next, and lastly "Frodo". There's a lot of Cesar's methods I don't agree with, but I do agree that we all do harm to a truly special relationship with our corgis when we try to make them into "children". They are not, and we should revel in that and work to strengthen that bond every day. Teething only last a few month, but your responses will have longer implications, so make them positive in every way you can.

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Permalink Reply by Amy on July 23, 2008 at 1:43pm

Being hugged can be stressful for many dogs (and cats). To the dog it is dominant-dog behavior. You are physically on top of him and close to his head and neck. Hugging is even used in behavior evaluations at animal shelters.
As Frodo grows older he is trying to dictate more and more what he wants and doesn't want. He needs obedience training so that he doesn't escalate this (normal) but dangerous behavior. Sitting, laying, walking nice, etc seem unrelated but are essential to whether or not he will listen when you say "No" or "Ouch". Why? The alpha dog gets to dictate how and when touching occurs. Control these other issues first and work slowly on getting Frodo used to gentle touching by brushing him or petting him when YOU decide.
Mouthing is also dominant behavior. It is normal play behavior in puppies but as Frodo get older mouthing can lead to biting.

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Permalink Reply by momto3ltlgrlz on July 23, 2008 at 2:26pm

Lily does this to us. It is when we are playing with her and scratching her back. We have gotten to where we say NO firmly and stop playing with her, even so far as ignoring her when she does this. She does not like being ignored when we are out there, so she has eased up on it. It is probably teething, but with the three girls we have to be really careful.

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