Corgis are known for being smart and able to learn a lot of commands. But just how quickly can they learn? What do you need to do to teach them properly?
If you’re looking for ways to train them, you’ve come to the right place. Here you’ll learn:
- When your dog is ready to potty.
- How to make your Corgi love water.
- How to properly introduce them to their crate.
- And so much more…
Table of contents
Are Corgis easy to train?
Corgis are easy to train. They are born problem-solvers and have a great memory bank. A well-trained Corgi can easily learn up to 165 words on average. They are also active, friendly, and outgoing. This allows them to do a variety of tasks such as herding or agility training.
Are Corgis easy to potty train?
Corgis are easy to potty train compared to most breeds. During their 1-year socialization period, they are receptive to everything including potty training. Even when older, they can still be taught to potty without problems. Just remember to establish it as a fixed routine and be patient.
Are Corgis easy to crate train?
Corgis are easy to crate train when they’re younger because it’s easier to establish a routine during their socialization period. As they grow older, it can be harder to crate train them especially if they have memories of abuse. When training, make them associate crates with treats and safety.
Are male or female Corgis easier to train?
Male Corgis are easier to train than female Corgis. The latter can be a bit more stubborn than males especially when they hit puberty. This is because they tend to urinate to attract males when in heat. In addition, they can also mark other people’s houses more than males.
5 tips to train your Corgi
Dogs are smart in general. According to a study by Stanley Coren, they have the ability to think like 2-year old children and are able to count from one to five.
However, compared to your average dog, Corgis are actually smarter. As he notes in the Intelligence of Dogs, Corgis solve problems more quickly.
Pembroke Welsh Corgis rank 11th in adaptive intelligence. Their Cardigan counterparts are 26th.
Tip #1: How to potty train your Corgi
Corgis are dogs that learn steadily with routine. Properly executed routines can progressively build their knowledge on a particular task.
Potty training is no exception to this rule. Since this is a complex task, it can take a few cycles for them to get down.
The training can even last for a month depending on the execution. However, following these steps should help lessen the training time needed for potty.
Step #1: Decide on a spot
Finding the right spot is the most important step. This is particularly true for houses with a lot of platforms or steps.
This is because Corgis can’t afford to use steps or stairs all the time. Their short limbs are unable to support their weight on non-flat terrain.
Pick a spot that is both on flat ground and easily accessible. If you have a garden, you can have them poop there to help fertilize your soil.
Step #2: Slowly guide your Corgi to their spot
Begin by showing them around a specific area you want them to stay in. You want them to be highly familiar with this area. You also want this area to be poop-friendly.
If your Corgi is still less than a year old, keep them within the living room or have them play in your garden.
Note: If you want them to play in your garden, consider barricading any decorative platforms such as stone steps.
Corgis require an exercise time of about 30 minutes to an hour each day. Be sure to keep them in said areas during your playtime.
If they start to wander around, you can bring them back by carrying them gently or luring them in with treats or toys.
If you have doors around, be sure to close them while you’re giving a certain part of the house to them.
Make sure the area is spacious enough for your Corgi to move. The more space they have, the more fun they’ll feel being inside it.
Also, make sure that the space isn’t too hot or too cold for them. Although they have high tolerance for heat and cold alike, it’s still possible to make them feel uncomfortable.
Thankfully, their preferred temperature ranges are flexible: within 50°F (10°C) to 80°F (26.67°C).
If your preferred space is indoors, manage the temperature with ACs in the summer and heaters or a fireplace during the winter for more comfort.
Step #3: Adapt to your Corgi’s pooping schedule
Corgis are known for pooping frequently. If you aren’t able to adapt to them, they will poop anywhere and cause inconvenience.
The key is to anticipate their pooping schedule and guide them to the proper spot right as they’re about to do their daily routine.
Many Corgis are morning poopers. They also tend to poop shortly after getting out of their crate. Corgis can stay for 4-5 hours (under 1 year old) or 6-8 hours (1 year and up) inside them.
Lastly, they can also poop while being walked. It’s common for your pet Corgi to pull you by the leash so they can poop on a spot around the street.
The key is to guide them the moment you see the signs.
