What to do about an unhappy corgi

[corgimom109]

Apple is just not seeming happy lately. She doesn't seem sick -- she eats, poops, plays, looks fine. But for one thing she has decided she no longer likes agility. I took her to a NADAC trial over the weekend and she refused to do any obstacles (well, okay, she took one tunnel) and just ran away from me out of the ring. How do I know if she just doesn't want to agility or if there is something else wrong? She just had her checkup in the spring but nothing was found.

She has also seemed overly possessive of food, I have had this problem with her all along but the other day I was eating a nut bar and she growled at *me*. I was not happy.

I hate to chase a problem that is not there, but don't want to ignore a real one either.

[Jespah]

Barbara, I would have her checked out again by the vet. The spring was 5 or 6 months ago. I think it's always best to rule out physical issues before pursuing behaviour work.

I think it's harder in multi-animal homes. Cats can live together a long time then decide they don't like being part of a crowd. I wonder if some "mommy and me" (as Susan calls it) time doing what she likes is in order as well. A break from working might be good for a bit - we all need a vacation sometimes.

Is she more your dog than David's?

Deb

[Bobbie]

How old is she?

[corgimom109]

Deb -- I would say that she is more my dog than David's, and maybe that is part of the problem because Malcolm is more my dog also so they are in competition. (Jet is definitely more David's dog). I am thinking of getting a blood panel run because I just had the physical checkup last time.

Bobbi - Apple will turn 5 on October 14, 2010

[Jespah]

I think it's worth running a panel and having an exam first. I'm lucky with my two that there is no real competition for my time and attention. I treat them like twins and try and do things equally. Rupert needs more of me than Jemma - she's happy to go with anyone, but he is a momma's boy for sure.

[thebeach.corgi]

Sorry to hear that Apple is not quite the happy girl. Agree that ruling out anything physical first. Is her weight stable?

A break from agility may be a good idea as is the spending some one-on-one time with her doing something else you know she enjoys.

Vibes and hugs.

[CasaCorgis]

Hope you find out what is wrong with your special Apple.

Things like changes in behavior can be such mysteries, but at least a check up at the vets is a good place to start.

Best wishes for a conclusion, and we are all sending healing corgi vibes to have your sweet Apple girl return to her good self.

Hugs! +FUZZHUG+

[sutulu]

We also went from warm and sunny to cold, rainy, and damp.

Lulu is driving me crazy. She wants in... no out....no in...no out....

Aghhhhhhhh!

[Bobbie]

I agree, full blood panel to start, and if that is negative maybe an ultrasound. You are the first to notice when something is off with your dog, and if you wait for more obvious signs of a problem it can be too late. Dogs don't get unhappy for no reason...they can mourn, or be jealous, but even those things are rare, and more likely depression indicates illness. Especially refusing agility if she has previously enjoyed it.

[taflar]

Apple is just not seeming happy lately. She doesn't seem sick -- she eats, poops, plays, looks fine. But for one thing she has decided she no longer likes agility. I took her to a NADAC trial over the weekend and she refused to do any obstacles (well, okay, she took one tunnel) and just ran away from me out of the ring. How do I know if she just doesn't want to agility or if there is something else wrong? She just had her checkup in the spring but nothing was found.

She has also seemed overly possessive of food, I have had this problem with her all along but the other day I was eating a nut bar and she growled at *me*. I was not happy.

I hate to chase a problem that is not there, but don't want to ignore a real one either.

My recommendation is to NOT do anything with her for awhile. No agility, no rally, etc. Just let her be a dog. And when you go to class or to a trial, leave her home. She might just decide that she doesn't like being left out and wants to go along again. (I did this with one of my girls who didn't like to show, or so she thought until she got left home. After that she showed much better for me.)

For the food possessive thing I'd try the NILIF or a modified version for her and make her do something for every piece of food she gets. Just a sit will do. It just reinforces the food is YOURS. And you get to make the rules. (The benefits of being the alpha b***h!) :WINK:

Corgi girls can be a handful at times can't they?

Peggy

[corgimom109]

Thanks everyone for your responses. I will be making an appointment to have Apple checked out by the vet and see if he finds anything. Either way I will probably take her out of agility for at least one session of classes -- I spoke to my instructor and she thought that would be a good idea because "for whatever reason" she seems to not be enjoying it like she used to.

I will let you know the results of the vet visit.

[sutulu]

I hope the vet visit and tests don't find anything serious and that Apple is just demanding a "time out".

Susan