Several dog owners recognize Corgis as independent dogs.
But other Corgi dog parents are baffled by their Corgi’s neediness and clinginess. They often ask themselves:
‘Why is my active Corgi becoming needy and clingy?’
‘What’s the reasons behind the unexpected behavior of my Corgi?’
‘How do I make them feel secure so they won’t become too needy/clingy?’
Here you’ll discover the truth. Read on to learn:
- Helpful tips and facts to know your Corgi better.
- Top 13 reasons why your Corgi is so needy and clingy.
- What needy and clingy dogs usually display to their parents.
- What can you do to ease your Corgi’s neediness and clinginess?
- And a lot more…
Table of contents
- Why is my Corgi so needy?
- Why is my Corgi so clingy?
- 11 Reasons why your Corgi is so Needy and Clingy
- #1: Your furry companion needs your attention
- #2: They are uncomfortable with their surroundings
- #3: They are experiencing separation anxiety
- #4: They are getting older
- #5: It runs in their genes
- #6: You are accountable for your actions
- #7: They are afraid or traumatized
- #8: They grew up isolated
- #9: You need to stimulate their mind and body
- #10: Your dog is in heat
- #11: They are ill
Why is my Corgi so needy?
Your Corgi is so needy because they want to be with you. And they enjoy physical touch such as petting, cuddling, or belly scratches. Another reason could be that you have been reinforcing the behavior without realizing it. So it continues. Or your Corgi could simply be bored.
Corgis look cuddly and (most) are. So, if yours demands cuddles and petting, you’ve most likely taught them it’s acceptable. If it’s like that, you can’t blame them.
The fact is that while Corgi’s parents mean well, they can ‘support’ unwanted behaviors. Without intending to.
A curious fact is that studies suggest that owners focus on buying things for their furry friends more than giving attention.
But companionship is what matters the most for Corgis. And if they don’t get enough of it, they’ll go on a quest to find it.
Your Corgi could also show neediness due to boredom. Their active personality goes along with their nature to do something. They will crave your presence to throw balls, run and play!
Why is my Corgi so clingy?
Your Corgi is so clingy because they are experiencing distress. One of the leading causes of clinginess is separation anxiety. Another possibility could be a trauma – both physical and emotional. Findings show that Corgis are prone to physical injuries. Corgis may become so clingy after falling ill.
You should know that dogs reflect on traumas they encountered. And they’ll need sufficient time to recover.
If that’s the case with your Corgi, they will need a long process of therapy. Clinginess plays the role of a defense mechanism.
In case of an illness, the physical presence of furry parents offers protection to dogs. To them, staying close to their owners will make them more at peace. Despite the fact that they’re in pain.
All of these shifts in behavior may become alarming. Read on to find out everything you need to know about why neediness and clinginess occur.
11 Reasons why your Corgi is so Needy and Clingy
#1: Your furry companion needs your attention
Have you been out of town most of the time? Your work schedule extended? You spend most of your time outside of the house?
These sudden changes will affect your furry friend’s behavior!
Did you that according to research your personality shapes your dog’s?
Your frequent absence in your dog’s life could make them needy.
You will recognize this if:
- They start asking for your attention more and more.
- Most of the time, they whine once you’re out of their sight.
- They start following you around everywhere and sit by your feet.
What you can do:
No medication can fill the void of a dog’s yearning. You must not wait until they show signs of neediness. Make sure to take some time for them amid your tight schedule.
Warning: Even though the attention-seeking behavior of your Corgi could get too much, do not use hostile actions. As mentioned, dogs tend to rely on their owner’s behavior and adopt it.
#2: They are uncomfortable with their surroundings
Being a house companion means enduring the possibility of moving. A change in environment will overwhelm your Corgi. Their clinginess intensifies once everything around them is foreign.
I mean…
Imagine if you’re going to a new country as an obligation. And you don’t know for how long you’ll have to be there.
The only person you know there is your best friend. Wouldn’t you want to stick close to them to ensure you’re both safe and sound?
Other root causes of fear in surroundings besides moving house are:
- You introduced a new pet.
- You have a new roommate, a newborn, or someone they are not familiar with.
