Hi corgi pawrents,

My partner and I have a 9 month old cardigan puppy. He is incredibly vocal (like the majority of corgis), but he only seems to bark at me when in his crate. He doesn’t bark on walks unless alerting to a new item, and I don’t intervene during play barks. But, when crated, it is nonstop, and he will do so until he gets completely tired out (over half an hour) or sick.

My partner, however, reports that our dog never barks or whines in the crate when it’s just them two. My partner certainly is more stern and dominant than I am, but nothing seems to work for me.

I’ve tried: positive behavior rewards for being quiet while ignoring unwanted behaviors; neutral techniques, like taking him on a boring 2-minute potty walk then immediately going back in the crate; leaving the room until he stops barking; moving the crate closer to the living room so that our pup isn’t isolated, and; being stern and using “no”. Every technique is trialed for at least two weeks.

Our pup almost always has a preferred toy, long lasting treat, or puzzle to remain occupied. We take pup on long walks or extended play sessions every day, he goes to daycare at least once a week, and I have taken him through beginner and intermediate training courses, so he has a reliable reward system and knows a variety of commands.

I’m honestly at a loss. I feel as though the root of the problem is that he understands I will ultimately give him attention. My partner and I work from home, and our pup has become increasingly disruptive when we have to crate him.

Any and all advice appreciated. TIA