In addition to these three tips, always reward good leash behavior, and don’t let your Corgi walk when they start pulling.
There’s nothing quite like taking a relaxing walk with your best furry friend. But it can be a little stressful if they haven’t been trained to walk nicely on a leash. What’s supposed to be a stroll in the park suddenly turns into you becoming a ragdoll as your four-legged demon drags you to every interesting thing they see. I’ve been there too, so I know the feeling!
Dogs aren’t born well-behaved, and Corgis are a prime example of that rule. Stubborn and sweet all at once, they know how to test our patience. I’ve got three tips if your Corgi won’t walk nicely on the leash. With any luck, you’ll find that they help you and your companion enjoy relaxing walks, instead of contributing to your high blood pressure!
Let’s put the fun back into dog walks.
Key Takeaways:
- Collars and harnesses are great for walking your Corgi with the proper training
- Always reward good leash behavior for positive results
- Try to make walks fun and interactive for your dog
- It can be tiring, but don’t let your dog walk if they start pulling the leash
- Be consistent with your training – that’s the only way to get results
Collar or Harness?
The first big question to ask yourself is whether you should be walking your Corgi with a collar or harness. Now, harnesses are usually the best choice for safety and comfort. They distribute weight evenly across your dog’s chest without putting any pressure on their neck. This means they aren’t going to choke themselves or potentially cause any damage.
However, a collar can be an excellent tool if you use it correctly. Every dog is different, and my Corgi, Winston, can be an absolute menace in a harness. He manages to find a way to yank his body full throttle in different directions, which makes walking very difficult. But with a collar? He is good as gold and the perfect Corgi.
Of course, some other dogs are much better in the harness. If you are willing to do the proper leash training, take your time, and always exact patience with your pup, then a collar is an great choice and can be just as good as a harness. All you have to do is make sure you are both properly trained so that your dog doesn’t choke themselves.
3 Tips if Your Corgi Won’t Walk Nicely on Leash
If you’re ready to take to the streets with a newfound sense of confidence in yourself and your Corgi, these three training tips are here to help you achieve that.
1. Reward Good Leash Behaviour – ALWAYS
Positive reinforcement training has always been the way to go. If you want your Corgi to pick up on the good behavior quickly, then you need to reward it. Every time they are walking politely on the leash and behaving themselves, give them a reward. In the beginning, you should reward them all the time and then you can gradually reduce the treats over time.
2. Don’t Let Them Walk When They Pull
The whole reason your Corgi pulls is because they want to walk. By letting them, you are essentially giving them the reward they seek. The more this is repeated, the worse it’s going to get, so every time they pull, you need to stop. There are two options I have found that work really well for this:
- Stand completely still and refuse to walk until they calm down. When they are calm, you can give them your command for them to heel and try again.
- Turn around and start walking home. Your Corgi knows they are going home, and they’ll be upset, but as soon as they start walking calmly (the excitement is dying at this point), you can turn and head back to your destination. Repeat the process until they understand the consequences (this one is my favorite method).
3. Be Consistent and Calm
I know it’s hard to be consistent when you’re in a rush, or the weather is really bad. But if you aren’t consistent with the no-pulling rule, then your Corgi is going to get confused, and all your progress is going to go straight out of the window. You also need to remain calm at all times. This prevents your dog from getting stressed and ensures they listen to you.
4. Bonus: Make Walks Fun
This is the most important thing. Your Corgi wants to have fun on their walk. If they feel you getting upset and stressed, it’s going to take that away from them, and they could end up just not wanting to walk at all. Keep your training sessions short and fun; play with them on their walks to keep the entertainment going.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Can I Get My Corgi Used to the Leash?
If your Corgi is new to the leash, you can start by putting the leash on in the house and letting them walk around with it on. This will help them get used to how it feels. You can praise them and offer treats for every positive interaction they have with it. Your Corgi likely just needs a little reassurance that the leash isn’t as scary as it seems.
Do Corgis Do Well Off the Leash?
Yes, Corgis can do well off the leash if they have strong recall training. Since they have a high prey drive, it can be risky to let them off the leash without the proper training. Even then, there are some Corgis that might choose to go after whatever they are chasing instead of listening. This is why off-leash walks should always be in a secure location.
Why Does My Corgi Refuse to Walk?
Usually, a refusal to walk comes down to something causing them to be afraid or uncomfortable. If you are able to find the root cause, you can work through it using positive reinforcement training. But it might also be a good idea to get a dog trainer in to assess the situation.
Final Thoughts
With my handy tips, you’ll be well on the way to walking like a couple of pros in no time. It’s hard when you have a stubborn little dog that wants to do their own thing, but that doesn’t mean it’s impossible for you two to work together to make walk times relaxing and enjoyable for both of you – not just them.
The main thing you need to remember? Walks are a big deal for your Corgi, and you need to make them fun. This is the one part of the day that’s all for them, so even when you’re feeling stressed and on the edge, stay calm, and things will go a lot smoother. You’ve got this.
