Corgis are not known to be overly aggressive dogs, but their breeding as heelers, which are herding dogs that nip at the heels of cattle, can lead some owners to mistake their actions for aggression. The Corgi is, in fact, considered to have low levels of aggression compared to other breeds, and they’re one of the most popular breeds in the U.S.
Read on for more information about Corgis, whether they’re aggressive, and what can be done to reduce their nipping behavior.
About The Corgi
There are two types of Corgi: the Cardigan Welsh and the Pembroke Welsh Corgi. They are similar breeds, but the Cardigan Welsh Corgi is not as popular outside their home country of Wales. Therefore, when talking about Corgis, people usually refer to the more popular and widespread Pembroke Welsh Corgi.
The Pembroke Welsh Corgi was bred as a barnyard or farm dog. They fulfilled several roles, including rodent catching, guarding livestock, and protecting the family. They were also used for herding. Their size and and breeding made them successful heelers. Heelers are herding dogs that nip at the heels of large livestock, not to hurt them but to encourage them to walk in the appropriate direction.
Today’s Corgi is more likely to be found on a sofa than on a farm, but they retain some of their original herding characteristics.
Corgi Aggression
Corgis are friendly, loyal, and loving dogs. They were bred to be companions and guardians to their human family, so breeding aggression into the Corgi wouldn’t have made sense. Despite being just outside the top 10 most popular breeds in the U.S., the Corgis aren’t mentioned in most dog-bite lists, which means that they are less aggressive than the average dog.
However, dogs of any breed have the potential to be aggressive under certain circumstances. If they feel threatened, or if they have been abused or mistreated, dogs are more likely to be aggressive. In those cases, aggression is a defense technique to look after their welfare.
Because Corgis are heeling herders, it is in their nature to nip at the heels of their livestock. If your Corgi views you, or your children, as needing to be herded and looked after, they may nip to encourage you to move.
Nipping
In most cases, nipping is not aggressive, and there is no intention to hurt, but it can be alarming, and accidents can lead to injury or bites. Similarly, puppies and young dogs may also nip when playing and developing.
How To Combat Corgi Nipping
Nipping can become a problem if it isn’t addressed at an early age. As the dog ages and the nips get stronger, they can cause injury, and if the dog believes that nipping gets the desired results, the problem may progress.
- Redirection – This is especially effective if your puppy likes grabbing things with their mouth and refusing to let go. Use a small treat or a piece of kibble. Place it in front of your dog’s nose, and when they let go of your pants, finger, or whatever else they are chewing on, praise them and give them the reward. Eventually, they will associate letting go with being rewarded.
- Interruption – Interrupt the behavior with a surprised noise. This doesn’t mean shouting at or yelling at your dog but instead making a shriek or an ouch noise. This will teach your puppy that they’re biting too hard and that you don’t like the action. It is basically teaching appropriate boundaries.
- Ignorance – When we hear the word punishment, many dog owners are put off because it sounds harsh and negative. However, ignoring your dog for an action that you want to discourage is a form of negative punishment. If nipping typically occurs during playtime, remove the toy and stop playing.
- Time Out – Sometimes, puppies can start nipping because they’re too overstimulated or over-excited, which is a good sign that they need rest. Put your puppy in their bed or a quiet area designated especially for them, and stop your interaction with them.
- Stimulation – Nipping may be a sign that your dog isn’t getting enough stimulation, whether it is physical or mental. Provide regular exercise, try to incorporate mental activities into the exercise, and ensure they have plenty of chew toys.
- Training – Teach your puppy the “leave” and “drop” commands. Use positive reinforcement, which means rewarding your dog when they perform a desired action. Be consistent with your training efforts and conduct a few minutes of training every day to ensure the best results.
In Conclusion
Corgis are very popular dogs, loved for their looks as well as for their loving and fun nature. They are not considered an aggressive breed and might be considered less aggressive than the average dog. However, some individual Corgis may nip and bite under certain circumstances, and many puppies go through a nipping stage.
Through redirection, interruption, and training, you can stop your Corgi puppy from displaying this unwanted behavior and raise a friendly, well-mannered dog.
Featured Image Credit: Welshea, Shutterstock
