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Dogs can have ADHD, though this needs to be properly diagnosed by a vet with a canine behaviour specialty. It is possible your corgi has other issues in combination. Possibly poor impulse control (no 'off' switch), possibly play aggression, possibly other things, but a vet or specialist who can observe the dog in its own environment is the best course of action. Corgis have a reasonable brain, so although you're giving it lots of physical exercise, if it's brain isn't tired, it will still be hyper. Try exercises that make the dog think. Things that make him HAVE to listen to you, and solve a problem. Hide his favourite toy in another room, then send him to look for it. Make him give it to you in return for a treat. Teach him to put his toys back in the toybox. Make him 'leave' his food for 15 seconds before eating. Make him 'bring' his bowl at dinner time. Add in lots of socialising with other dogs and people. If his brain isn't stimulated he will get bored, regardless of how many walks he goes on.
ADHD in dogs is treated with a drug used for separation anxiety, but it does require a profesisonal clinician to diagnose and set the best course of action for the dog.
Our corgi is about two years old, and he is EXTREMELY hyper. We thought he'd grow out of it.
We haven't tried a formal training class, because he seriously would not be able to tolerate the stimulation of all the other dogs around. He would never be able to focus on me or the class leader. I think I might have to find a trainer who does individual work...
When he is not asleep, he is excited and panting. There is no in-between, like just being awake and calm. If he were a car, I would think his idle speed is too high and needs to be adjusted! He's just constantly revved up.
We walk him at least twice a day to try to tire him out. But he might be tired for 15 minutes, then he's right back to his usual high-octane behavior.
The vet didn't seem concerned, because I guess when dogs are at the vet, they are usually excited and have a fast heart rate. But he is ALWAYS like this.
He came from an approved AKC registered breeder, and yes, he is neutered. In all my reading about welsh corgis before adopting him, I never read that they could be like this.
I swear, he has ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder). And I'm a licensed professaional who can diagnose that (at least, in people).
Is medication our only hope????? I need that dog whisperer guy! Or an exorcist!
Some dogs are just like that. Although, I have never known a hyper Corgi personally, I have not yet met a Jack Russell Terrier that wasn't a total spazz.
Corgis were bred for work (driving cattle, believe it or not), and as many of the other astute posters mentioned, it sound to me more like he just needs to burn off that energy. If you do not have a SECURE yard, then I suggest a long, long walk. Wouldn't hurt you, either to have some additional exercise since most people do not get enough. Or, you might buy some cattle and teach him how to do what he was born to do. LOL
Also, you might want to consider switching him to an all natural food (no artificial colors, or additives), because he might have a bit of a food allergy happening there. You know what that stuff does to kids! LOL
Also, I expect that as he ages, he will mellow considerably. Give it another couple of years.
My ADHD corgi is now 4 yrs old, and he's still pretty hyper! He does like the "mentally stimulating" toys that challenge him to solve a problem to get a treat, but the problem is that he wants ME to play with it with him. Constantly.
It seems to be all about attention. Form the time I get home to about 11 or midnight when I go to bed, he gets a lot of attention from me. But sometimes I have to eat dinner, check e-mail, or go to the bathroom, and he's all over me.
He's never at rest unless he's actually asleep. If I pet him while he's sleeping, he's suddenly "pant pant snort snort pant pant!"
Yes, he has always been on all-natural, organic food. So it's not preservatives causing it.
We still go on lots of walks, but he tires out quickly (legs are like 5 inches long). But he rebounds quickly too.
He now has a little sister (a jack russell mutt), and he's a bit jealous of the 2% of my attention that she gets (she's not demanding). He's so smart, he figured out that if I'm petting her and giving her attention, he (corgi) will go to another room, get her favorite toy, come back, drop it in front of her. She goes for the toy, then he gets me and my attention.
I can fully relate to tracysam. I have a cocker spaniel and i can describe him in the same way. I do not feel it is fair to blame the problem on the breed or lack of what the owner is not doing.my dog has a total obsession with sunlight and shadows. I have been told that all cockers are hyper and i have had six along the years.i have successfully trained each one to be obedient.i have taken nick to doggie day care and that only inhances his hyperactivity. It is sad because nick's attention span is very short.his mind never rest even in his sleep. My heart goes out to those in this situation.
There are certainly some dogs that "aint right" but why on earth buy a dog bred for work if it is not going to be worked? I know an average herding GSD (tending style) would cover 50-80 miles a day and my dog can work solid 4-6 hours solid. One days I can't work them they get 30-40 minutes chasing balls to keep the edge off.
I'll probably get a lot of flack for saying this, but kennel club dogs tend to be bred for looks, not behaviour. I have a 30 month KC Labrador and he is very handsome but also very highly strung and hyper active.
I have had dogs all my life, even the Staffie rescue I had, who came to me with MANY problems settled down and became very docile within 6 months of me having him. I know the Labrador I currently have is still young but he is the most difficult case I have dealt with in the 15 dogs i have had. he gets two 1 hour, structured walks a day (playing fetch for 15 mins at beginning and 15 mins at end of the walk) and a 20 minute walk in the evening. be careful not to over-walk your dogs as this can sometimes lead them to expect too much from you, and NEVER, EVER let your dog cross the doorway on your way out to the park untill hhis attention is focused on you and his ears back in a relaxed and calm manner.
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