Are Corgis Big Chewers? Here’s What You Need To Know
One major question I had when I was thinking about adopting Winston was… are corgis big chewers?
Corgis are not known to be big chewers. Chewing is normal behavior as a puppy, but as long as they get enough mental and physical stimulation each day, adult corgis shouldn’t chew to excess.
If your corgi’s chewing habits have got out of hand, don’t panic.
In this article we’ll explore the potential causes of excessive chewing and some effective ways to manage and redirect their behavior.
Because understanding the nature of your furry friend’s chewing habits can help create a happier and healthier living environment for both you and them.
So, let’s get started!
Why your corgi is chewing everything
There are a few reasons why your corgi is a big chewer. These include:
- Teething
- Boredom or frustration
- Separation anxiety
- An underlying health issue
Let’s take a look at these in more detail.
They’re teething
Your corgi puppy will teethe from the age of about 8-10 weeks old right up until they’re six months old. In some cases, puppies teethe until they’re 8 months old.
This is absolutely normal.
Corgi puppies teethe because their baby teeth are coming through and this process is painful. Chewing on a toy provides relief and gives them something else to focus on.
They’re bored or frustrated
One reason your corgi may be chewing is because they’re bored.
Remember, corgis are highly intelligent dogs with lots of energy to burn. They need at least 60 minutes of exercise every day and lots of mental stimulation to stay healthy and happy.
Without enough daily physical and mental stimulation, your corgi may end up becoming bored and take their frustration out their toys (or other items that aren’t theirs to chew!).
They’re suffering from separation anxiety
Another cause of excessive chewing in corgis could be separation anxiety.
Corgis love human companionship and hate being left alone for long periods of time. Separation anxiety can lead to behavioral problems like chewing.
They have an underlying health issue
Your corgi may be chewing a lot because they’re not getting all the nutrients they need or they have an underlying medical condition.
Speak to your vet if you think that this might be the case.
How to stop your corgi chewing
If your corgi’s chewing is getting out of hand, take the following steps.
1. Increase physical activity
Corgis are highly energetic dogs that need lots of daily activity.
At least 60 minutes of exercise a day is ideal, which can be broken up into two 30-minute walks in the morning and evening or taken all at once with a long walk through the park.
The more exercise you can give your corgi, the less inclined they’ll be to chew.
That’s because exercise relieves tension and stimulates their senses. Without lots of regular exercise, your corgi is more likely to display behavioral problems like barking, digging and – yes, you guessed it – chewing.
If you work away from home during the week in an office that doesn’t allow dogs, make sure your corgi is dropped off to doggy daycare or is looked after by a professional dog walker.
Do not leave your corgi at home alone for hours at a time.
2. Provide mental stimulation in the form of puzzle toys
Like their bodies, corgis need to work out their brains, too.
That’s because they’re highly intelligent dogs that easily get bored when they’re not regularly mentally stimulated.
And as you know by now… boredom can lead to chewing.
To keep your corgi mentally stimulated, try one of the interactive feeder or puzzle toys I talk about in this blog post.
3. Supervise your corgi while in the house
If your corgi is chewing on items they shouldn’t, supervise them in the house until they learn what they are (and aren’t) allowed to chew.
Give them a safe place to play and access to dog toys, and don’t leave clothes, shoes, towels or any other personal items lying around.
If you catch your corgi trying to chew on something they shouldn’t, give them a toy that is appropriate. If they won’t give up their item easily, use a treat to encourage them.
Add the command ‘give’ as a cue to release the object in exchange for something tasty!
4. Speak to your vet
If you’ve tried all the tips above and your corgi is still a big chewer, it might be time to speak to your vet.
They’ll be able to recommend a behavioral specialist (if that’s what you need) or identify any underlying medical conditions that could be the cause of the chewing.
Should I be worried about my corgi’s heavy chewing?
It’s important to note that some dogs do enjoy chewing more than others and that doesn’t necessarily mean there’s anything wrong with them.
Some corgis are naturally more chewy than others!
So, if your corgi is getting enough physical and mental stimulation and there are no other issues at play like separation anxiety, you may just need to stock up on extra chew toys.
The best durable toys for heavy chewers
Here are three of the best chew toys for corgi “power chewers”!
  | Purina Busy Rawhide With their long-lasting design, Busy Bone chews supply more than just fleeting fun. The fun part is watching your dog get lost in his own little Busy world. This playful chewtime challenge gets his tail wagging and keeps him blissfully busy. |
  | 11 Heavy Duty Dog Chew Toys This rope dog toy set includes flossie giraffe floss toy, a dog frisbee, a carrot dog toy, a toy dog ball, tug toys for dogs, and dog chew toys. They help dogs with boredom and anxiety and are great interactive dog toys to keep your pups busy and entertained. |
 | BarkBox (subscription) Chompion Chewer The monthly Chompion Chewer subscription box comes with two tough toys, two full-size bags of treats, and meaty chews. Each month you get a brand new box of goodies! |
The best chew toys for corgi puppies
Is your corgi puppy teething? Here are three chew toys I recommend for them.
  | Nylabone Teething Puppy Toy This chew toy is designed for teething puppies, with an easy-to-hold shape and four textured chewing ends to help clean teeth, massage gums, and keep your corgi busy. |
  | 14 Puppy Toys For Teething A selection of natural rubber toys designed for teething puppies and small dogs. |
  | Nylabone Puppy Chew Freezer Toy This flavored chew toy features dental nubs to help clean teeth and prevent plaque and tartar. |
