You know your corgi is reactive to the vacuum cleaner if each time you pull it out to clean your flooring, you have to work to keep your dog at bay while getting your floor spotless. Understanding why your corgi reacts to the vacuum is only half of the battle, though. You then have to figure out how to help your corgi leave the vacuum along when you bring it out.
Why Do Corgis Like Vacuums?
Your corgi may want to attack or chase the vacuum cleaner when you bring it out because they think that it’s a loud new toy to play with. Vacuums also bring out a certain instinct that some dogs have, and your corgi may think that your vacuum is something they have to herd or chase around, and it’s not uncommon for other moving objects like bicycles or lawnmowers to bring this behavior out too.
The corgi breed also tends to be noise-reactive, and this can set off a loud volley of barking and running around by your vacuum when you clean your floors, and this behavior will continue until you take steps to address it.
Related: Why Are Dogs Afraid of Vacuums?
3 Reasons Why Corgis Like Vacuums
Since there are several reasons why your corgi could like or dislike the vacuum, it can take some time to get to the bottom of the issue and address it. However, once you do, you’ll have a happy corgi and be able to vacuum in peace.
1. Herding Instinct
Corgis are world-class herding dogs, and it’s not unusual to see them chasing the vacuum around when it moves in an attempt to herd it like it’s unruly livestock. This can be annoying to try and dodge your corgi as you vacuum, but the vacuum can quickly become your dog’s best friend if they think that it dispenses treats. Turn your vacuum on in another room and give your dog treats until you switch it off to turn the vacuum’s noise into a predictor of positive things.
When you turn off your vacuum, place several treats around it and allow the dog to meet the vacuum while it’s quiet and unmoving. You can also consider tossing treats in your dog’s direction each time you vacuum to distract them and make them more welcoming of vacuuming time. If you manage to successfully distract your corgi, you’ll be able to vacuum in peace because the herding instinct won’t come into play.
2. It’s New and Exciting
If you got your corgi from a reputable breeder or source, they’ve most likely had very little exposure to a vacuum cleaner. This goes double if you got them from a questionable source. So, introducing a vacuum is something new and exciting for your corgi to see and hear. They may want to run up to it, bark at it, or they may even try to bite it when you move it across the floor. You may have to expose them to your vacuum several times before they don’t react to it. The same goes for washing machines, hairdryers, or other loud appliances, so they get used to it being around.
3. They Think It’s Time to Play
Corgis generally need a lot of mental and physical stimulation to keep them happy and non-destructive. As they were originally herding dogs, they could see the vacuum and believe that it’s time to play.
When you combine the noise with the vacuum’s movements, you have something that some dogs can see as a fun toy to bark at, chase around, or follow. Unfortunately, this also puts the dog right in your way, so you may have to take them on a short walk before you vacuum, so they get tired out. Playing games with your dog for a few minutes a few times a day can also help to wear them out mentally, so they ignore your vacuum.
Also Read: Why Do Corgis Sploot?
How to Introduce Your Corgi to Vacuum Cleaners
You want to be intentional about introducing your corgi to your vacuum cleaner, and you should start at a young age. It’s helpful to have a family member or friend help you through this process, but you could attempt it on your own too.
Step One – Start with the Vacuum Off
Bring your vacuum out without turning it on, and let your dog explore around the vacuum without forcing them to get close to it. Reward your dog with treats and praise them when they start to show interest or approach it, and this includes doing so when they’re just looking at the vacuum from across the room.
Step Two – Move Your Vacuum
You want to get your corgi used to the notion that you can move your vacuum, so you should start moving your vacuum without turning it on. Give your dog treats while the vacuum moves from a distance wherever they’re comfortable, and this could be anywhere from across the room to across the apartment. Make sure to shower your dog with praise and treats.
Step Three – Vacuum
Once you get your corgi comfortable with the vacuum moving, you want to switch your vacuum on. Put your dog at a distance from the vacuum with a lot of treats handy. When you switch the vacuum on, praise your corgi, talk to them, and offer them treats each time they act calmly with the vacuum running.
Step Four – Continue Training
You want your training to be in short burst sessions that are upbeat and fun, so keep working at your dog’s pace to get them comfortable. If your corgi starts barking, lunging, running, or getting overwhelmed during the process, you should back off because you’re pushed the dog too far. Go back to the distance where your dog was sitting comfortably in a few hours and try again.
Also Read: 38 of the Most Adorable Corgi Mixes
Keeping Your Corgi Happy and Calm Around the Vacuum
No matter if your corgi thinks that the vacuum is fun, it triggers their herding instinct, or they think it’s time to play, you can calm them down and get them to ignore the vacuum following the simple steps we listed earlier. Doing so will allow you to vacuum in peace, calm your dog down, and make you both happier.