Corgis are known for their friendly and affectionate nature. However, if your corgi exhibits excessive biting behavior, this can be a cause for concern and frustration. It is vital to understand the reasons behind this behavior in order to effectively address and correct it.
The puppy teething
Natural teething process
Corgis, like all puppies, go through teething. This usually begins at 3 to 4 weeks of age and continues until 6 to 8 months of age. During this time, their baby teeth are being replaced by adult teeth. The discomfort and itching of their gums makes them want to chew. Biting is a natural way for them to relieve pain and stress. For example, a 4-month-old corgi may bite your fingers, furniture, or toys. It’s an instinctive reaction to the teething process.
You need the right kind of chew
If you don’t provide your teething corgi with the right things to chew on, they are more likely to bite into something inappropriate. Puppy safe chew toys, such as rubber toys, nylon bones, or soft stuffed animals, can help satisfy their urge to chew. You can also freeze a wet towel and let the puppy chew on it. This can relieve pain in the gums. For example, giving a corgi puppy a Kong filled with a small amount of peanut butter (just the right amount) can keep them focused and reduce their tendency to bite other objects or people.
Playfulness and lack of training
Rough play behavior
Corgis are energetic dogs that love to play. Sometimes, their game can get a little rough, and biting can be a part of that. When they play with other dogs or people, they may bite or bite in an attempt to engage in more exciting play. For example, if you play tug-of-war with your corgi and don’t set clear boundaries, they may get overly excited and accidentally bite your hand. This is not necessarily an aggressive behavior, but rather the result of their high energy and enthusiasm during play.
The importance of training and boundaries
Proper training is necessary to teach your corgi proper play behavior. Basic obedience commands, such as “sit,” “stay,” and “leave,” can be used to divert their attention and control their behavior. You should also teach them bite inhibition. When they bite too hard in the game, make a high-pitched scream (similar to the sound a puppy makes when it is injured) and stop the game immediately. This is a signal to the corgis: they’ve bitten too hard, and playtime is over. Ongoing training and reinforcing these boundaries will help them learn to play more gently.
Fear and anxiety
Causes of fear and anxiety
Corgis experience fear and anxiety for a variety of reasons. Loud noises, such as thunderstorms or fireworks, can frighten them. New situations, strange people or animals, or changes in routine can also cause stress. For example, if you move to a new house or introduce a new pet into the home, your corgi may become anxious. In this state, they may resort to biting to defend themselves or express their discomfort.
Signs of fear and anxiety and how to help
Signs of fear and anxiety in corgis include shaking, hiding, panting, pacing, or growling. If you notice these signs, it is important to create a calm and safe environment for your dog. Provide a quiet space where they can retreat, such as a crate with a soft blanket. You can also use calming AIDS such as pheromone diffusers or anxiety kits. Gradual desensitization and counter-conditioning can also help. For example, if your corgis are afraid of thunderstorms, you can play light thunder at a very low volume, gradually increasing the volume over time while rewarding them for staying calm.
Territorial act
Protect their space or resources
Corgis are territorial. They may think that their bed, food bowl, toy, or particular area of the house is their territory. If they feel their territory is being violated, they may bite to protect their territory. For example, if a stranger approaches their food while they are eating, the corgi may growl and then bite if the person does not back off. It’s an instinctive act to protect what they think is theirs.
Training to manage territorial aggression
In order to manage territorial behavior, you need to tell your corgi that you are the leader and that you control access to resources. For example, you can train them to wait patiently for you to put the food bowl down and only start eating when you allow them to. This establishes your authority and reduces their need for overprotection. Socialization is also crucial. Exposing your corgi to different people and animals in a positive and controlled way from an early age can help them feel more comfortable and less threatened by strangers in their space.
Medical problem
Pain or discomfort
If your corgi is in pain, he may bite. Dental problems, such as tooth decay or gum disease, can cause pain in the mouth and lead to an increase in biting. Joint pain such as arthritis or injury can also make them more irritable and more likely to bite. For example, an old corgi with arthritis could break if you accidentally touch or move a painful joint. Skin problems, such as allergies or infections, can also cause discomfort and lead to biting behavior.
Identify and treat medical problems
If you suspect a medical cause is causing your corgi to bite, it’s important to take them to the vet. A veterinarian will perform a thorough physical examination, including examining their teeth, joints, skin and internal organs. Diagnostic tests such as blood tests, X-rays, or allergy tests may be necessary. Once a medical problem has been identified, appropriate treatment can be provided. For example, if it is a dental problem, the vet may recommend a dental cleaning or extraction. Treating the underlying condition can often reduce biting behavior.
Lack of socialization
The importance of early socialization
Socialization is crucial for corgis. Puppies that are not properly socialized may grow up to be fearful or aggressive toward other dogs and people. Between 3 and 14 weeks, it’s important to expose your corgi to a variety of experiences, including different people (men, women, children), animals (dogs, cats), environments (parks, streets, veterinary clinics), and sounds (traffic, sirens). For example, taking your puppy to a puppy social class can help them learn how to interact with other puppies in a safe and controlled environment.
The bad effects of socialization
Corgis that are not well socialized may bite out of fear or not knowing how to interact properly. They may be frightened by the presence of strangers or other dogs and react aggressively. Lack of socializing can also lead to separation anxiety, which in turn can lead to biting behavior when they are left alone or their routines are disrupted.
Breed characteristics and instincts
Herding instinct
Corgis were originally bred as sheepdogs. Their herding instincts sometimes manifest as biting or biting. They may try to repel people or other animals by biting them on their heels. For example, if you’re walking with your corgi and he starts biting your ankle, he’s probably trying to “herd” you. This is the natural behavior of a breed, but it needs to be redirected and controlled.
Channel the reproductive instinct appropriately
To channel their herding instincts in a positive way, you can engage your corgi in activities such as agility training or a herding trial (if there is one). These activities provide an outlet for their natural instincts and can help them focus in a more appropriate way. You can also teach them other behaviors, such as following you closely instead of biting you, through positive reinforcement training.
Boredom and lack of mental and physical stimulation
Need activity and stimulation
The corgi is an intelligent and active dog. If they don’t get enough exercise and mental stimulation, they will become bored. Boredom can lead to destructive behavior, including excessive biting. If a corgi sits at home all day with nothing to do, he may start chewing on furniture or something out of boredom. For example, if they don’t have toys or a yard to play in, they will find other ways to amuse themselves.
Provide plenty of stimulation
To prevent boredom, take your corgi for daily walks, play in the yard, and play with interactive toys. Educational toys can keep their spirits up. You can also teach them new tricks or commands that challenge their thinking. Having them participate in obedience classes or dog sports like flyball or Frisbee can also provide physical and mental stimulation.
Conclusion
All in all, there are many reasons why your corgi bites so much. This can be due to puppy teething, playfulness, fear, territorial behavior, medical problems, lack of socialization, breeding instincts, or boredom. By carefully observing your dog’s behavior, identifying potential causes, and implementing appropriate training and management strategies, you can help reduce and correct biting behavior. If the problem persists, or if you are unsure of the cause, it is always a good idea to consult a professional dog trainer or veterinarian. With patience and persistence, you can get a well-behaved, friendly corgi.
Related topics
