So, Chester is my first corgi and pet. Before getting him, I read different websites, books, etc. on how to properly train and raise a puppy. Unfortunately, I thought I was doing the right thing, and disciplined him a lot because of the recommendation from our trainer. I thought I was developing a relationship w/ him, but I guess I was wrong. Don't get me wrong, he is a really good dog; however, I feel that me coming home after work everyday doesn't excite him so much.

He will run up to the door, and greet me w/ a stretch, and since most corgi's don't have tails, I always look to see if his tail wags, but it never does. When I have guests over, he seems to be happy, his tail is just is like on rapid fire. LOL. and he just seems to be completely differerent. For example, when one of my good friends stayed over, CHester was GLUED to him. He wouldn't really listen to me, unless I had food in my hand. Its like CHester only knew him for a few days, but it felt like he was treating him as his owner. I know that he played w/ him a lot though.

Now, whenever I call Chester, he will come up to me and sit w/ his back towards me. He doesn't run or get excited, its just a slow walk.

Did I do something wrong? How can I establish a relationship w/ him. It will be about 1 year and a few months since I got him when he was only 8 weeks old. 

Please advise.

Thanks.

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Thank you, yes.....it's been 3 weeks. I'm doing a lot better than I ever dreamed I would do. Chester was 13 and he had lost the ability to stand up. He could walk, but I had to lift his hind end. He had had diabetes for about 18 months. I WILL have another Corgi some day. :o) I just can't afford a dog now. but as soon as I can.......it WILL be another CORGI! *hugs* Thank you for your kind words
I think Sunny's take is spot-on. It may be that what you had imagined your relationship to be with Chester isn't the same as Chester's take on it? You might've wanted more 'visible' signs of affection that Chester just doesn't demonstrate, and it leaves you feeling disconnected.

In a lot of ways, I had this 'problem' with my dog, Ed. I've had a lot of dogs in my life, never one like Ed. He is not demonstrative in ways I was used to - doesn't lick/kiss, doesn't much care for cuddling. He will lay on the couch with me - IF I ask him to, and then he always lays facing away from me.

Well, he's now 6, and I've come to understand HIS ways and what it all means. Ed takes being a dog VERY seriously, he is NOT a 'baby serrogate'. He lays facing the doorway of any room he's in - consequently, that generally means I get the butt-end! It isn't that he "isn't facing me", it has NOTHING to do with me - he must face the doorway because INSTINCT tells him this is how a dog behaves, to protect themselves and their 'charges'.

I have learned that Ed expresses affection only one way - perhaps this is the only way he comprehends what MY expressions of affection mean: I sit on the floor and 'sweet talk' him softly, putting my face against his. THAT he understands and loves and returns in kind. =)

Ed's brand of instinctive behavior is so different than other dogs I've had, and it really took me some time to understand his full spectrum. He is incredibly sensitive and amazingly intuitive, with a memory like a steel trap. He's honestly never been yelled at, never had to, the dog has really never done anything WRONG. He looks for clues & cues and guesses dead-on what I want, I swear sometimes before I even know what I want! I mention this because of what was said about discipline - if I had EVER yelled at him, or worse - ever HIT him?! It would take some very focused attention to overcome that. (I don't mean to insinuate you ever hit your dog, I'm just aware that we're all human and it can happen.)

Recently, Ed had some really horrid lesions in his ears (rabies vaccinosis), and those had to be cleaned/treated for months - twice a day. He quickly decided I was simply a person to avoid - how could he not?! It killed me - both having to do something to him that he couldn't understand, and that was painful no matter HOW tender I was - and then, to have my dog hiding from me, sneaking out of the room if he heard me coming. It was one full circle of hurt. Knowing him like I do, I made sure to always follow the same, exact procedure (same place, same times, everything). This way, when it was over - he KNEW it was over. I never tried to sneak it on him, never changed the time/place or any part - so that he didn't have to EVER be suspicious about my EVERY move.

Sorry for rambling ...=)
Chester may keep his back to you because he is protecting/guarding you. My boys are excited when I get home, loving and playful. However.... when I am showering, dressing and vulnerable my boys are all business. Chester may just feel protective of his mommy.

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