Corgi Mimics Owner’s Head Movements, Internet Delighted

Quick Smiles:

• A corgi named Sammy in Florida humorously mimics his owner’s head movements.
• The viral video of Sammy has sparked a lively debate about canine behavior.
• Experts weigh in on whether Sammy’s actions are playful or a sign of submission.

A delightful video has captured the internet’s attention, featuring a corgi named Sammy who seems to have mastered the art of mimicry. Sammy’s owner, curious about her dog’s behavior, noticed that every time she turned her head, Sammy, sitting in the backseat of her parked car, mirrored her movements.

To confirm her observations, she recorded the moment, sharing, “I recorded to see whether or not it was a coincidence.”

While many found Sammy’s antics amusing, some commenters suggested there might be more to the story. One user speculated, “He doesn’t want to make eye contact with you. It’s a sign of dominance. You most likely have yelled at him in the car before, so now he doesn’t want to look you in the eyes.”

To shed light on the situation, Alicia Collins, the founder and CEO of K9 Activity Club in Santa Rosa, California, explained, “Avoiding eye contact is common in dogs and is often a sign of submission or deference.”

She added that direct eye contact can have various meanings depending on the context and breed, noting, “Some breeds, like herding dogs, even use an intense stare to control the movement of livestock.”

Another commenter echoed the sentiment, suggesting Sammy’s behavior might indicate submission, saying, “I think he’s avoiding eye contact; it’s a form of submission/he sees you as his pack leader.”

Collins emphasized the importance of considering a dog’s overall body language before jumping to conclusions.

“A relaxed body and wagging tail may indicate respect or deference, while tense posture or stress signals could mean discomfort or anxiety.”

However, not everyone agreed with the dominance theory. One user humorously commented, “I think he just thinks you must see something!”

The owner responded with affection, “Yes, he’s my shadow and trying to protect.”

Another corgi owner chimed in, “As someone with two corgis … I just KNOW they’re nosy and want to see what’s happening.”

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