Dog Training FAQ

I have a Welsh Corgi that has recently had a huge change in behavior. There have also been changes in our lives as well. First of all we have recently moved to a larger house and I am expecting our first child in the middle of Novemeber. In the last month our dog has become very clingy to me and almost aggressive if anyone comes between us. She barks at a lot more things, she won't leave my feet and she's not as playful as before. She is almost 2 yrs old but this is so different than she has ever behaved. I figured the move would have some effect on her but there's no way we can have her behaving this way when we have a brand new baby on the way. I love this dog dearly and I don't know what to do. It breaks my heart but I almost don't like being around her. Could you please help me!

Dear Keri,
Thanks for your question.
I have been thinking about your problem a lot and have come up with several suggestions.
1. I know there are several environmental aspects of your dog's life that cant be reversed (moving to a new home, your pregnancy), but are there any variables that have changed that can be changed back? For example, have you changed her food, her routine, the amount of attention she gets, etc.? If so, if you could return in some way to previous conditions it may help her feel more comfortable.
2. If you havent already, crate train your dog. Crate Training. Use the crate to give her somewhere safe and secure where she can feel comfortable.
3. Your dog is acting this way because her environment has changed and it causes her stress. As I mentioned in #1 hopefully you can readjust her environment to help her feel more comfortable but that will really only accomplish a little. You need to give her something that feels comfortable that can take the place of her stress. The best thing to do for this is to obedience train your dog. Teach her a down stay. Teach her to heel. Teach her to sit on command and to lie down. When you are training her give her tons of praise for doing the correct behavior. By giving her so much praise you will make obedience fun and comfortable. Now when she is showing signs of stress you can do some obedience commands. If you have done the training correctly she will associate obedience with good feelings. So instead of feeling the stressful things you can change her perception and her behavior.
4. Get her involved in an activity. Obedience is a great activity but there are others as well. Try agility training to build self-confidence and give her a new outlet. This might be a stretch but Corgis were bred to herd cattle, see if there is anyone local who could help you get her involved in herding.

Whether you use the crate, obedience, or agility, the main key is to give her something that feels comfortable to take the place of what feels uncomfortable. Also, it is important to not stress her out yourself. A common reaction to her behavior would be to maybe shout at her or some other such thing. This will make her feel more stressed and will work against you.

Good luck, let me know if I can give any more advice.

Ty Brown