Corgis will then display their concern by sticking by your side. The majority of furry parents find the gesture amusing but others may not.
What you can do:
Help your dog adjust by letting them familiarize themselves with what’s new in your house. If you moved to another house, create a safe space for your dog.
Before having another individual in the house, let your dog warm up to them. Do not force things to happen or they might get violent.
If you have a newborn, Corgis will not cause disturbing circumstances. Corgis are maternal in nature, so the development of jealousy is not likely to take place.
Still, keep an eye out for your Corgi. They might become too active and barking for your newborn’s sensitive senses.
#3: They are experiencing separation anxiety
There’s no doubt that dogs and their owners form strong bonds. Thus, why they are ‘man’s best friend’. Being away from their owners is a nightmare for dogs.
Does your Corgi follow you around? Do they whine when they suspect that you’re about to leave? Are they not at peace when you’re not fast asleep?
These are signs of velcro or ‘clingy’ dogs. They tend to get close every time and are always on your tail. Sometimes, it progresses to separation anxiety which experts consider as a disorder.
Separation anxiety refers to the stress felt by dogs due to the attachment’s absence.
Being clingy and suffering from separation anxiety is different. The latter is more alarming to watch out for.
What dogs do when they’re velcro or clingy vs when they have separation anxiety
Velcro dogs and those who have separation anxiety are on the same bus. They long to be near their owner’s side. But they differ once you leave them alone.
Clingy Corgis will only set their eyes on you when you’re around. Yet, they never make a fuss about your prolonged or even short absence.
Here are what velcro dogs show:
- Your pooch watches you closely.
- They trail behind you whenever you go in the house.
- Velcro Corgis always sit in the free space beside you.
- They’re looking forward to seeing you standing up and going into rooms.
Contrariwise, dogs with separation anxiety are hysterical once you leave the house.
Here are the usual symptoms of a dog with separation anxiety:
- Paces around the house.
- Drools and pants way too much.
- Defecates and urinates during your absence.
- Becomes uneasy when you’re about to leave the house.
- Chews or claws objects, leading to destructive behavior.
- Excessively barks and howls after you step out of your house.
Dogs with separation anxiety do things that they don’t usually do when you’re around. Your Corgi may whine loudly minutes after you leave the house. This is one indication of separation anxiety.
What you can do:
Fortunately, you can treat clinginess before it turns into separation anxiety. Researchers suggest that the presence of another animal, especially a dog, can help.
Another thing you could do is respond to your dogs’ velcro behavior by playing distance-related games.
Any sort of reassurance works. But one thing you should never do is deal with such situations through punishments.
Note: If you suspect that your Corgi has separation anxiety, consult with a vet.
#4: They are getting older
Your Corgi’s sudden clinginess and need for affection could be due to their age.
You may have heard stories that once a dog gets older, they become distant. Those who formed a tight-knit bond with their dogs know better.
Corgis’ dependence will intensify as they feel less energetic. Part of their active self will reduce, including their cognitive function. In return, they’ll interact, play, and jump less.
What you can do:
During these times, make sure that you spend most of your day with them. Think of it as a way of building memories before waving farewell.
#5: It runs in their genes
Did you know that tracing back, dogs were always sticking by their owners’ side? it’s why some breeds manage to evolve with the same genetic lineage.
Corgis may be short but they’re naturally bossy. But they can’t function that way without someone that can feed their personality. They glue themselves to their owners for guidance.
Their independence is also one inheritance from its origin. So is becoming too cuddly! Their neediness and clinginess may not be something to worry about.
Also, your Corgi sees you as family. Their profound attachment is their way of saying they love you. In short, there’s nothing you can do to ease their longing for you.
#6: You are accountable for your actions
In this study, dog owners started attaching themselves to their dogs while they were still puppies. This action might escalate into something more intense over time.
You first applied the idea of closeness when they were barely walking. Likewise, Corgis will hold on to the familiarity of your intimacy. After all, it’s what they’ve been used to since puppyhood.
Fun fact: Did you know that their puppy dog eyes are signs of evolution? They were aware that the same eyes got you hooked. Now, they know they can use it overtime to get your attention.
