Training mistakes are easy to make with a Corgi puppy. They can include neglecting to handle them early on, not letting them sleep enough, being too harsh and angry, and not socializing them from an early age. Avoid these, and you’re on the road to success.
Puppies are wonderful, and Corgi puppies are especially cute with their little legs and big ears. They bring so much happiness to our lives, but just because they’re cute doesn’t mean they don’t need to be trained. Your puppy is going to need to undergo some serious obedience training to ensure they are well-behaved and stay safe out of the house.
Training your Corgi puppy is going to be hard work, but it will be worth it in the end. Some are easier to train than others; my boy was a thousand times easier than my girl, and you might need to tweak your methods to suit your pup. But there are some mistakes I see made quite often when training puppies, and I would like to help you avoid them.
Let’s go through the top 8 mistakes to avoid when training your puppy.
Key Takeaways:
- Early handling is key for helping make training easier
- Don’t make training sessions too long, or they’ll lose focus
- Socialize your Corgi puppy from a young age to prevent aggression
- Use good rewards and be consistent in your training
What Are The Consequences of Training Mistakes?
If you make mistakes when training your Corgi puppy, it can have major consequences when they grow up. It can cause them to become fearful and aggressive, especially if they aren’t socialized properly. It can also lead to them becoming nervous and disliking being touched. You might even find they struggle to go out for walks because they are scared.
In other cases, they can grow up to become out-of-control adults who are disobedient, never listen, and jump all over everything and everyone. It’s stressful for you, but it also leads to stress for your Corgi as they inevitably end up getting yelled at all the time. Proper training can help avoid this and ensure you both get to stay calm and relaxed.
8 Mistakes To Avoid When Training Your Puppy
When you’re training your Corgi puppy, there are quite a few mistakes you can make. These are the most common and the ones I have seen happen more frequently. They should help you get a good idea of what not to do.
1. Not Participating In Early Handling
Early handling is so important, and you should start with it from the moment you get your puppy. It makes sure they are used to being handled, and this includes their feet, tails, ears, legs, and noses. Essentially, it desensitises them so that it’s harder for them to get overstimulated and overwhelmed by touch.
2. Making Training Sessions Too Long
Puppies don’t have a long attention span. Therefore you should make training sessions short and sweet so that they remain focused and retain information. If your training sessions are too long, they will get bored and frustrated. This then means they stop listening, and you get annoyed. They have a better chance of learning in short but regular bursts.
3. Not Letting Them Sleep Enough
Puppies need a lot of sleep. They’re still growing, and the world is exciting, which means they spend a lot of time resting and napping. This is very important for their development, and you should let them sleep as much as they need. A puppy who is well rested is more likely to be successful during training sessions and finish developing properly.
Enjoying this article? Check out our guide on how to potty train your Corgi!
4. A Lack Of Socialization
Your Corgi puppy should be socialized as early as possible. It helps them get used to other dogs so they aren’t afraid later. It also means they learn manners and how to behave from older dogs. Puppy classes are really good for pups under 12 weeks, so they can run around with other puppies and play without the worry of them being around unvaccinated dogs.
5. Getting Angry When They Don’t Listen
There is no point in getting angry with a puppy when they don’t listen to you. It’s going to happen, and negative reactions to their behavior will only end up making things worse. Instead, take a break from training and step out to play or catch your breath and then return to it later. Remember that positive reinforcement is the method that works best.
6. Failing To Use Rewards
You need to use rewards when you are training your puppy. They should be high-value treats like frozen squares of chicken that make your puppy excited, or toys if you prefer to take that route. Failing to use treats means that your pup doesn’t associate your commands with anything of value. Unfortunately, for a food-motivated breed like Corgis, simple praise isn’t enough until they are older and fully trained.
7. Starting Training Too Late
If you start training too late, it can cause problems. Puppies can start to hit adolescence as early as six months of age, and this is when they start to act out and stop listening. You should give your puppy two weeks to settle in and then start training. This will help a lot when they get a bit older and start feeling rebellious because the basic commands are reinforced in them.
8. Lacking Consistency In Training
Consistency is key when you’re training your Corgi puppy. It helps them learn how to behave and ensure they get the commands right. If you are inconsistent, it makes it much harder for them to learn, and you will find that it takes forever for them to get it right. Stay consistent and positive, and you will see fantastic results in your training sessions.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Age Is A Puppy Hardest To Train?
Puppies are hardest to train when they hit six months of age. This is because they are starting to enter their rebellious period as they become more confident about the world around them and their hormones change. It’s really tough to start training them at this age because they are less inclined to listen, and this is why you should start as early as possible.
Are Corgi Puppies Hard To Train?
Corgi puppies aren’t hard to train, but they can be very stubborn. They’re independent dogs who love to do their own thing, and if you don’t work hard to train them and offer great rewards, they are going to run rings around you. Be persistent and keep up the good work, and you’ll see that your Corgi puppy is actually a pretty good listener.
Should You Punish Puppies?
No, you shouldn’t punish puppies. You should try to avoid punishment as much as possible. Dogs don’t learn from being punished, and it has been proven many times that positive reinforcement is the way to go if you want your pup to learn and listen. Ignoring bad behavior and rewarding good behavior tends to be the best way to go.
Final Thoughts
Training puppies is hard and tiring, but your Corgi will get a lot out of your sessions if you avoid the common mistakes I’ve listed in this guide. Puppies need rest, consistency, and short training sessions that capture their attention. Corgis are smart dogs, and they’ll pick things up quickly as long as you actually make an effort to work with them.
Of course, there are times when training isn’t working, and you need more help. There is no shame in seeking the services of a professional dog trainer or a behaviorist to help you out. They can offer you another perspective that helps you learn what you’re doing wrong and how you can help get the most out of your fluffy friend.
