My clients did everything right. Or they thought they did. They chose a Pembroke Welsh Corgi, a breed that they identified with culturally but that they’d also researched thoroughly, finding these dogs described as “happy,” “intelligent,” and “fun.” I mean… what’s not to love about a breed described as such? Due to little experience with dogs, they were turned down by a few breeders, but one did agree to sell them a male pup they named Toby. They brought Toby home and a few months later, I was on a call with them. Turns out Toby had become fiercely aggressive towards my client and her husband. The incidents were escalating in frequency and intensity, and they were at a loss what to do. They blamed the limits on training and socialization created by the pandemic, but they also had a feeling that something was off in their relationship. As they said to me in that first call, “We don’t think he trusts us.” When I did the virtual introduction and asked for the phone camera to be pointed towards Toby, Al took me to the open crate where Toby was lying down. I know that if I were to approach any of my dogs sleeping in their crates with my phone pointed at them, at the very least they would get up to see what’s happening. Only Toby’s eyes moved up towards my client and his camera; the rest of him didn’t move. I could see how depressed he was. When we examined the situation together, we found that Toby was not stimulated the way an intelligent and driven breed like a Corgi should be. Nor was his way of life structured in any way that would meet his need for order and predictability. As well, my clients had a tiny crate set up in the middle of a large enclosure where Toby would shuffle around, at a loss as to what exactly was expected of him in this big space. The couple also related to him quite differently. The woman showered him with affection, as she’d waited a long time for her dream Corgi. The man, on the other hand, was more intent on teaching Toby manners and was the disciplinarian in the house. The challenge in this situation was that my clients were relatively inexperienced. We also had a dog who’d escalated his aggression and was looking for any reason to pick a fight. He would stage arguments by hiding under the cedars in their yard, refusing to come out when called, and then goad my clients into a fight. Still, I was blessed to find in my clients a couple that was open and committed to the changes I proposed. It was several months of us:
~ Crating Toby to bring the aggressive incidents to a halt, begin controlling his learning environment, and give everyone a breather from months of conflict.
~ Setting a schedule that included outings with specific training exercises as well as hikes, aiming to get Toby tired out physically and challenged mentally.
~ Ignoring all attempts by Toby to get into fights. If Toby wished to spend the evening by the cedars, he was welcome to do so. If he didn’t wish to relinquish his antler bone, that would be fine too.
~ Coaching my clients on physical as well as psychological handling mechanics that would minimize, if not entirely avert, incidents of aggression around doors, the crate, feeding, and any other resources such as chew bones and toys.
During this time, Toby sure gave us all a run for our money. But I must say, Al and Lana have showed remarkable courage and commitment, resulting in solid relationship improvements. There were also difficulties, including the discovery of a health condition that was in part responsible for a resurgence in Toby’s aggression a few months after we’d started working together. My clients have been able to ride out these setbacks and move forward. They have gotten to a good enough place to challenge Toby in ways consistent with his breed and personality. They continue to work with him and I was thrilled to find out that Lana was able to take Toby sheep herding, an activity I had encouraged and which we knew could make the world of a difference. My clients were among the very first clients of Way of Life Dog Training. I am grateful to have been challenged by such a difficult case and thankful for the outcome.
Watch our video of Toby here!
