Why do they do that?

[pmavrich]

Have you every watch your corgi and thought why do they do that .....

The other day, I was sitting in the living room with both Molsen & Miller and headed out to the kitchen. Molsen waited for Miller to hop down from the couch before he would proceed to the kitchen. And then it was like a little parade with them high stepping to the kitchen with Molsen at the end. I notice that they pretty much do this everytime we move together.

Or when they go outside, Miller waits for Molsen to get at the door before he will head in.

It is funny, because most of the time they don't like touching or being close to each other.

And why does Molsen mumble under his breath everytime we correct him like he is a teenager? They are silly pups

[Michael Romanos]

It is probably because you do too many things with both of them at the same time that one of them waits for the other to act them copies. If you give each of them more individual attention and individual taking for a walk etc, they might not do so many things in unionism. It will help them think for themselves.

[ZdogZ]

I wonder on a daily basis why Zip and Zia do what they do. "Why did she chew my book?" "What did she chew my new pair of shoes?" "How come he doesn't like Zia to lay by him?" Zia will wait for Zip before she goes outside, too.

[Peggy]

Originally Posted by ZdogZ

I wonder on a daily basis why Zip and Zia do what they do. "Why did she chew my book?" "What did she chew my new pair of shoes?"

Because they can.

"How come he doesn't like Zia to lay by him?"

She might have a personal space thing. Some dogs like a certain amount of personal space around them and only like to share it on their terms. Meaning when they want to. Some of mine don't like to cuddle with other dogs either.

Peggy

[Mvons]

Originally Posted by pmavrich

The other day, I was sitting in the living room with both Molsen & Miller and headed out to the kitchen. Molsen waited for Miller to hop down from the couch before he would proceed to the kitchen. And then it was like a little parade with them high stepping to the kitchen with Molsen at the end. I notice that they pretty much do this everytime we move together.

Or when they go outside, Miller waits for Molsen to get at the door before he will head in.

Am I reading correctly that Miller is always first? It makes sense to me that he waits for Molsen to get close so he can emphasize his dominance so that he is first in the door, but he isn't first unless Molsen is there to be second. He is keeping the hierarchy and peace in the home making sure Molsen knows he is to be second. Of course if he does this with you, you need to stop him and go in the door first.

I like the Dog Whisperer program on National Geographic which teaches the owners that they are the pack leader and sometimes just correcting the next leader in the dog pack, helps the whole pack behave correctly. Miller is number 2 and Molsen is number 3. If Molsen doesn't challenge Miller, you have peace.

Having a pack of dogs doesn't mean you need to take each one out individually. These are not human children that require individual attention. They have individual personalities. You can take the pack as a pack out, at least the Dog Whisperer does. They are a pack of dogs, not an individual.

Merrie

[Michael Romanos]

Merrie - I think you'll find two things: A/ that Miller and Molson initiate different things - and so it is not just one of them re a dominace aspect; and B/ Cesar Millan believes in giving dogs in a home situation a respite form each other and individual attention and separate outings on occasions.

[ZdogZ]

Originally Posted by taflar

Because they can.



She might have a personal space thing. Some dogs like a certain amount of personal space around them and only like to share it on their terms. Meaning when they want to. Some of mine don't like to cuddle with other dogs either.

Peggy

Peggy, Zip is just a grouchy old man! He is so spoiled and was not real happy about us getting a new dog, took too much away from him! You have described Zip to a T!

[Clogs]

Both our corgs have definitely been "personal space" critters, especially Mouse, who wouldn't even snuggle with us. Rose likes a cuddle, but it is on her terms - she cuddles when she wants to. Although she can generally be sweet-talked around...

With other animals, Rose likes to keep a certain distance - the little warning lip-lift appears when any cat or dog, even those she knows well, gets too close. Although a cat that is sleeping is certain to get a nose-poke in the back. Perverse creature.....

We had a very elderly dacsy that we took in - she dealt with the cats stealing the best place in front of the fire thing by backing up to them and shoving them off the mat. Knew damn well which end would get hurt on a stand-off!

[Peggy]

Originally Posted by ZdogZ

Peggy, Zip is just a grouchy old man! He is so spoiled and was not real happy about us getting a new dog, took too much away from him! You have described Zip to a T!

Ah, well, I've seen that a few times too! I just had a feeling there was a personal space thing!

Peggy

[Peggy]

Originally Posted by Michael Romanos

and B/ Cesar Millan believes in giving dogs in a home situation a respite form each other and individual attention and separate outings on occasions.

While I don't totally disagree that at times it's nice to be able to give a dog some one on one special attention, IMO, if you only have two, then taking them both isn't so bad.

Also, Cesar Milan is only ONE trainer. And personally, I'd like to know how well things are working once he leaves. I'll bet the majority of those families go right back to their old ways. And the dog does too.

Just because one trainer recommends something doesn't make it law. Again this is an area where IMO, you should do some research, read several books or talk to several trainers, and decide what works for you and your dogs.

Peggy