I noticed Ellie herding for the first time last week. Usually, it’s just me and Ellie alone in my apartment, and she knows better than to try and herd her “alpha” so it’s never been an issue. We stayed with my mom last week, and it’s unbelievable how quickly that herding instinct appeared when there were two people in the house with Ellie.

Every time my mom would move off the couch, Ellie chased after her, lunging and barking and nipping at her heels. My mom said it felt like a lick, and apparently it tickled because she always laughed when Ellie did it. I did tell my mom how to stop it – standing still – but she seemed perfectly happy to be herded by a little Corgi and came right back to the couch every time just to get a smile and a lick from Ellie. I’m pretty sure that’s Ellie’s version of “good girl.”

I’ve posted a lot about how Ellie is a fearful dog, especially of people, but I guess herding is the way into her heart. She warmed up to my mom immediately. Unless someone complains about the herding, I’m going to let Ellie herd family to her heart’s content. My family needs a little corralling sometimes, and she’s so darn cute and happy when she’s herding!