New member with many questions.

[Nancylou]

My cardigan corgi was lost and never claimed so I took her in because my other cardigan had been stolen.

She is very friendly with other dogs and cats, but shys away from people.
She loves to the circle runs at the park and has learned some run and jump command on picknet tables and other objects. Will not retrieve.

Her shyness is what worries me, she is not agressive but just avoids most people. How can I help her. She is approximately 1 - 2 years old.

Thanks,

Nancy and Sadie

[glencorgi]

Hi all, I am another new person to this forum but have been active in and living with both breeds of corgis for nearly 15 years. I have background in showing, breeding, and just having them be a very important part of my life. Right now my major involvement is being rescue chair for the local Pembroke club and a volunteer for the CWCNRT.

You didn't say how long Sadie had been with you Nancy, it could be she is still in an initial adjustment period of life with you. You didn't mention from whom you adopted or got her, but if she came thru a foster background, I would recommend contacting them to see if they had any insight into her behaviors.

Another possibility is that due to genetics she just has a shy temperament. A correct Cardigan temperament is often described as being somewhat reserved. Reserved is very different than shy though, and unfortunately any number of breeders will excuse a shy temperament as being "reserved." The correct temperament called for in the CWCCA standard is: "Even-tempered, loyal, affectionate, and adaptable. Never shy nor vicious."

You may wish to look into doing some classes with her to help build some confidence. Obedience, agility, tracking can all be good confidence builders - just something fun for the two of you to do together.

Debbie

[Michael Romanos]

Hi Nancy
Debbie is right on the button. That young Sadie is frightened of people could be derived from her previous experiences with them. Who knows what terrible things had occurred before you came on the scene.
Youi need to get as many people as possible to approach Sadie and say nice words and gestures to her and extend hands of friendship (not collectively but singlely for a start). Deliberately take her to visit your friends. Getting her and you involved in a sport such as Debbie described is excellent. These things will surely help Sadie out of her anxiety around people and enable her to fully enjoy life. Right now is the right time for you to act.

[glencorgi]

Michael wrote:
"That young Sadie is frightened of people could be derived from her previous experiences with them. Who knows what terrible things had occurred before you came on the scene."

That might be it, or it could be genetic based - nature. From my experience with rescue, assuming terrible things had happened in her former life is not a leap that should be made, unless things are known as fact.

And suggested:
>Youi need to get as many people as possible to approach Sadie and say >nice words and gestures to her and extend hands of friendship (not >collectively but singlely for a start). Deliberately take her to visit your >friends.

I would watch the socialization with people just now, too much over stimulation could only make things worse. A recent brag on another list was from a Cardigan owner who's shy Cardigan boy had after two years decided he would make an appearance and say hello to a group of friends who visited the home regularly. This is a Cardigan of known background, responsibly bred and raised - this is just the way he is. Ones like this take, first acceptance they are likely never going to be social butterflies; time, patience and dedication can bring them a long way though. Often it is better to have people ignore her and while you are engaged in conversation with them, her natural curiosity will get the better of her and she'll approach. Arm friends with yummy treats and let her take one from their hand when she does approach. Now that she enjoys leaping onto picnic tables, that would be another good opportunity to have people give her a treat. When Sadie does something "brave and outgoing" heap on lots and lots of praise. You may also be interested in joining the Shy K-9's list <http://groups.yahoo.com/group/shy-k9s>

Debbie

[Michael Romanos]

I'm still adamant that socialisation as I had prescribed is an excellent approach for such a young dog until one learns otherwise after reviewing the situation a few weeks on.
I'm certain that there is no dog breed that accepts as normal a shy dog in their particular breed standard.

[glencorgi]

Originally Posted by Michael Romanos

I'm still adamant that socialisation as I had prescribed is an excellent approach for such a young dog until one learns otherwise after reviewing the situation a few weeks on.

If Sadie is closer to one year of age then she can also be going through another period of fear/flight in her development. As we don't know how long Nancy has had her either, I am more comfortable to advise on the side of caution. I would really hate to see her pushed to a point of discomfort, feel trapped, and react with a fear bite. The local kennel club and/or dog training club would be a good starting place for her to get assistance.

>I'm certain that there is no dog breed that accepts as normal a shy dog in >their particular breed standard.

Agreed, but that does not mean that shy dogs do not exist. I have encountered plenty of soft tempered, skittish, shy Cardigans to know that is unfortunately far too common in the breed here in the States. With some of the ones I have met (and they have come from reputable breeders) pushing them in the manner described would end up with a biting situation.

Debbie

[Michael Romanos]

Dog clubs are excellent to join as part of Sadie's course of socialisation.

I never said no dogs are shy - many are - just that it is not part of any breed standard, let alone Cardis.