A Corgi is about to poop if they:
- Lick their butts.
- Circle around one spot.
- Sniff at one particular area.
- They suddenly stop playing.
- Start fidgeting while moving.
When you see these signs, bring your Corgi to your preferred pooping spot. Make sure it’s near their playing area as they may become irritated the longer they have to wait.
Note: Once they poop at the right spot, continue guiding them for several weeks. Be sure to hire a sitter while training them to make sure their training continues while you work.
Tip #2: How to crate train your Corgi
Crate training is another essential skill that your Corgi has to learn. For one, it will allow you to bring your Corgi for vacations.
The safety and confined space will help restrict their movement until you can get them to your destination.
It’s also useful for emergencies as they can hide inside when needed. Thus, it becomes easier to remove them from danger.
Step #1: Select your crate
When crate training your Corgi, you don’t just buy anything random in a store and fit them inside it.
You need to pick a crate that’s just right for them. This means it’s spacious enough for them to move, yet not so big they’ll simply soil in it.
Further, you also need to choose between different types of crates.
The market offers four kinds:
- Metal.
- Wood.
- Plastic.
- Soft-sided.
Each of these crates has a designated purpose. Metal is best for your Corgi if you want to just keep them at home.
The wires are thin enough that they are able to see through it, while the gaps between ensure they have a steady supply of air.
Plastic crates are great for traveling. Most tend to have no side windows, which restricts your Corgi’s field of view and makes them feel safe outdoors.
Soft-sided crates are great for camping. It has side windows with holes just big enough to encourage airflow while still protecting them from strong winds or extreme heat.
Wooden crates combine the security of metal crates with beautiful designs. They look great when displayed next to furniture, while still providing enough security.
You should also choose a crate that suits your dog’s overall environment, such as your house’s area or the space you want to give them.
Lastly, the crate should be just 2-4 inches (5.08 cm – 10.16 cm) above their total length (from nose to tail) and height (from legs to tip of the ears).
Note: If your preferred store allows it, bring your Corgi along while you shop. Clerks will often help you choose the best crate for your situation.
Step #2: Establish the crate as part of their daily routine
To help your Corgi train, make sure they think their crate is part of their whole day. Have them play near it with puzzles, for one.
Once they’re tired, have them go inside their crate for a rest. Keep the door open to make sure they don’t feel trapped.
You should also feed or give them a drink inside their crate. Place their food/water containers just in front of the crate with the door open.
Lastly, give them treats within their crate. You can call them with the ‘come’ command, have them go inside, and give them a treat within it.
Never miss the opportunity to reward your Corgi. The more they associate the crate with rewards and fun, the more they’ll stay inside and feel safe.
Note: Give them a small toy to play with. Put it inside the crate and let them play as they see fit. Before long, your Corgi will bring their toy inside and play it there.
Step #3: Associate the crate with the ‘kennel up’ command
Once you’ve selected your crate and your Corgi is completely at home, you can teach them the actual command.
The ‘kennel up’ command is useful because it will allow you to get your Corgi inside when needed, such as traveling or sleeping at night.
To do the ‘kennel up’ command, bring your Corgi over to their crate and say the command. As you do, put your hand inside the crate while holding the treat.
Once they get in, reward and praise them. Begin closing the door on them after a few cycles of this.
When they’ve mastered the command, try leaving them for increasingly longer periods. Say ‘kennel up,’ leave them for 5, then 10, and 15 minutes, then reward them.
At most, your Corgi should be able to stay for around 4-6 hours if they’re a puppy, or 6-8 hours if they’re adults.
Try to reach these targets progressively until they can stay for hours at a time. Remember to get them out of their crate so they can poop or pee.
Tip #4: How to train your Corgi to sit
Sitting is a command that allows you to keep your Corgi still and paying attention. When crossing the street, you can make your Corgi sit down on kerbs while waiting.
It also prevents jumping or running when meeting with friends and neighbors, or if you want them to relax for a little while.
Step #1: Observe how your dog sits
When it comes to the sitting position, your dog’s actual posture matters. An adult Corgi will often sit with their hips directly under their bodies and front legs standing upright.
