Corgis are known for their intelligence and trainability, but are they really easy to train? According to research, Corgis are highly responsive to positive reinforcement training, which makes them a great breed for first-time dog owners.
With early socialization and consistent training, Corgis can learn basic commands and behaviors in as little as 4-6 weeks. This is because they have a strong desire to please their owners and are highly motivated by rewards.
Corgis are also highly intelligent, ranking 10th in Stanley Coren's book "The Intelligence of Dogs", which means they can learn complex tasks and commands with ease. However, they can be stubborn at times, requiring patient and consistent training.
Their short stature and energetic nature can sometimes make training challenging, but with the right approach, Corgis can learn to obey commands and behave well in public.
For more insights, see: Are Corgis Good for First Time Owners
Temperament and Training
Corgis are incredibly intelligent dogs that were once trained to do work around the farm. They are naturally capable of learning the ropes of nearly any job.
Both the Pembroke and Cardigan Welsh Corgis are resilient breeds that will certainly fill your days with entertainment and affection. They love being part of the family and will remain quite obedient.
Corgis are smart and should be able to pick up new commands after just a few repetitions, but you must remain patient throughout your puppy's training.
Corgi Temperament
There are two types of Corgis: the Pembroke Welsh and the Cardigan Welsh. Both are incredibly intelligent dogs and were once trained to do work around the farm.
The Pembroke Welsh Corgi has a high energy level and a zest for life. They're naturally energetic and love to stay active.
Cardigan Welsh Corgis are generally more docile and less vocal than their Pembroke counterparts. They're often quieter and more laid-back.
Both types of Corgis are incredibly intelligent and love to learn. They'll thrive in a household where they're given mental and physical stimulation.
Corgi puppies might be extra exuberant and therefore more difficult to train at first. But once they start to grasp the concept, they'll quickly pick up the ropes.
See what others are reading: Pictures of Cardigan Welsh Corgi Dogs
Are Corgis Easy to Train
Corgis are intelligent dogs that can learn to do nearly any job you give them. They were once trained to do work around the farm, so it's no surprise that they're capable of learning quickly.
Both Pembroke and Cardigan Welsh Corgis are incredibly intelligent, and most dog behaviorists agree that Cardigans are more docile and less vocal. The Pembroke has a high energy level and a zest for life.
Corgis love being part of the family and will remain quite obedient once they grasp the concept of training. The puppies might be extra exuberant and therefore, more difficult to train at first, but once they start to learn, you're in luck!
Corgis can be easily trained and are patient enough to undergo extensive training. They tend to be fearless, willingly protecting their owner. This will be especially awesome if the handler is particularly vulnerable.
Corgis should be able to pick up new commands after just a few repetitions, but you must remain patient throughout your puppy's training. Dogs are very attuned to their owner's voice and moods.
Readers also liked: Are Maltese Dogs Easy to Train
Training Methods
Corgis respond well to positive reinforcement, which means they thrive on rewards and praise for good behavior.
Most dogs, including Corgis, can get too dependent on treats, so it's essential to avoid overdoing it and remember to praise without treats when necessary.
Giving your Corgi treats initially can be a good idea, but be sure to taper off the frequency of treats as they learn new commands.
Praise is a powerful tool for positive reinforcement, and Corgis are especially receptive to it, so don't underestimate the value of a good "good boy!"
Recommended read: Why Are Corgis so Popular
Housebreaking and Potty Training
Housebreaking and potty training can be a daunting task for any pet owner, but with patience and consistency, your Corgi can learn to go to the bathroom outside.
Potty training an adult Corgi can be easier than training a puppy, as they are already accustomed to going outside.
Establishing a routine is key to successful potty training, and taking your Corgi out at the same times each day can help them understand when it's time to go.
Discover more: When Do Corgis Go into Heat
Consistency is crucial, so make sure to take your pup out to the designated potty spot frequently and reward them with treats or verbal praise when they go to the bathroom in that area.
Crate training can also be an excellent way to teach your Corgi obedience and housebreaking skills, helping to keep them safe when you're away and providing a warm, cozy spot for resting or sleeping.
Introducing the crate gradually is essential, so start by encouraging exploration and rewarding your pup for going near or in it.
As your Corgi becomes more comfortable with the crate, you can start feeding meals inside and leaving treats as a treat, creating a positive sentiment towards the crate.
Potty training is one of the cases where you need to offer a treat once your Corgi gets it right, reinforcing their good behavior and helping them learn to go to the bathroom outside.
Remember, every dog is different, and some may need more time and patience than others, but with a consistent routine and positive reinforcement, your Corgi can learn to go to the bathroom outside.
On a similar theme: Does Crate Training Help with Potty Training
Basic Commands
Corgis are food-motivated, which makes them easy to train with treats. They'll gladly sit pretty for a tasty reward.
Teaching basic commands is a must-do for any Corgi owner. These commands help your pup understand your boundaries and build trust between you and your Corgi.
Your new adult Corgi will need to get used to new things, including a new name if they're a newcomer in your home. If they can learn all this stuff, they can definitely learn how to sit.
Some Corgis already know how to perform a few basic commands, especially if they've been adopted before. If not, it's a breeze to teach them by following a few simple steps.
Teaching your Corgi the basic commands will help them understand your set boundaries and build trust between you and your pup.
Get your Corgi's attention with their name and a treat, then hold the treat in front of their nose and gradually raise it over their head until they sit down.
