Let’s be honest – some dogs can be as clingy as people. It depends on the dog breed, but some dogs are simply clingier than others. There are some beliefs and theories that corgis are so clingy that they are velcro dogs. Is that true?
Well, to find out we have to get into details of what a velcro dog is, as well as the main characteristics of corgis. So, let’s get into it!
To find out whether corgis are velcro dogs, continue reading our article!
What Is A Velcro Dog?
Let us start by defining what a velcro dog is. A velcro dog is a dog that tries to be by its owner’s side all the time, even during the night.
The first thing you can do to make sure that your dog is, in fact, a velcro dog – is to see whether your pup is following you from room to room. If they also show the desire to be close to you all the time, chances are that you’re living with a velcro dog.
Moreover, some things could make your dog more likely to be a velcro dog. For example, some dog breeds, like lapdogs, have higher odds of being clingy to their owners.
Lapdogs are bred to be more dependent on their owners, so it’s only natural that after generations, these dogs are extremely clingy. Moreover, breeds that have been bred to be working dogs can also develop velcro dog syndrome.
Dogs that worked alongside their owners all day, or taking care of large cattle, can be clingy. These dogs feel the need to be close to their owner so they can be in check with all the orders they need to complete.
Are Corgis Velcro Dogs?
The answer to this question is not that simple – because all corgis are so different. Each corgi can either be very clingy – a velcro dog, but they don’t have to be.
It’s in the corgi’s very nature to be very reliant on their owners. Once upon a time, corgis were working dogs, as they worked as herders of large cattle.
They needed the instructions and the praise of their owners. Corgis feel better with the owner’s validation. Moreover, a common characteristic of all corgis is that they are needy and affectionate.
Corgis tend to feel isolated and even depressed if they don’t get enough attention from their owners. Consequently, that means that the corgis often are velcro dogs, with some exceptions to the rule.
All that means corgis have excessive energy that needs to be spent – every day. You will need to take good care of your corgi and play with him to tire him out every day – because if you don’t, he will become anxious and rather annoying!
Are Corgis Lapdogs?
Well, corgis aren’t exactly lapdogs – despite being a royal breed and the Queen’s personal favorite dog breed. They are a royal breed, but they aren’t the lapdog most people imagine – they aren’t similar to Pomeranians or Pugs.
The corgi is a very active and very intelligent breed – so they need that intelligence stimulated every day. They cannot just lounge around all day and feel content – that is just not their natural state.
Why Are Corgis Velcro Dogs?
When it comes to the velcro dog syndrome, there are various reasons why a dog would become a velcro dog. In reality, there is no one, exact reason why your dog is suddenly so needy for affection.
1. Owner’s Behavior
Sometimes, our behavior can affect how needy our pup is. For example, if you stop every time you see your dog to praise him, give him a cuddle, or a treat – he will become accustomed to that.
So, your pup will learn that staying close to you leads to validation and treats. Another thing that can lead to this high level of dependence is letting your pup sleep in your bed.
Of course, it would be ridiculous to argue that this is not healthy behavior – it is. It all comes down to your personal preference and whether you like it or not.
If you like your pup to be close to you – even better. The point is – we sometimes don’t realize how much we influence our dog’s behavior.
2. Aging
Corgis may be a long-living breed, but they will age and become senior dogs at some point. As dogs age, it’s the same as in humans – their body starts to degrade and they cannot do things like they used to.
Once your dog experiences vision and hearing loss – which is incredibly common in corgis, your pet may become more reliant on you. Those changes can be very stressful for your pup, and they may be looking to be close to the things that have remained unchanged, like your relationship.
Your corgi may be looking for some comfort and extra praise because of these changes. Make sure to give your pup the appreciation he needs, to make this transition less stressful for him.
3. Corgi’s Nature
Breeds like the Corgi have been bred to be independent, making each generation smarter and hard working. Corgis were once herding dogs, and they were trained to work alongside humans for centuries.
Corgis are so smart that they don’t need to be taught voice commands – all they need to do is learn to read the owner’s body language and that’s it. However, to understand that, they do need to be close to their owner.
Corgis always received special treatment because of their important role in each household. That made corgis needy as a result.
4. Lack Of Mental Stimulation
As we have already mentioned, corgis are very intelligent and they need that intelligence stimulated or they will misbehave. The same thing is with lack of exercise if you take into account how energetic corgis are.
Corgis look at their owners for guidance as well as entertainment and exercise. If your corgi is following you around and looking up at you constantly, chances are that he’s simply bored.
If he follows you around, you will likely find him something to do, which is exactly why he developed the velcro dog syndrome.
5. Separation Anxiety
Separation anxiety is a serious issue in dogs because it can cause immense discomfort and stress for the dog. Also, having a dog with separation anxiety can be very time-consuming and stressful for the owner as well.
Separation anxiety is a condition when the dog forms a hyper attachment to its owner. The dog feels very anxious when the owner is out of sight – and many of these dogs are also experiencing the velcro dog syndrome.
6. Health Issues
In some cases, when your corgi suddenly becomes very clingy, that can be a sign that something is going on with their health. When they experience pain or some other health problems, the corgi may aim to be close to you to feel safer.
Dogs can be scared from disease just like humans, and they will come looking for their owner to soothe some of that fear. So, if you notice that your corgi is always by your feet – more than usual, it can be a sign that he is not feeling too well.
We strongly recommend making an appointment with your vet if you notice this behavior in your corgi to rule out any health problems.
7. Change Of Scenery
Corgis can get used to their regular surroundings and they’ll find comfort in knowing everything around them. However, if you decide to move house, that can be a stressful event for your corgi.
