Corgis are a popular dog breed known for their adorable looks and playful personality.
If you’re considering adding a corgi to your family, one of the questions you might be wondering is, “are corgis possessive?”
Before I dive into whether corgis are possessive, it’s important to understand what that term really means.
When we say that a dog is possessive, we mean that they exhibit behaviour that shows a desire to control resources or objects. This can include things like toys, food, or even their owners.
Corgis are beloved for their adorable looks and sweet personalities, but they also have a reputation for being a bit territorial.
Corgis can also be possessive, which can be problematic for their owners. Understanding the reasons behind corgi possessiveness is the first step towards addressing this behaviour.
In this article, I’ll explore whether corgis are actually possessive and what you can expect from their personality.
Why are corgis possessive?
Corgis are naturally possessive because of their loyalty, independence, and herding nature.
One of the most well-known traits of corgis is their loyalty to their owners. They are a very affectionate breed and love to be around their humans as much as possible. While this is a wonderful trait, it can also lead to possessive behaviour if not managed properly.
Corgis are also known for being highly intelligent and independent. While this can make them great problem-solvers, it can also lead to a desire to control their environment. This can manifest as possessive behaviour towards toys, food, or even their owners.
Finally, corgis were originally bred to be herding dogs, which means they have a natural instinct to protect their territory. This can make them more prone to territorial behaviour, which can manifest as possessiveness towards objects or people they perceive as their own.
What makes corgis possessive?
Corgis can become more possessive due to neglect, a lack of socialising, and trauma.
One of the primary reasons is a lack of socialisation during their early years.
Corgis that do not interact with other dogs or people during their early development stages can become possessive of their owners, food, toys, and other possessions.
Corgis that have experienced traumatic incidents such as abuse or neglect can also become possessive. In such cases, possessiveness serves as a coping mechanism to help them feel secure and protected.
That’s why it’s so important that you give your corgi lots of love right from the moment you get them. My boy is so much happier than he would be if we didn’t shower him with praise and attention.
Signs your corgi is possessive
Corgis that are possessive can display several signs that are easy to spot. These common signs of possessiveness include:
- growling
- snapping
- biting
- refusing to release objects or toys.
Corgis that are possessive can become agitated and anxious when approached by strangers or other dogs. In extreme cases, corgis can also become destructive and may chew on furniture or other items around your home.
I’ve seen some corgis growl and show their teeth if anyone tried to take away their toys or food. They even started becoming aggressive towards their owner when they would try to pet other dogs.
This kind of behaviour is unacceptable and needs to be dealt with.
What is resource guarding?
Resource guarding is a behaviour in dogs where they protect their possessions, such as food, toys, bones, and other items they consider valuable, from other dogs or people.
Dogs that exhibit resource guarding behaviour may growl, snap, or even bite if someone or another dog tries to take their possession away from them.
Resource guarding is a natural behaviour for dogs, and it may stem from their survival instincts to protect their food and resources in the wild. However, in domestic settings, resource guarding can lead to aggression and can be a serious problem, especially if the dog is around children or other dogs.
It is essential to understand that resource guarding behaviour can be managed with proper training and behaviour modification techniques.
For example, trading valuable items for high-value treats, teaching the “drop it” or “leave it” command, and removing triggers that may cause the dog to exhibit the behaviour.
In severe cases, it may be necessary to seek professional help from a veterinarian or a dog behaviourist to manage the behaviour.
What are the signs of food or resource guarding
It’s important to understand the signs of food guarding in dogs, as early detection can help prevent the behaviour from escalating. Some signs that your dog may be food guarding include:
- Growling or snarling when approached while eating
- Stiffening of the body and freezing when approached while eating
- Eating more quickly when approached while eating
- Hiding or running away with food
If your dog displays any of these behaviours, it’s important to take steps to prevent food guarding from becoming a bigger issue.
How to make your corgi less possessive?
Preventing food guarding and possessiveness in dogs involves a combination of training and management. Here are some steps you can take to prevent food guarding:
1. Start with basic training
Start with basic training to establish yourself as the pack leader. This includes teaching your dog basic obedience commands such as “sit”, “stay”, and “come”.
When your dog follows these commands, reward it with praise and treats. And remember, training is a process that takes time, so you need to be committed.
2. Feed or play with your dog in a quiet place
Feed your dog in a quiet place where it won’t be disturbed. This will help your dog feel more relaxed and less likely to feel threatened. A bathroom, kitchen, or blocked off lounge room is a good start.
3. Use positive reinforcement
Use positive reinforcement to encourage your dog to eat more slowly and calmly. Reward your dog with treats or praise when it eats calmly and doesn’t show signs of food guarding.
4. Teach your dog to “Leave It”
Teach your dog to “leave it” when it comes to food. This means that your dog should back away from food when you say “leave it”.
Start by teaching your dog this command with a treat that you place on the ground. When your dog approaches the treat, say “leave it” and reward it with a different treat when it backs away.
5. Don’t punish your dog
It’s important not to punish your dog for food guarding. This can make the behaviour worse and cause your dog to become more aggressive.
Instead, focus on positive reinforcement and training to prevent the behaviour from escalating.
6. Seek professional help
Seek professional help from a dog trainer or behaviourist if your corgi’s possessiveness is severe or unmanageable. The quicker you treat the problem, the smaller the problem in the long run.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) on corgi possessiveness
Are corgis safe around kids?
Corgis can be a great family pet and can do well with children, but it is crucial to ensure that both the dog and the children are safe and supervised.
If you have a corgi that is overly-possessive, it would be beneficial for you to consider taking your dog to a specialised trainer that can help manage the resource guarding behaviour before it escalates further.
I used to have a corgi mix that displayed similar possessive behaviour towards our other dog. In one instance, a serious fight broke out when the other dog got too close.
To prevent this from happening again, we had to enforce certain rules and implement a timeout for the dog, removing all toys and treats.
Similarly, you may need to remind your child to give the dog space and implement a timeout strategy for the dog when it displays this behaviour.
Are corgis good family dogs?
Yes, corgis make great family dogs. They are affectionate, loyal, and love to be around their humans. They are also good with children, although they may need to be socialised to other animals in the household.
It’s important to note that corgis are active dogs that require daily exercise and mental stimulation, so they may not be the best fit for families who are not able to provide them with the attention they need.
Do corgis get along with other pets?
While every dog is different, corgis are generally good with other pets. As herding dogs, corgis may have a natural instinct to chase smaller animals, so it’s important to introduce them to other pets in a controlled environment and supervise them during interactions.
Are corgis aggressive?
Corgis are not an aggressive breed, but like any dog, they can exhibit aggressive behaviour if not socialised. Proper socialisation and training can help to prevent aggressive behaviour in corgis.
You can speak to your vet or a dog trainer to give you guidance on an aggressive corgi.
Final thoughts on corgi possessiveness
While corgis may have a reputation for being possessive, every dog is an individual with their own personality and quirks.
While some corgis may exhibit possessive behaviour, it is not a defining trait of the breed. With proper socialisation and training, you can help your corgi to be a well-behaved and well-adjusted member of your family.
If you’re considering adding a corgi to your family, it’s important to do your research and make sure that the breed is a good fit for your lifestyle. With their adorable looks and sweet personalities, corgis make wonderful companions for a long part of your life.
