How to Get Your Corgi Better at Being Around Other Dogs

Want to know how to get your Corgi better at being around other dogs? It’s all about finding them good role models, teaching them manners, and looking out for signs of frustration. Oh, and giving them the chance to say no.  

It can be daunting letting your Corgi play with other dogs. Especially when there are a lot of bigger and stronger canines around! It’s even worse if your Corgi has absolutely no manners. This increases the risk of them getting bitten by one of the less tolerant dogs. 

Manners maketh dog. You can help your Corgi be a better citizen (and a dog that others want to be around) by following a few simple training methods. These will show them how they are supposed to behave and help them feel calmer. Corgis are friendly and social creatures, but you have to give them some guidance

As someone who has been through this many times before, I’m here to lend a hand (or paw). 

How to get your Corgi better at being around other dogs
Image by Alvan Nee

Key Takeaways:

  • Corgis need a job because they are high-energy working dogs 
  • Teach them good manners around other dogs and keep them calm
  • Always keep an eye out for signs of agitation in your Corgi 
  • Let them say no to any situations they are in with other dogs 
  • Keep your distance from other dogs until you are both ready
  • Good canine role models are the best way to teach them

The Importance of Giving Corgis a Job

One of the big things to remember is that Corgis need a job because they are a high-energy herding breed. Their bodies are made from pure energy (as I’m sure you’ve experienced). Without something to do and proper mental stimulation, they are more likely to forget their manners and not behave properly around other dogs. 

While this can lead to aggression in your Corgi, it can also cause them to become a little too much for other dogs. This can lead to them getting bitten (and not just in the telling-off manner). Giving your Corgi a job is offering them an outlet

Get your Corgi better at being around other dogs
Image by Sofia Shultz

How to Get Your Corgi Better at Being Around Other Dogs 

Want to help your Corgi get better at being around other dogs?

Try these 6 tips.

1. Teach Them Good Manners 

Good manners apply to you and your Corgi. Always check that it’s okay for your pup to say hi to another dog before you let them approach. This also helps the dogs avoid direct eye contact as soon as they meet, which most dogs see as an aggressive action. You can use a command like watch me to keep your dog’s attention on you. 

Pro Tip: If the other owner says no, never allow your Corgi to approach anyway. It’s an invasion of the other dog’s space. This could end badly for your Corgi, and it is not teaching them manners.

2. Remember the Three-Second Rule 

If your Corgi is just saying hello to the other dog and then you are moving on, it is important to follow the three-second rule to help them learn manners. This means you allow them three seconds to sniff, touch noses, and meet each other. Then you politely say your goodbyes and move on. Praise your dog the entire time if they are behaving and afterwards, give them a treat.

How to get your Corgi better with other dogs
Image by Alvan Nee

3. Keep an Eye Out for Signs of Agitation 

Sometimes, Corgis can get frustrated when they are out on a walk and want to say hello to other dogs. This can include things like pulling at the leash, whining, and barking at the other dog because they want to be over there. However, it is easy for this to be misinterpreted as aggression when it’s only because they don’t want to be on the lead. 

Similarly, you should look out for signs that your dog is becoming agitated with another dog and vice versa. Things like their bodies becoming rigid and their tail wagging very slowly. Pushed back ears can also be signs that they are uncomfortable and you should calmly remove them from the situation. 

4. Keep Your Distance Until They’re Ready  

If your Corgi is nervous around other dogs, you can’t force them to say hi until they are ready. This can cause severe stress and could lead to fear aggression. The best way to tackle this is to keep away and let your Corgi see other dogs from a distance. As they become calmer and more confident, you can slowly close the gap between them. 

5. Let Your Dog Say No 

Sometimes, dogs will tell each other off during interactions. It might be a little growl or a snap, and the other dog will cry dramatically even though they haven’t been hurt. Telling each other off is how dogs learn. You need to let your Corgi say no (and allow them to be told off by other dogs as well). Obviously, don’t let it escalate to aggression, but this is how they learn. 

6. Find Them Good Canine Role Models 

If you have friends or family who have well-behaved dogs, you can ask them to let your Corgi hang out with them so that they can learn manners and good behaviors from them. Dogs pick up so much from each other. That’s why having good role models is one of the most important aspects of socialization. Plus, it’s always good for your dog to have playmates.

Corgi playing with pug

Frequently Asked Questions

Do Corgis Get on Well with Other Dogs? 

Yes, Corgis can get on very well with other dogs. However, it is important to socialise them from a young age so that they learn manners and how to behave. Otherwise, it can cause things like fear aggression or general aggression later in life because they didn’t get the socialisation they needed when they were younger. 

Can Aggression Be Trained Out of a Corgi? 

Yes, aggression can be trained out of a Corgi. All you need to do is work with a behaviorist to slowly change their view of other dogs and teach them that there is nothing to be afraid of. It can be a very long process. You need to be consistent and firm with it. But with enough hard work, most Corgis can overcome it. 

Why is My Corgi Aggressive to Other Dogs? 

Aggression towards other dogs is usually down to fear. Most of the time, it is because of poor socialization when they were puppies or because they had a traumatic experience (such as a dog attack) that has not been worked through. A lot of it is down to caution and fear, and it needs a gentle touch for them to overcome it. 

Final Thoughts 

Corgis are so much like kids, and that goes for dogs in general. They need to be taught how to behave through socialization and good role models. That’s how they learn to be better at being around other dogs. With my handy tips, you’re sure to have a Corgi that you can allow to play without worrying every five seconds. 

It’s also important to remember that there is no shame in seeking help when needed. Sometimes, we need a trainer or a behaviorist to help us through those tough habits that we just can’t help our Corgi break. If you’re struggling with your pup being around other dogs, there are plenty of professionals who can help you out.

Adrienne is a freelance writer living on the coast of Scotland with her two Swedish Vallhunds, Moose and Pumpkin. Formerly, she was the owner of three incredible Corgis - Butterscotch, Crumble, and her sweet boy, Ralf. She's a dog lover at heart, and writing about her favourite breeds is the best part of her job.

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