The answer to the question “Are there some good tips on how to train a corgi puppy?” is probably going to be ‘Yes’ and to the question asking how soon to start the training, the answer is immediately. Corgis are intelligent dogs who need to know the rules of the house. They come into the family and that family becomes their pack.
If you do not begin the training. The dog will take on the role of pack leader and you will find problems as he grows. Corgis were originally bred to herd cattle and the instinct is still in their personality. There are several different areas of training and it takes time and it takes effort.
- Space limitation
- Housebreaking
- Daily routine
- Leash walking
- Happy in crate
- Socialization
- Sit, stay and come
Your puppy is adorable but you should put that to one side and accept the fact that you have to be present for the first few weeks at all times and that you have to establish that you are the pack leader. This does not have to be done in a harsh way. Firm but kind is the name of the game.
Lots of training can actually be a game and enjoyable for both of you. If you do not teach early, there will be problems in the future. Your presence is essential in the early stages and you simply cannot buy a pup and then leave him alone whilst you go out to work. He needs you beside him in a strange house with no littermates or mum.
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Space limitation
This is common sense once you think about it but might not be apparent. Until the pup has learned some rules, it pays to restrict him to one area. That will probably be the kitchen where floors are easy to clean and you are there alongside him. A young dog should never be given free access to all parts of the house. He will fall down stairs or poop on carpets and not learn that he is doing wrong.
Baby gates to stop him leaving the allotted space are useful and a large crate to keep him safe when you have to pop to the shops or are handling hot foods and other things dangerous to an inquisitive pup.
Housebreaking
Small pups, like small children, have little control over their bladder and you need to establish when he is most likely to need the toilet. This is usually first thing in the morning, after he has finished eating and at regular intervals in between. If you can leave your bed during the night and take him out then as well, it will help. Simply pick him up at these points and take him outside.
When he does what is needed it is one of the times when a small treat can be given- along with lots of praise or reward him/her with a good meal. Newspaper or puppy pads can be useful on the floor as dogs will look for places to use as a toilet. Even a litter tray for a very tiny dog can be used. Move the paper or pad closer and closer to the door and then the move can be made to go outside.
After a week or maybe two of constantly lifting the pup outside and praising when they succeed, the dog will get the idea and run to the door. You will learn to recognise the signs that tell you your pet needs the toilet.
Daily routine
This is part and parcel of housebreaking and establishes the routine which is what dogs like. Morning visit outside, followed by first meal, another visit outside and then a little play time. Whatever routine works with your own day will soon become the day that the dog recognises. They soon find out where the water bowl is and when food appears. Along with this routine it is a good idea to start with words like ‘no’ when certain behaviours are not welcome and lots of praise when they are good. Talking to your dog is always a good idea and Corgis, in particular, are very quick to learn certain words.
Leash walking
Once the pup has become acquainted with his new surroundings and has settled in, trying a little use of collar and lead is a good idea. Start with a collar. Leave it on for a while as this sometimes annoys a small pup. Then attach the lead but never pull on it. This will frighten and set you further back. Hold the lead loosely and allow the dog to wander where it will whilst you follow.
To encourage him to go in the direction you would like to take, it is a good idea to have a small bag of treats and rustle it. When interest is sparked, a slight pull on the lead will never be noticed and soon the dog will follow quite automatically. Try always to have the dog on your left hand side and staying close to you. Several practises of very short duration in a day will soon do the trick.
In the crate
Crates are a very useful and sometimes essential piece of equipment. Along with the daily routine, it is sometimes a good idea to feed the pup in the crate but leave the door open. It then associates the cage with good things and becomes the little cave where it feels safe. Sometimes it is necessary to keep the pup in the crate for its own safety or for transport to the vet. There are videos on You Tube that show small corgis being encouraged into the crate and are fun to watch as well as informative.
Socialization
This means that the youngster should be used to meeting other people and other dogs. Often the local vet will run puppy parties and these are good as the dogs there are all pups together. Many canine societies also run puppy classes and welcome new members. It is a good idea to look up the ones in your area but if there are none available gradually introducing your new family member to sights and sounds can be done with the help of friends and neighbours.
Sit, Stay and Come
These are the commands that most people find necessary. The sit one can start as soon as the youngster arrives in your home. If he comes to see you, simply give a gentle pressure on the rear end and at the same time say ‘sit’. When he does that make sure there is plenty of praise but avoid giving treats all of the time. Corgis can easily put on weight and you may end with an obesity problem. These are not big dogs and too many rewards can be a bad thing. Corgis are small creatures with big personalities.
The stand can best be accomplished by having the dog on the leash and then waving something interesting in the air in front of him as you say ‘stand’. He will not keep the stand for very long at first but, again, lot of praise when he does.
When these two commands seem to be working, try having the dog on a leash. Give the sit command and then as you hold a hand with the palm towards him say ‘stay’ and step back one pace. If he stays, even for a split second, say ‘come’ and give him loads of cuddles and pats. Then two paces, three paces and so on until you feel that the leash can be taken away. Never take the lead away when he can run off and be in danger. It is best done in a yard, garden or kitchen at first and if you have a local canine society, he can improve his performance when there are distractions in the room.
This can be great fun for yourself as well as the dog and a way of making friends with other dog lovers. Good luck and happy training.