Because the surroundings are unfamiliar, your corgi will cling to you since you’re the only familiar thing in this new place. However, what you can do to help is help your pup relax by creating a predictable routine.
Are Separation Anxiety And Velcro Dog Syndrome The Same Thing?
Yes and no. In reality, separation anxiety and velcro dog syndrome are similar, and often come together, but they are not the same thing.
Many dogs with separation anxiety will be velcro dogs, but not all velcro dogs experience separation anxiety when left alone. Since they often go hand in hand, it’s not unusual that people confuse these two terms.
Of course, both of these conditions are associated with the corgi’s need to be close to his owner, but they still come with some differences, despite how subtle they are.
Nobody wants their pup misdiagnosed because treating the two conditions is still different. The largest distinction between the two is the anxiety itself and where it comes from.
For velcro dogs, the anxiety comes from the constant need to be close to their owner and spend time with them. Dogs with separation anxiety suffer from anxiety when their owner is away and they feel isolated.
Moreover, a dog with the velcro dog syndrome can also have separation anxiety and vice versa. A velcro dog corgi will be extremely clingy and go with you everywhere when you are home. On the other hand, a pup with separation anxiety will experience anxiety and panic when he’s all alone.
Some experts believe that dogs with velcro dog syndrome are more prone to developing separation anxiety. Dogs that are clingier than usual can form a hyper attachment to their owner, aka separation anxiety.
Of course, all that doesn’t mean separation anxiety is inevitable – some velcro dogs only like spending plenty of time by their owner’s side. However, if that’s not enough – and you are worried about your dog developing separation anxiety, pay attention to your corgi’s mood.
If your pup is excited and wagging his bobtail when he’s following you around the house – he’s likely bored and he’s looking for entertainment in you. On the other hand, if your corgi seems calm, it’s fine – it’s common for corgis to follow their owner around just because.
However, if your dog becomes anxious when you, for example, get up from your chair, that’s a sure sign that your dog is experiencing separation anxiety. When the separation anxiety is still mild, there are some things you can do to ease your pup’s misery.
We advise you to create some form of entertainment for your pup so he has something to do while you’re away One of the things you can do is leave the pup a stuffie full of healthy treats and yummy bites. After a while, your dog will learn to associate your leaving with yummy treats, and that will help his anxiety immensely.
Can Owners Do Something To Help Your Clingy Corgi?
Of course!
We have already discussed what you can do when your dog is still experiencing mild separation anxiety. What you need to do then is try to re-train your dog to associate your leaving with yummy treats, rather than panic and anxiety.
However, if your corgi’s case is more serious, you may need to consult yourself with a vet or a professional pet trainer. There are many excellent pet behaviorists, and they all have experience in training dogs with separation anxiety since it’s so incredibly common.
Separation anxiety will not go away if left untreated – it can only become worse. As for the velcro dog syndrome, chances are that your dog is only following you around because he’s not intellectually stimulated.
Corgis when bored can easily become destructive and housebreak to let you know that you aren’t doing enough for them. Luckily, relieving corgi’s boredom is easy and there are many games and toys you can get for your corgi to stimulate him more.
What we wanted to say is that – if your dog is experiencing only the velcro dog syndrome, it’s not a big deal if it’s not a big deal to you. If you mind, you can take some steps to eliminate the behavior, but it’s entirely up to you.
Your corgi being a velcro dog is a perfectly natural occurrence, and many dog owners simply find it flattering. Do keep in mind that you shouldn’t let your corgi accompany you when you’re making lunch or cleaning anything with dangerous substances.
So, what can you do to make your corgi less clingy?
Desentisize The Corgi To Your Movement
The ideal way to do this is to practice getting up without doing anything important. Try to get up and complete a mundane task, so your dog isn’t interested to see for himself what it’s all about.
Repeat this behavior until your corgi doesn’t react to you getting up anymore!
Teach The Corgi The ‘Stay’ Command
The ‘stay’ command is rather important for all dogs to learn, especially breeds that are prone to the velcro dog syndrome. The key is to use this command to keep your corgi away when you’re cooking or cleaning with bleach.
To encourage this behavior, when your dog manages to stay the desired distance, give him a treat. That way, you can increase that distance and keep your pup safe from anything dangerous in the house.
Play Distance Games
Teaching our pup to keep his distance can be fun, and the best way to achieve that is through some games like nose work games, or hide and seek. Also, you can invest in some good chew toys to keep your pup entertained while you’re away.
Create A Special Place
Giving your corgi a special place, like a cute dog bed or a mat can give him the comfort he seeks. Train your dog to go there, encouraging him with treats, to make sure he stays a bit in his special place.
Add More Physical Activity Or Mental Stimulation
Corgis are full of energy – and they need plenty of exercises to thrive. If you tire your pup out, he’s only going to lounge around at home and he won’t follow you around or feel anxious when you leave.
Moreover, your corgi will certainly benefit from some extra mental stimulation. Keeping your corgi’s brain active will make him tired just like exercise. For mental stimulation, you can opt for a tug war, agility, nose work, hide and seek, learning new tricks, or obedience training.
All in all, your pup needs a purpose to feel alive and well.
Bottom Line
Corgis can be velcro dogs. Thanks to their origin as working dogs, corgis learned to rely heavily on their owners over a thousand years ago.
Because of that, corgis can be very clingy and they may feel the need to be close to their owner all the time. What’s more, corgis can even develop separation anxiety because of this very reason.
Of course, this doesn’t mean that all corgis are velcro dogs, only some of them! Like you are bound to find out for yourself, corgis are very individual, and each corgi is entirely different from the others!
Learn More: Do Corgis Get Attached To One Person?
