learning dog behaviors
Learning dog communication is a difficult task for many. Most make it through the dog owning experience without ever really having to concern themselves with it. Learning how dogs communicate is a most effective tool in having a well mannered companion.
Many people consider that their dog thinks like a person. While they are very in tune to their owners they certainly do not think like them. They do sense many things within their owners such as stress, fear and disappointment. I have heard so many people say "I yelled at him for doing (whatever) and he sulked away, he knows what he did" That is far from the case. He knows you are not happy but has no clue why.
Dogs react in many ways, they can be submissive, fearful, bold or protective. It is up to you as the owner to identify with the dogs behavior and bring a balance to the situation. Submissive urination is a grand example of a dog that may be fearful or over stimulated. Generally very easy to work with if you identify the source.
Resource guarding is quite apparent in our breed but often goes unrecognized by owners. This is an unacceptable behavior that often leads to acts of aggression. Dogs should never be allowed to growl at humans in order to protect a space or possession. Dogs should learn very early on that the human controls all things including space, toys, treats and food. To allow this behavior to continue only gives the dog more status in the home and encourages bolder behavior.
Reactivity to loud or moving objects is another favorite activity of our enchanted breed. While some may find it most amusing this is a behavior that often intensifies with time. Corgis seem to be turned on by vacuum cleaners, weed eaters, running children and other objects. Stopping this behavior immediately will lessen the chances that you will have an over exciteable or reactive dog. One must remember that we may have our dog in many situations during his life and the better able we are to control his reactions the more "welcome" we will be.
Structuring is a wonderful tool in the dog world. They do well to have a basic routine and have expectations. I think all dogs should experience at least a basic obedience class. I think all owners should make these commands a part of a dogs every day world. We need to learn to request a behavior and to end a behavior. This makes the dog owning experience much better for all involved. Most dogs love nothing more than interacting with their owners. Teaching them commands and tricks is a wonderful tool for creating an everlasting bond. I think we all love a dog that is well behaved, reliable and predictable. Adding obedience commands in their daily life is as easy as asking for a sit, down, shake or whatever command you know whenever you interact. This makes for a most responsive and connected dog.
We receive many dogs in our program that are the victim of no training or rules. Some backgrounds we receive are horrid. We learn most come around very quickly in a home that provides exercise and rules.
Many people consider that their dog thinks like a person. While they are very in tune to their owners they certainly do not think like them. They do sense many things within their owners such as stress, fear and disappointment. I have heard so many people say "I yelled at him for doing (whatever) and he sulked away, he knows what he did" That is far from the case. He knows you are not happy but has no clue why.
Dogs react in many ways, they can be submissive, fearful, bold or protective. It is up to you as the owner to identify with the dogs behavior and bring a balance to the situation. Submissive urination is a grand example of a dog that may be fearful or over stimulated. Generally very easy to work with if you identify the source.
Resource guarding is quite apparent in our breed but often goes unrecognized by owners. This is an unacceptable behavior that often leads to acts of aggression. Dogs should never be allowed to growl at humans in order to protect a space or possession. Dogs should learn very early on that the human controls all things including space, toys, treats and food. To allow this behavior to continue only gives the dog more status in the home and encourages bolder behavior.
Reactivity to loud or moving objects is another favorite activity of our enchanted breed. While some may find it most amusing this is a behavior that often intensifies with time. Corgis seem to be turned on by vacuum cleaners, weed eaters, running children and other objects. Stopping this behavior immediately will lessen the chances that you will have an over exciteable or reactive dog. One must remember that we may have our dog in many situations during his life and the better able we are to control his reactions the more "welcome" we will be.
Structuring is a wonderful tool in the dog world. They do well to have a basic routine and have expectations. I think all dogs should experience at least a basic obedience class. I think all owners should make these commands a part of a dogs every day world. We need to learn to request a behavior and to end a behavior. This makes the dog owning experience much better for all involved. Most dogs love nothing more than interacting with their owners. Teaching them commands and tricks is a wonderful tool for creating an everlasting bond. I think we all love a dog that is well behaved, reliable and predictable. Adding obedience commands in their daily life is as easy as asking for a sit, down, shake or whatever command you know whenever you interact. This makes for a most responsive and connected dog.
We receive many dogs in our program that are the victim of no training or rules. Some backgrounds we receive are horrid. We learn most come around very quickly in a home that provides exercise and rules.
Replies to This Discussion
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Permalink Reply by Florence Fong on
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Thanks Sam for your feedback. I've noticed that when I take him out for walks or any other times. Ritz did not mind my putting my hand on his collar or when I pretended to unleash him. It's only when we return from our walks that he does not allow me to unleah him.
Anyway, I will take your advice and monitor him more closely.
Really appreciate your feedback and advice. Once again, thanks!
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Permalink Reply by alynne on
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ive got a question, my dog is super protective when my bf isnt home, she barks at everything (people closing doors loud, people walking by ect) but she never barks at anything when he is home..i can get her to stop but she will do it like 5 times a night, and growl at the weirdest things (like a spider, or the blinds if they move or my cellphone if it goes off) and if im taking a bath she will stand at the door way and if she hears any noise stand by the tub and growl towards the front door for a long time, it always scares me pretty bad,any way to change this behaviour.
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Permalink Reply by Sam on
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I have to wonder if perhaps you might feel a bit unsettled when you are alone? Dogs are quite intuitive and can pick this up quickly. Would you say generally she is more well behaved for your bf? Does he have a more calm demeanor than you? Is she generally a sensitive girl? General observations make me think that she respects and has a greater comfort level when he is home and feels a bit more uncertain when you are alone. Just some things to consider.
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yes i am very uneasy, thats one of the reasons i wanted a dog so bad since he is out of town lots. she is more well behaved with me..she doesnt see my bf near as much as she sees me, since she is at work with me and she is fine when we are alone at work together, even if we stay really late..
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Permalink Reply by Lee-Ann on
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Hi Sam,
Wow, I thought we had a 'unique' situation with our Corgi. He's a maniac as soon as the kids get home, the bikes, motorcycles, lawnmowers, brooms and basically any kind of movement. It makes my husband crazy. I try to hold my dog and calm him and make him sit through it and reward him. It doesn't seem to help.
I have done some limited training with him when he was young. He's three now. I'm looking for a good obedience training class now. Do you have any suggestions or insight? Perhaps a link to a website that might help?
Thank you.
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These behaviors are expressed by many corgis. Some are much easier to redirect then others. I am sure with children he has a good outlet for exercise however he also needs controlled exercise and interactions that help him "control" his brain. Fetch games are good. They expend energy, make him target an object and if you add a command such as sit, down, shake, drop it or wait into the faction this helps him learn control. Dogs that are reactive inside the home do well to do some lead work. Tie them to you at the times you know something will occur that will increase his excitement level. This helps him from reaching the excitement level that is uncontrollable. Having little training treats ready helps too. As you notice him start to fixate on the object of excitement use a "leave it" command. If he looks at you treat. Redirecting the focus is what is important. Not an easy task but can happen. Your ability to redirect BEFORE the excitement level rises is the ticket. Good luck!
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