Puppy Corgis will often sit with their hips slightly to the side. This is normal in younger Corgis because their hips are still developing.
However, if you find adult Corgis sitting like puppies, it might be a sign of Hip Dysplasia. In a 2017 study of more than 1 million dogs in the United States and Canada, it was found that about 15.56% of them had Hip Dysplasia.
If your Corgi sits differently or limps, do not train them with the sit command and go to the vet.
Step #2: Use your treats to guide their posture
Corgis will do anything for a treat. As an owner, you can use this to your advantage by sticking the treat close to their nose.
Once you have their attention, raise your treat upward until they are sitting upright. As they adjust their posture, say ‘sit.’
Give them the reward once they follow the command. Don’t forget to pet and praise them.
Note: Do not force them to sit. They might feel discomfort or even pain if you force it on them.
Step #3: Make the command part of their daily routine
Once you succeed on your first try, make sure to include it in your Corgi’s daily schedule.
You can teach them the command while walking on the streets or relaxing in the park. Continue luring them into a sitting position with treats until they understand the command.
Tip #5: How to train your Corgi to stand up
The ability to make your Corgi stand on all fours is essential for certain situations. Owners will find this command useful when they need to bathe or groom their Corgi.
After all, Corgis are dwarf breeds and need all 4 of their legs to support their weight. You can’t make them stand on just their hind legs as it might injure their joints.
Step #1: Keep their attention on your treat
When teaching your dog to stand, your first trick should be to keep their attention focused on the treat.
Move your treat to your dog’s nose with your arm forward, then move back until your arms are relaxed. Make sure the dog follows your treat as you do this.
If your dog stands properly, reward them. Add the ‘stand’ command, later on, to help them associate their action with the word.
Step #2: Start backing away
Once your dog is able to stand on cue, back away, and make sure they don’t follow you. Take one step back at a time and reward the dog with small bits of the same treat for each step.
The goal here is to make sure your dog can stay standing for a while. If you’re confident you can make the distance without them moving to you, count the number of seconds they stand.
Give them a treat every 5 seconds and increase the wait for every milestone. Once you’ve waited for 5, give them 10, and so on until they can stand for minutes.
Step #3: Check for any difficulties
Corgis doing the standing position will often do so after sitting or lying down. Use these moments to spot anything wrong with them.
Dogs that have bone conditions will often have irregularities in their posture. They may limp or show weakness on one leg while you guide them.
When you notice these signs, do not train them. Have your pet treated first as they might only associate the ‘stand’ command with pain.
How to train your Corgi to swim
Swimming is great if you want your Corgis to enjoy the water. Despite their stubby legs, they are actually great swimmers due to their strong thighs.
Check out this video to see what I mean:
However, Corgis need to be absolutely healthy before a swim. Injured Corgis will find it much harder to use their legs in water than on the ground.
Get them checked before you swim. Once you’re sure they’re safe, follow these steps:
Step #1: Prepare for emergencies
Preparation comes in two ways here. First, make sure they are wearing a dog life jacket. This will help them paddle while also keeping them safe.
Second, take dog CPR lessons. According to a study, swimming accidents are one of the leading causes of canine drowning.
You should also prepare a first aid kit. If you’re swimming in the sea or pool, check your dog for wounds before and after each swim.
If they have some wound or gash, make sure it’s fully healed before you go on swimming to prevent infection.
Step #2: Take it slow, keep it short
Don’t go out into the open sea immediately. Try using an inflatable pool (or your indoor pool) first in a quiet environment.
Try luring your dog to the other side of your pool with a treat. Corgis are attracted to food, so make sure they associate swimming with treats.
Warning: Keep your eye on your dog at all times and watch how they swim. If your dog starts to struggle, get them out of the water immediately.
Keep your dog in the water for 10 minutes at most. Swimming can push your Corgi’s joints to their limits, so don’t overdo it.
Step #3: Be your pet’s swimming partner
Swimming together with your Corgi is a good idea because it allows you to actively reassure them while they’re in the water.
It also allows you to grab your Corgi by the life jacket should anything go wrong. When they start to panic, you can carry your Corgi back to dry land.