Redirection is the best way to stop a Corgi chewing. When they are chewing something, trade them for a toy so they have something suitable to chew on. Try Nyla bones and other hard chews to help keep their mouths occupied.
Ruined shoes. Shredded baseboards. Socks that are nothing but holes. These images feel familiar in your head, don’t they? We’ve all been there, and maybe you’re going through it right now, and Corgi chewing is no joke. It can be stressful, it gets expensive, and it can result in a vet visit if they swallow something (RIP my winter gloves).
But chewing doesn’t last forever, and there are also plenty of ways you can help your Corgi stop. You don’t have to go through the heartache of realising you left your shoes out – there’s training to help with that. Do you want to know how to stop a Corgi chewing? You’re in the right place, and I have all the advice you need to get started.
Key Takeaways:
- Destructive chewing is often caused by separation anxiety or boredom
- Redirection is the most effective way to prevent chewing
- Taste deterrents can also work well to stop Corgis from chewing
- Make sure your Corgi gets plenty of exercise and stimulation
What Causes Destructive Chewing?
Destructive chewing is usually caused by one of two things – separation anxiety or boredom. Corgis who become anxious when their owners are away will often destroy things (one of mine does this, and it’s frustrating). They might shred the contents of the trash, ruin couch cushions, or cause general chaos. They may also mess in the house through stress.
Boredom is seen in Corgis who don’t get the physical and mental exercise they need to feel calm and relaxed. They have too much excess energy and nothing to do with it, which means it gets channelled into general destruction. This is where your shoes and baseboards really suffer at the mercy of their teeth.
Each of these causes is actually very simple to fix, although you will need time and patience to make it work. However, those are separate guides and you’ll find some help for preventing the chewing side of things here.
How To Stop Your Corgis Chewing
Okay, so you might know why your Corgi is chewing, but how do you stop them from doing it? Well, the rules are pretty similar to those you would use when they’re teething. This definitely makes things easier for you, and you should find these techniques work well.
Redirection To Toys
When you see your Corgi chewing something they shouldn’t be, redirect them to one of their toys. Trade them for the item they are chewing or put it directly in their mouth to get them off the furniture if they have that instead. Praise them for chewing the new item you’ve given them, and they will start to associate positive emotions with chewing their toys.
Giving Them Tough Chews
Hard bones from the pet store (especially knuckles) make for excellent chews, as do Nyla bones. They’re nice and hard, which means they keep your Corgi engaged and are difficult to break. They’re not just good for teething; they are also good for giving your Corgi a little bit of mental stimulation when they need it most.
Use Taste Deterrents
You can buy taste deterrents at the pet store or from your vet. All you need to do is apply it to the things your Corgi loves to chew, and they will get an unpleasant surprise. It doesn’t harm them, but it does leave a nasty taste on their tongue that will make them think twice about chewing it again.
💡 Pro tip: Always supervise them the first time they taste the deterrent to check that it works and is the right strength to actually stop them from chewing the item.
Keep Them Stimulated
Ensuring your Corgi is getting plenty of mental and physical exercise is the most important thing. If they’re understimulated and bored, they’re going to end up becoming destructive and chewing everything. Play games with them, engage in training exercises, and give them fun puzzles to get their brain working.
Dog Proof Your Home
How do you dog-proof your home with Corgis around? Put all the shoes away and keep items you don’t want to end up in their jaws out of reach. It’s about being hypervigilant until you know you can trust them to be around your possessions when you’re out of the room. It can be a pain, but it’s the best way to avoid accidents (and going through fifty pairs of socks).
Punishment Doesn’t Work
It’s so important to remember this rule when trying to stop a Corgi from chewing. You can’t punish them for something they did while you were away because they won’t remember what they’re in trouble for. Punishment only makes them more stressed out, which then increases the odds of them going off and chewing more of your possessions.
That guilty look your Corgi gets on their face when you’re yelling at them for chewing shoes? That face is actually a fear response that shows they feel unsafe and threatened by your stance and tone of voice. You’re scaring them, which can make the behavior worse, and positive reinforcement training has been shown to have much greater success.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why Do Corgis Chew A Lot?
Corgis are herding dogs, which means they need a lot of mental and physical exercise to keep them happy and distracted. Chewing is often a sign of boredom or stress, and it could mean they aren’t getting the stimulation they need to keep occupied. For puppies, it is usually because they are teething and need something hard to bite.
What Age Do Corgis Stop Chewing?
Usually, Corgis and other dogs stop chewing at around 18 months old. This is because they are starting to grow up, their teething period is finished, and you will have ample time to train them out of bad chewing habits. Some dogs are tougher than others, so it could take longer – especially when they enter the terrible twos (the teenage years).
Do Corgis Have A Biting Problem?
Corgis can develop a biting problem if you don’t nip it in the bud. They are herding dogs, which means they are prone to biting ankles and nipping backsides (it’s happened to me so many times) if they aren’t trained or given the opportunity to channel all of their excess energy. As long as you help them channel it and you train them, you won’t have a problem.
Final Thoughts
Chewing can be a real problem, and I empathise with you going through it with your Corgi. However, it’s not too difficult to overcome with a little patience and perseverance. As long as you remain consistent and remember that punishment doesn’t work with this kind of behaviour, you’ll be well on the road to a Corgi with impeccable manners.