How To Train a Corgi: Tips for an Obedient Puppy
This article is written by Karen Wild, a UK-based Dog Behavior Expert with more than 20 years of experience.
Corgis are a highly intelligent breed that thrives on consistent training. Start training them as soon as possible and incorporate training into their daily routine for the best results.
Ever wondered what will help with training your Corgi puppy the most? I’ve met many Corgis, and they can be such wonderful family members.
Here we look at how best to train your Corgi pup, whether or not Corgis are easy to train, and all the things you can do to prepare to train your Corgi puppy from day one.
Key takeaways:
- The best way to teach your Corgi is to incorporate training into their daily routine
- Corgis can be extremely food-motivated so make sure you have lots of treats on hand while training
- The 5 ‘must have’ commands to train your Corgi
- My top tips to make training as effective as possible
- Why creating a safe and secure environment is key to your Corgi’s development
Let’s go!
My Top Tip Before You Begin Training Your Corgi
The key to all puppy training is to balance socialization and formal training. As an essential foundation, your Corgi puppy must meet and greet plenty of people from all walks of life. This includes children, adults of every shape and size, quiet people, and more active and noisy ones too.
They will be delighted to meet your charming Corgi, and it’s a chance for education for all. Corgis are a very smart breed and learn quickly, so don’t delay their puppy socialization.
Another solid social start for your puppy training plans is to visit lots of places so your Corgi can hear, see, and smell everything in the world and not feel daunted or frightened.
How To Train A Corgi Puppy: Reward Wages, Must-Haves & Equipment
Recently I was training a Corgi puppy and noticed that everyone is keen to say hello to these outgoing and attractive dogs. Corgi puppies need to learn that people are fun and friendly, not scary.
We trained the puppy to sit and paired greetings with treats and toys. Most importantly I trained their owner to allow their Corgi puppy to move away if they choose. The puppy learned to pace their own interaction and could feel confident and happy when people and dogs were around.
Decide What ‘Puppy Training Wages’ Your Corgi Will Earn
Every bit of learning deserves a reward, or the Corgi puppy will not want to offer calm, sensible behaviors. Reward wages can be food, petting, encouraging voice, being allowed to sniff, going outside, and so on. Say ‘Good dog’ and give the wages every time you see your puppy do something you’d like them to repeat.
Corgi Puppy Training ‘Must-Haves’
These are my top Corgi training commands for self-control, no motivation to bark and to listen carefully to you, their lovely owners.
Sit – Ask for a ‘Sit’ before dinner, petting, and during playtimes.
Down – Teach them to lie down on a mat so that they can settle happily.
Come – Call them to you for food wages or fuss regularly throughout the day.
Heel – Walk them at Heel on leash and harness in the house and garden first, making sure they learn not to pull.
Swap – Instead of snatching items from your Corgi, always swap for another toy or a tasty piece of food. This means your Corgi pup won’t fear having things taken away because they win something safer instead!
5 Corgi Puppy Training Tips
Here are 5 tips to make your puppy training as successful as possible:
- Consistency is key—Corgis thrive on routine, so make sure you use the same word for each command and stick to a consistent schedule. This consistency will help them pick up training more quickly.
- Positive reinforcement works wonders—Corgis can be extremely eager to please, so make sure you reward good behavior with treats, praise, or playtime.
- Keep training sessions short—Puppies have short attention spans, so keep training sessions to 10 minutes maximum. This approach will keep your Corgi engaged and eager to learn more.
- Start training when they’re young—Like humans, habits and behaviors are less ingrained and more easily adapted in younger dogs… so the sooner you start training your Corgi puppy, the better!
- Get expert advice if needed—If you’ve tried all the tips in this article but still aren’t having much luck, get in touch with a registered dog behaviorist who can help you.
Corgi Puppy Training Equipment
To help you with training, here are some of my favorite tools:
- Clicker: When you click this little gadget and give your puppy a treat at the same time, you’re teaching them which specific behavior is good (and reward-worthy).
- Long Leash: This will help you teach your Corgi behaviors like recall in a safe and controlled way.
- Toys: Toys are not just for playtime—they’re also great for learning and for using as a reward when your Corgi does something right.
- Treat Bag: Like a treasure pouch filled with yummy goodies, this bag keeps treats ready for when your Corgi obeys a command and deserves a reward.
The Best Way To Train Your Corgi: Integrate Training Into Everyday Life
The best way to train your Corgi is to make the behavior you want part of their normal daily routine.
Think of times when you’d like your Corgi puppy to learn.