This research found that dogs can actually mimic human actions. Through your Corgi’s eyes, they sensed your intimacy’s association with your emotions.
In return, they become the same whenever they feel strong feelings. It’s a known fact that dogs have high senses. They are vulnerable to negative pulls that easily scare them.
When this happens, they use your presence as a comfort.
What you can do:
Since you established the trait unknowingly, reverting it would be difficult. But what you can do is to gradually direct them to their own spaces.
You may also play games that will need lengthy distance. In that way, they’ll know that it’s okay to be away for a while.
#7: They are afraid or traumatized
One of the reasons furry parents love Corgis is due to their fearlessness. In fact, they are always the first to start troubles.
As a result, their unexpected shift of behavior is a shocker.
Experts list the following reasons for fear in dogs:
- Threatening sounds (like thunder).
- An unwanted situation (like going to the vet).
- Fear of getting hurt by objects (like injections) and people.
A dog’s fearful emotion will lead them to the humans they trust the most.
Surprisingly, this article found that portions of dogs’ brains are similar to humans. The way we react to our fears is somewhat parallel to their response. We seek comfort.
Usually, you’ll find them curled up at your foot. They may also shake uncontrollably at some point. But by wrapping your arms around them, the shaking will reduce.
What you can do:
It would be wise to treat dogs with phobias. But for minor roots of fear, you can offer them your warmth. Stay close to your dog’s personal space until they stop shivering from fear.
Note: Remember to stay calm during such situations. This will give your Corgi the message that they have nothing to be scared of.
The way you react gives a strong message to your Corgi. Just like with the way parents act and how their kids turn out to be like them over time.
For the booming sound of thunder and other explosives, you can hide them away. Preferably in places where they won’t hear a sound. Just ensure that they are comfortable in the location.
#8: They grew up isolated
Dogs are social beings like humans. Their behavior relies on the people they see.
When they’re isolated for a long period of the day, they might become needy.
Research showed that dogs who grew up isolated only care for their owners. Not only that but they are also hostile to people and other animals they encounter.
The imprint of isolation on dogs can encourage violence. Hence, why vets do not recommend this type of environment.
What you can do:
In this case, you cannot force things to work out. You have to take small baby steps towards socializng your dog. You may want to hire an expert behaviorist to help you along the way.
It’s great that your dog shows a profound love for you. But they should also be okay with other people. For their own good and your peace of mind.
#9: You need to stimulate their mind and body
Research shows that we as pet parents are responsible for our dogs’ invigorating activities.
We train them. Let them learn certain gestures and listen to our commands.
But what happens if we stop doing that?
Then boredom strikes.
You may have noticed that your Corgi wags their tail when you arrive. It’s already a sign of a stimulated body, started by your presence.
This root cause of neediness and clinginess is actually quite helpful.
Why?
Dogs do this to relieve tension and stress. Then owners gain benefits by having a good time.
#10: Your dog is in heat
If you’ve noticed your female Corgi becoming clingy, watch out for signs of estrus. When dogs are in heat, they seek comfort from the pain they are experiencing.
Other signs are constant whining, howling, and crying.
This phase, which happens twice a year, can be difficult for owners. For instance, an overly cuddly dog’s behavior increases once they get in heat.
Paying close attention to them is already a sign of security for them. To female Corgis, it’s a feeling of reassurance that everything’s going to be okay.
What you can do:
Aside from taking care of them, you can also encourage their needy behavior. Give them all your love because estrus is also a painful experience for them.
If you do not wish to have puppies playing around, keep male dogs away. It would be best to avoid male dogs while in heat.
#11: They are ill
Fur babies’ parents are aware if their Corgi suddenly starts acting strange. Sometimes, too much intimacy could be a sign of a health problem.
Look out for these additional symptoms:
- Lack of energy.
- Loss of appetite.
- Persistent cough.
- Struggles in urinating and defecating.
These usual warning indicators can mean health conditions. Ensure that while you’re paying attention to your dog, you’re also studying their behavior.
What you can do:
If your Corgi experiences any of these signs, see a vet immediately.