Did you just bring home a new Corgi puppy? This breed is known to be very smart and responds well to mental challenges. They were bred to be herding dogs, making them fearless and independent creatures. Because of this temperament, they can be very strong-willed and difficult to train. However, with the right information and planning, a Corgi can be successfully trained and become a vital, loving member of the family.

How to Train a Corgi

By keeping the following points in mind, you’ll be able to efficiently train your Corgi with the least amount of stress and time.

Consistency

Since dogs are pack animals, they will establish dominance if their owners don’t portray themselves as the leader. A Corgi puppy will test their owners to see what they will let them get away with.

Be sure to stay consistent with training and stand your ground when it comes to disciplining this breed.

Additionally, make sure that all family members are on the same page in regards to puppy training so that your dog doesn’t become confused or try to get away with something when one family member isn’t looking.

Socialization

In addition to getting to know their new family, a Corgi puppy should be introduced to other people and animals. Socializing will help your puppy adjust to new environments and will teach him to be less fearful.

The most crucial canine socialization will take place up until a Corgi is 12 weeks old. This is when their impressions of the outside world are forming. A Corgi’s lack of socialization may result in fear and canine aggression as they age. Adequate contact and affection with humans as well as supervised interactions with other animals will prevent this.

Toys

Corgi puppy owners should keep a good selection of toys on hand during dog training. However, it’s important to not give them all to your dog at once. Instead, rotate through the toys every few days. Soccer balls and other large, bouncy toys are good for kennel training and solo play, soft toys are good for teething, and smaller balls, frisbees, and tug toys are best for supervised playtime.

Leash Breaking

A responsible Corgi owner will leash break their puppy as soon as they get them. A flat leather or nylon collar is best for leash breaking. The collar should be loose enough that two fingers can fit between your dog’s collar and their neck.

Once leashed, take your puppy outside and try gently leading him in the direction you want to go. In general, you’ll want your dog to be walking on your left. If your pup resists, call him by name, gently tug on the leash, and start walking. Soon enough, your Corgi will get the idea and will look forward to daily walks on a leash.

House Training

Like all dogs, Corgi puppies need to be properly house trained to avoid messes in your home. While house training, it’s important to keep your pet in sight at all times for the first few weeks so that you know when he needs to go to the bathroom. If you’re always nearby, you’ll be able to react to messes and redirect your pup to go outside.

Pay attention to when your Corgi usually goes to the bathroom and take your puppy outside 5-10 minutes before his usual bathroom time. When you’re outside, wait for him to go and reward him each time your pup successfully goes to the bathroom outside. With patience, consistency, and positive reinforcement, your Corgi puppy will soon be potty trained.

Crying

Most dogs, especially puppies, will whine, howl, or cry when they are left alone. This is their way of letting you know they are there and to make sure you haven’t forgotten about them. This noise-making comes from a Corgi’s anxiety about being left alone and they need to be taught that being alone is okay.

In order to comfort your puppy when you leave the house, cozy crate bedding and an entertaining toy will come in handy.

Activity Requirements

Corgis need quite a bit of exercise, considering the size of the breed. Their activity requirements can be met with a walk with their owner, vigorous playtime, or a herding session.

Since they thrive on companionship and exercise, it’s important to plan out time to bond and play with your Corgi on a regular basis. Spending quality time with your puppy will keep him healthy and mentally stimulated.

The best way to prevent bad behaviors in your Corgi puppy is to be proactive and consistent with training. It will be much easier to discourage mischievous behaviors in a young, growing puppy than an adult dog.