Corgi Attitude Problem and Hiding Under Everything

So, our 10-weeks old pup has been with us for 2weeks now and i notice most of the time he'll just make himself comfy under the couch and under everything else he cud fit; hiding his toy or whenever he's tired. Do you guys have any input on how to get him out under the couch or under the table or under whatever he can hide from?

And today we were playing mini soccer with a tennis ball and I accidentally kick the ball a bit hard th went straight to his face. He make a squeek sound that made him ran straight under the couch and hide. I tried to get him out under there but he just throw his face away. I gave him some treat outside the couch so he'll come out, and he still doesnt want to take it. Everytime i tried to catch his eye, he hide his face away from me *attitude problem!!* and now he's asleep. Do you guys think he will remember when he wakes up? And any tips in dealing with problem like this? Cos this is not the first time, he fell off the couch once as well, make a squeek then hide under the couch right away and hide his face everytime i try to catch his eyes.

Thanks

0 members like this

▶ Reply to This

Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Beth on April 12, 2011 at 10:15am

Hi! Hiding his face or not looking at you is a sign of puppy submission. He is showing deference to you by turning away. He is quite possibly interpreting your little play accidents as a correction on your part. He thinks he's being a good puppy by getting out of your space as far as possible and not looking when you (from his point of view!) stare him down.

It sounds like you may have a "soft" or submissive pup. When an accident happens and he squeaks and runs, ignore him. Whenever you try to get closer he will just try to hide more, because he thinks he should be staying out of your personal space. Turn your back on him, don't talk to him, NO eye contact. Make yourself busy on the floor. Hum a little song to yourself or make small talk with another person in the room. You might try playing with a toy or something yourself. When he does come out, don't make eye contact. Let him approach you and don't make a big deal of praising. With submissive pups, the goal is to not assume a confrontational posture, which for a dog is direct eye contact, leaning over the top of them, or making a move in their direction.

Chances are if you ignore him he'll come out. You might also try playing with him more in areas where he doesn't have so many places to actively hide under.

▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by Wang (Andrew&Jes) on April 12, 2011 at 10:29am

I always thought that him hiding under the couch is because he's in a lot of pain and pissed, therefore he wants our attention to come up to him. I will definitely try to ignore him whenever he runs away and hide. Thanks for the input Beth!