Advanced Training
Corgis are excellent candidates for service dogs due to their friendly and intelligent nature. They can be easily trained and are patient enough to undergo extensive training.
Their fearless attitude also makes them willing to protect their owner, especially if the handler is particularly vulnerable. This is a valuable asset for service dogs.
To take your Corgi's training to the next level, you can teach them advanced commands like "Leave It", "Drop It", and "Wait." These commands are essential for maintaining good behavior and preventing unwanted actions.
Socialization
Socialization is a crucial aspect of training a Corgi. Corgis are naturally outgoing and friendly, but they still need to learn how to behave in social situations.
You can start by attending puppy training classes, which will help your Corgi get used to being around other dogs and learning basic obedience commands. This is a great way to practice social skills, such as greeting new people without jumping on them or barking excessively.
Corgis need to learn to accept being handled by strangers and be gentle with humans. Discourage them from jumping on people or chasing cats around.
Taking regular walks with your Corgi is another great way to encourage socialization. It will help them gain confidence as they become familiar with their surroundings and the people or dogs that may be around.
Introduce new people and animals slowly, keeping interactions light at first and allowing your Corgi to get comfortable with the other animal before allowing any more interaction.
Care and Routine
Establishing a daily routine is key to a Corgi's understanding of what's expected of them. Consistency is crucial in training a Corgi.
A daily routine should include activities like eating, drinking, going outside to potty, grooming, and sleeping. This routine helps your Corgi learn to wait for potty time instead of going where they shouldn't.
Training in short spurts is also essential, as dogs have shorter attention spans than humans. Break your Corgi's daily training into two or three 10-minute sessions, held at the same time each day.
Mealtimes in a Crate
Introducing mealtimes in a crate is a great way to help your Corgi feel more comfortable with the crate. This can be done by placing the food bowl inside and gently encouraging the pup to enter.
Start by staying near the crate and giving plenty of praise when your Corgi goes in. Make sure there's enough room for them to move about comfortably and sufficient space between them and the door, so they don't feel confined.
Gradually increase the amount of time that you keep the door shut until your Corgi is happy to eat with it closed for 10-15 minutes at a stretch. This will help them get used to the crate and make mealtime a positive experience.
To make the crate a welcoming space, get the Corgi puppy into the crate every once in a while, and let them understand that the crate is good for them as a resting place. This will help create a positive sentiment towards the crate, making them more at ease spending time in it.
Check this out: Crate Training a Yorkie
Dog Daily Routine
Establishing a daily routine is essential for your Corgi's understanding of what times are best for different activities. A consistent routine helps your Corgi know when it's time to eat, drink, play, go outside to potty, groom, and sleep.
Include daily activities like eating and drinking, going outside to go potty, grooming, and sleeping in your Corgi's routine. This will make house training much easier.
Break your Corgi's daily training into short sessions to keep them engaged. Two or three 10-minute sessions a day are ideal, as dogs have shorter attention spans than humans.
Exercise for Pets
Exercise is a crucial part of a Corgi's daily routine, and it's not just about burning off energy. A high-energy breed like the Corgi requires around an hour or more of exercise per day.
Corgis have a lot of pent-up energy, and if they don't get enough exercise, they can become exuberant and even display nervous or destructive tendencies. This is especially true for Pembrokes, which tend to be a bit more active than their Cardigan counterparts.
Curious to learn more? Check out: How Much Exercise Do Corgis Need
Regular activity is essential for Corgis, and playing and burning off energy before, during, and after training is a great way to keep their minds focused. This can help build their confidence and strengthen the bond between you and your Corgi.
Dog sports like agility, rally obedience, or canine freestyle offer a fun way to exercise your Corgi and teach them valuable obedience skills. With time and practice, your Corgi can master obstacles in an agility course or precise movements required for rally obedience and canine freestyle.
Puppy-Proof Your House
Puppy-proofing the house is a huge help when your puppy is young. This involves limiting or entirely blocking his access to anything that may be hazardous for him or anyone else and anything that can be easily destroyed.
Puppies are naturally curious and love to explore, so it's essential to puppy-proof your home to prevent accidents and damage. You can start by securing loose items, such as toys and books, and moving any fragile or valuable items to high shelves.
Accidents are bound to happen while your puppy is being house-trained and learning how to behave in a home. By puppy-proofing the house, you can reduce the number of disasters and teach your dog which areas are off-limits.
Tips and Reminders
Corgis are intelligent dogs that respond well to positive reinforcement training. They thrive on attention and praise, so be sure to reward them frequently.
Consistency is key when training a corgi. They can be stubborn at times, so sticking to a routine and using clear commands is essential.
Corgis are highly motivated by food, which makes training a breeze. Use their favorite treats to lure them into desired behaviors.
Corgis are naturally curious, so keep training sessions short and engaging to keep them focused. This will prevent boredom and frustration.
With patience and persistence, corgis can learn complex commands and behaviors. They may not always listen, but with practice, they'll become more reliable.
Sources
- PangoVet (pangovet.com)
- How to Train a Corgi: 14 Vet Reviewed Tips & Tricks (dogster.com)
- herding dogs (wikipedia.org)
- Dog Training Products (amazon.com)
- Pixabay (pixabay.com)
- Trick Dogs (akc.org)
- How to Train a Corgi: 15 Vet-Approved Tips (hepper.com)
Featured Images: pexels.com