[glencorgi]

Okay ... I've given this a lot of thought, read all the responses and am not convinced that there is truly a dominance issue with Sophie.

Originally Posted by gemjunkie

I was talking to the dogs owner and they were nose sniffing when she made a low growl, even though she was in the head down butt up pose, ...

Without seeing the dogs and their body language and basing my conclusion on what is written and described here - nothing in this description is necessarily projecting dominance. All of this could have been nothing more than an invitation to play.

... he flopped over on his back and piddled. Right after they started playing... ??

He could just be a very beta/submissive personality and he was just communicating that to Sophie. Again, nothing screaming Sophie has a dominant personality.

She tried to jump on his back a couple times right after he got up. She is just about 5 months and he is 8 months old (or more, a rescue). He seemed to be happy to try to follow her after that.

Jumping on his back, might be nothing more than trying to get him down to her level to play. She had more confidence and presence, so he deferred to her as leader. Still nothing screaming "she's dominant" to me.

Course, I had to be made an example of in my class with the instructor showing a dom. vs. sub. dog. *sigh*

Dominant vs submissive dog in this specific individual pairing. How was she with other dogs in the class? And in case my questions get missed from another thread - what are the instructors' breeds and what have they done and/or what activities are they involved with them now?

I just got back from watching six young Cardigans have a romp. They range in age from the eldest around 2 years old (female), Munchee (18 month old male), male puppy around 9 months of age and as big as Munchee, and Berry and two of her siblings (a brother & a sister) now five months old. The two older Cardis, Munchee mounted - a sign of territory (they are at his house) and dominance to a degree in that they are at his house and he's above them in pack heirachy. Munchee is not a dominant personality dog - he's just teaching a proper doggie etiquette message. The oldest female, she played the role of fun police, breaking up wrestling matches that were getting to be too much fun, giving corrections to the three siblings, placing her chin over them and sending the message she was their elder and they should respect her. The younger threesome took turns jumping on the adult size dogs, including their backs and even ganged up on Munchee and the older male puppy and even mount them. The three siblings will also mount each other randomly and then exchange words like "I'm the boss of you!" "No you're not, I'm the boss of you!" followed by "I'm the boss of both of you!!!!!!" The alpha personality out there in the dogs belonged to the 2 year old female. Is she a dominant personality - no, not really and she is a snuggle bug and a half. Munchee is a nurturer and playful personality. The older Cardigan puppy - has some confidence issues, but equally loving and snuggly. Now the siblings - Brother Leo is about as laid back a puppy as comes along more like Eeyore from Winnie the Pooh. He's exerting and asserting himself a little more tho. Sister Scarlett is a lap baby - loves to be up in a lap even if the other two are on a tear romping around the room, tugging on toys and raising general havoc. She also enjoys being right in the midst of the havoc. Berry, well my sweet little princess , out of the six is probably closest to being a true dominant personality. She's usually too busy to cuddle, but is very affectionate, gives lots of kisses, plays my shadow, very attentive, yet wants to be on the go and pretty much has no fear.

My point is even if a dog shows dominance in one situation or pairing, doesn't necessarily mean they have a dominant personality. Corgis, if there is no order or clear distinction as to who is the head will take it upon themselves to assume that role whether it is suited to their personality type or not. I have had fosters that took on that role in their original family. They weren't truly happy in that position and it carried over into their early days in foster care, but once they learned there was a competent human in charge and would handle things; they settled down and became much happier simply because they had a leader. Be careful of your labels, you can draw un-needed trouble and issues to yourself and your relationship with Sophie. First night in a class is not always the best indicator or time to assess what one really has in a dog either.

Debbie