Biting

[xElizabethx]

Our corgi is almost 8 months old. Today he bit my 10 year old twice; both times on her face and viciously. I saw the first bite. She went to pet him and pick him up (she never got him off the ground) and he jumped up and snapped her lip. After doing this he immediately ran to where I was and laid down under my legs. He never growled or whimpered. I suggested she just give him some space.

Several hours later she approached him and he wagged his tail (or stub lol) and gave her kisses. She took him up to her room with him and about 30 minutes later she came downstairs crying and bleeding. She said she was petting him and hugging him and he bit her nose. I put him in his crate for the night. She and I talked and I suggested she just give him a break for a bit. I told her that since animals can't use words that they send signals with their behavior. I suggested that maybe he didn't feel well or that she had been a little too rough with him and he didn't like being squeezed and hugged (he has never shown a dislike for it before).

Any suggestions?? He isn't giving her any warning signs that he is unhappy. He just goes right to biting and it's not nipping...it's chomping.

[NancSBRN]

Well when dog put their paw on another it is often to fight, a sign of agression or dominate behavior.  Eight months is like doggy teen and Male can get a bit contrancerous. You need to stop this now, and I will generally  take the dogs by their cheeks and stare at them and let them know how naughty they are. I do not us NO I use NAUGHTY or BAD DOG in a stern tone. 

I do not pin dog nor would I let you child try to do this. Dog can become fear biters and if you take away a dog fight or flight reaction some will bite out of fear.

I would explain to you daughter not to hug him right now, petting is better but to place your arm over a dogs can be taken as a dominating act.  For now I would work on his obedience and get her involved with that . Reward the good behavior.  You can also seek the help of a behaviorist and start a training class if you have not done so. This is something your daughter could do with the pup to cement she is his Pack leader. Have her feed him also making him wait until she tells him to eat, same with any treats.

Good luck,

Nanc