Here are 4 examples of how to incorporate training into your puppy’s daily routine:
- Super Socialization: Continue socialization daily, mixing and meeting with fun experiences, for at least their first year or two!
- Practical Playtimes: Instead of just throwing toys around, ask your Corgi puppy to sit before you play, then swap the toy for another, or some food. Then, play again. This helps them to control their excitement, stops grabbing and possessiveness, and teaches them that you are fun to be around.
- Wonderful Walks: Ask for a ‘Sit’ every time your Corgi puppy meets another person or dog, and reward with a toy or treat. If you start when the puppy is further away, they learn to stay calm and happy as they get closer.
- Visitors: To help prevent jumping up, use ‘Come’ so that your Corgi puppy moves away from the visitor. They can then sit for a greeting. You can keep your Corgi on their lead to gently make sure they don’t learn to jump on people.
Calm Control: Never punish or shout at your Corgi. You might worry that your Corgi puppy is not being trained if you don’t shout or use a harsh tone of voice. However, this only frightens the puppy and causes more stress. This is not part of sensible or safe puppy training. Instead, teach your Corgi what you’d like them to do instead – and don’t let them make mistakes.
Are Corgis Easy To Train? Debunking The Myth
I have worked with lots of Corgis, and it’s a myth that Corgis might be harder to train. Every puppy has plenty of exciting new things they might rather be doing than listening to you, but expert know-how will help your training goals.
Corgis are observant and interested in what is going on around them. Even when you don’t think you are training your Corgi puppy, they are learning life lessons. Ensure you give your little Corgi plenty of chances to learn the right behaviors.
Use every chance to teach sit, down, come, and heel as part of their normal times with you and others.
Preparing For A Corgi Puppy: Ensuring A Safe And Comfortable Environment
To help your Corgi pick up training sooner and grow into a well-adjusted adult dog, follow these puppy preparation tips:
Safety: Inquisitive Corgi puppies need support! Check your house for trailing cords and items your Corgi might chew or choke on. This includes items containing batteries such as remote controls, which are very tempting for puppies since we touch controls with our hands, leaving an interesting scent.
Social: Remind children and family that your Corgi might mouth and nip, and teach all humans to stay calm and give safe toys or chews instead of sleeves and fingers.
Sleep: Puppies need a lot of rest in short bursts throughout each day, so teach children not to disturb the puppy when sleeping.
Separation: Plan a safe space for your Corgi puppy to sleep so that they can learn to be calm when separated from you. Your lap is not a permanent sleeping spot, no matter how cute your Corgi is (and they all are)!
Raising A Corgi: The Dos And Don’ts
Do: Get to know your puppy
Every puppy, even if they are the same breed, is an individual. They have their own likes and dislikes, and part of the fun is getting to know your Corgi as they grow and learn.
Do: Let your puppy learn about you!
We want our Corgi pups to feel like we are trustworthy dog owners, friends, and safe companions. Train your puppy using positive reward-based methods so that they will always want to listen, come back, and do as we ask them to do.
Don’t: Be harsh
This is old-fashioned dog training, which is shown to create stress and aggression. Learn to redirect your Corgi puppy and train the puppy to do the things you’d prefer, using the tips and tricks above!
Don’t: Compare your Corgi puppy to other Corgis
Every Corgi I have worked with has been different, and so special! They may look similar, but they are not the same. Train your Corgi puppy in a way that best suits the puppy and their character. Train your puppy to work with you step by step, and learn at their own pace. You will get the best results!
Corgis And Training: A Final Note
Happy puppy training foundations make future calm adult dogs. Acting on the tips and advice above, your positive guidance will steer your puppy gradually toward becoming a sensible, calm adult Corgi.
They can’t do it without you, so keep a calm head, give reward wages wherever you can, and enjoy your Corgi for the fun, lively, and friendly companion they are.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I stop my Corgi from nipping?
Redirect their nipping behavior by offering them a toy or chewable item instead. Consistently discourage nipping with a firm ‘no’ and immediately offer an alternative.
What’s the best way to housebreak my Corgi?
Establish a regular bathroom schedule. Take them to the same spot each time and reward them after they’ve done their business. Be patient and consistent.
Can Corgis be left alone for long periods?
Corgis can experience separation anxiety. Start with short periods alone and gradually increase the duration. Ensure they have toys and a comfortable space.
How do I deal with my Corgi’s herding behavior?
Redirect their herding instinct into positive activities like fetch or agility training. Use commands to manage and control their herding tendencies.
What’s the right amount of exercise for a Corgi?
Corgis are active little dogs and need at least 45 minutes of physical exercise each day. Daily walks and playtime sessions are essential to keep them physically and mentally stimulated.
