Does a corgi shake hands???

[MissGambler'sMommy]

Has anyone taught their corgi to shake hands? Miss Gambler seems to be really possessive with her paws, rarely allows them to be touched or held, unsless she's asleep and it's me holding them. I was just wondering if this is a corgi thing.

[Chip's Mom]

While at dog obedience they showed us how to teach that trick but corgis little legs aren't set up quite right for doing it and it is very awkward for them so I never pursued it with Chip. He does do a very nice "take a bow" though with that little but sticking up in the air.

[Artos]

Both Barnabas and Trax can 'paw-paw' for treats....If treats are slow in coming, they will do almost a desperate 'high five' wave with one paw.
Of course when they think thats not working, they will give both paws and their jaws- ie jump up on me try to do a chomp2 on my arm (if I am seating) or my stomach( if I am standing).

Barn's really good with 'laying on of paws'....on Trax's head. He's done that a few times. Whether it is to pray for Trax or not...I dont know. He has learnt to keep his eyes open when he does that because Trax does 'manifest' with sudden 'snap-snap-snap' at Barn's muzzle. I have a cute video of this happening....

[Fluffypants]

Jackie does paw (right & left), but it was very difficult to teach. The usual method used does not work too well on corgis, because of their short little legs (as Bonnie mentioned).

I have heard that corgis, in general, are protective of their feet. This is one of those things (like brushing teeth and cleaning ears) that you need to gradually desensitize them to over a period of time. If you work on touching her feet a little bit each day (gradually increasing the pressure & time, but never so long that she gets mad), you will get her used to having her feet handled, and then you can start on the paw thing.

Bonnie - the bow sounds cute. How did you teach it??

[corgimom]

Cody can shake both his left and right paw. I taught him when he was about 5 months old - and he caught on quickly.

I agree, the bow thing sounds very cute - would love to see that Bonnie

[Chip's Mom]

It is real easy. You start with them in a standing position and gradually lower a treat in front of their nose so their head and shoulders come down to floor level and their fanny is up in the air and as you are doing it, say "take a bow" Chip was used as an example in obedience class last night and he was supposed to lay down - instead in front of all of these people, he took a bow. LOL Love that dog. I would love to learn how to teach other easy tricks if anyone has any they would like to pass along. I won't teach Chip to shake or sit up in the begging position because I am afraid of his back or legs getting hurt.

[Jespah]

I was told by a few breeders that because of the angle of the Corgis shoulders, it is not a natural behavior to pick up a paw as in a shake. It was suggested to not teach it as it can be uncomfortable or even a little painful.

A lot of the big breeds are big paw swipers when playing or wanting something. I used to get smacked down by our St. Bernard's front paws a lot when I was a kid.

As to feet touching - from what I've heard from other here and from my own experience - Corgis hate their feet touched. I just have to point at Rupe's and tell him I'm gonna get them and he does high pitched yips to keep me away - it's a game we play. Jem is pretty good about having her feet touched though - so you never know.

[corgimom]

Oh Gosh Deb,

I have not heard that - Cody does it with such ease, it seems to not bother him at all - I sure would not want to hurt the little guys shoulders.

[Fluffypants]

I hadn't heard that either. It doesn't seem to bother Jackie either, but I will keep a closer eye on her, and maybe not do that particular trick as often.

Poor Fluffypants . . . She needs more toys to make up for this horrible abuse she has endured . . . to the Internet!

[Fargo06]

Fargo loves to shake! I tought him how to do it when he was about 6 months old and I think he'd rather do it than any other trick. I'll ask him to lay down and he gives me his paw as if to say "will this work for a treat?!" It's very adorable when he does it. He knows "shake" and then I can say "other paw" and he was switch. He seems to be completely comfortable while doing it..I don't see him straining at all...

[Jespah]

If Cody and Jackie seem to do it with ease or naturally, I wouldn't worry, maybe as you said Fluffy-P, just not do it too frequently. Save it for that very special party trick!
Someone get a hold of Miss FP's credit card for goodness sake!!!!!

[Fluffypants]

Originally Posted by Jespah

If Cody and Jackie seem to do it with ease or naturally, I wouldn't worry, maybe as you said Fluffy-P, just not do it too frequently. Save it for that very special party trick!
Someone get a hold of Miss FP's credit card for goodness sake!!!!!

Better wear gloves, because that sucker is H-O-T!!!! I am really racking up the Disney Dollars! (it's a Disney Visa, in case you didn't get that)

Fargo - Jackie does the same thing. Paw is the first trick she offers.