Can Corgis Be Left Alone? (And Stay Home Alone All Day?)

You want to take your Corgi wherever you go. But it’s not practical to bring your Corgi to work and other ocassions.

So you wonder if Corgis can be left alone (and for how long).

You have questions. I have answers.

Here you’ll discover:

• 9 tips to let your Corgi safely stay at home.
• If you can train a Corgi to behave while he’s alone.
• What you can do when your Corgi has separation anxiety.
• And more…

Can Corgis be left alone?

Corgis can be left alone, but that depends on 3 primary factors – how close you are to your Corgi, how old they are, and how well they have been trained. Corgis expect intimacy from their owners, so be careful if you want to leave your home without them.

How long can Corgis stay home alone?

Adult Corgis (1 year and older) can stay home alone for less than a day. You can leave for your 8-hour workday and it’s going to be fine. But they may start to ask for attention if you leave them alone for longer: barking and jumping around are some tendencies you need to watch out for.

Warning: Corgi puppies absolutely can’t be left alone because it can scare them. Leave them to someone you trust if they are less than 1 year old.

Can you make staying at home easier for your Corgi?

Staying at home will be easier for your Corgi if you give them things to do.

You can give them their favorite ball or puzzle and it will keep them occupied for hours. You should also keep them in an open space within the house to keep them safe from heatstroke.

Note: See Tip #1 to know more about what puzzles or materials you can leave!

Can you train your Corgi to behave when alone?

Corgis can behave alone, too!

They are loyal dogs and will keep quiet if you train them well.

With a few well-placed fences, food & water compartments, and changes in habit on your part, your dog will learn to think that being alone is also healthy for them sometimes. 

Can I leave my Corgis alone if they are sick?

Corgis should not be left alone when sick. Since they are vulnerable to certain diseases, you should be with your dog every time they display weakness. If possible, you should call in sick and be with them personally. If not, hire a sitter or ask help from a friend or neighbor.

Can Corgis be left alone with other dogs in your house?

Corgis can be alone with other dogs.

In fact, they tend to be super friendly with dogs they know. But they need to have equal resources so they don’t fight each other. Separate their food and water compartments and give one toy for each dog. They should also have their own crates. 

Should Corgis have the house to themselves when alone?

If your house has plenty of space, do not give it all to your Corgi. Seal off your stairs because they might break their hips climbing without aid.

Give them a place to poop or pee so they don’t make a mess later and keep them away from the gate to prevent them from barking at neighbors.

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9 tips to let your Corgi safely stay home

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#1: Don’t be too clingy

Owners tend to find it difficult to leave their Corgis behind. 

With how cute they are, who can blame them?

Sometimes, a simple “goodbye” can end up in a cuddling session, leaving you running late for work.

This may sound sweet, but it can actually harm your Corgi in a different way.

Since Corgis are social creatures, one burst of affection isn’t enough.

The more you show that you’ll miss them, the more you’ll trigger their separation anxiety.

Dogs with separation anxiety tend to throw tantrums when parted from their favorite owners. It can involve them:

1. Running in circles.
2. Blocking your exit.
3. Ignoring your commands.
4. Barking or howling nonstop.
5. Constantly pawing at your pants.

As such, your Corgi can end up bothering your neighbors and even messing things up around the house.

When this happens, it means you have lost all control over your Corgi.

What can you do?

In milder cases of separation anxiety, it’s enough to simply give your dog special “parting” toys. Some of these include:

• Snuffle mats. Built to imitate outdoor grass, the snuffle mat is a good way for your Corgis to search for food when you’re not there.
• Bone chew toy. This classic tool will let your Corgi unleash some tension for 20-30 minutes at a time.

Note: It also acts as a fun toothbrush, removing debris from their teeth with every bite.

• Twist and Treat. A toy that provides treats when opened, it turns dogs into problem-solvers. This reward system can keep a dog happy if you’re not around.

Note: Only use these when you’re leaving so your Corgi will know they’re being rewarded for staying alone.

In more severe cases, you will need to talk to an animal behaviorist and let your dog undergo a special program involving:

• Desensitization:  Lessening your dog’s fear and anxiety.
• Counterconditioning: Changing your dog’s reaction from stressed to happy.

Caution: Separation anxiety gets worse over time. Once you start seeing a pattern of agitation, consult a trainer or behaviorist immediately.

#2: Dog-proof a lot of places

Corgis are naturally active dogs and will go anywhere they wish.

Unfortunately, some places can be harmful to them without guidance. 

For example, they may jump across steps in your house. 

This can harm their joints later if they do it constantly..

When you’re not around, they are likely to run up and down the stairs looking for you.

If they do it long enough, it could cause long-term problems like Hip Dysplasia.

You also don’t want your Corgi near your kitchen as they can bump into tables, squeeze themselves into corners or break glasses.

This can cause flesh wounds or bruises which you will have to nurse when you get back.

As such, you want to put up a fence on your stairway and a door in your kitchen.

You should also keep your toilet doors locked unless you have specifically potty-trained them there.

This is because when dogs get bored, they tend to eat toilet paper.

Lastly, you should not place your Corgi in your front yard.

This is because Corgis are territorial and hostile to people or animals they don’t know.

If your front yard is located on a busy street, your Corgi will be barking for hours and annoy your neighbors.

In general, you should put locks on as many places in your house as possible. 

This is because Corgis are bright dogs. Sometimes, walls and simple obstacles won’t be enough.

Note: It would also help if you can keep everything flat. This means no access to steps, short tables, or cushions. 

#3: Give your Corgi an exclusive space

Being alone can be heartbreaking for an attached Corgi, even if it’s just for a day.

As such, you want them to be comfortable with the place they will be staying in when you’re not around.

It’s usually a good idea to keep your Corgis in the living room, but each house has different layouts. This can make deciding difficult.

Choosing poorly can lead to your Corgi having health problems later.

Instead of placing your Corgi anywhere in the house, think of a place and ask the following questions:

• Is it flat? Corgis have fragile legs that make climbing and jumping down taxing on their joints.
• Is it spacious? As herding dogs, Corgis love having some room. When you’re not around, they’re likely to walk around to entertain themselves.
• Is the temperature okay? Corgis have thick coats that allow them to tolerate temperatures between 25-30° Celsius (78-87° Fahrenheit).
• Is the place curiosity-proof? Toilet paper, yarn, or loose screws can make your dog curious. They may start munching on them.
• Are there no birds and dogs in the area? Birds and dogs tend to trigger a Corgi’s herding instinct. If they hear the distant barking, they may bark loudly in kind. 

If your answer to these is yes, it means you have found the perfect spot for your Corgi.

If something isn’t right, you’ll have to adjust accordingly by:

• Eliminating elevated surfaces.
• Keeping them away from birds and dogs.
• Removing anything unnecessary for your dog.
• Having space be the size of an actual bedroom or kitchen.
• Adjusting the thermostat or moving to a place where the wind blows in your dog’s direction.

#4: Be neighborly

If you’re working full-time with a busy schedule, you may sometimes miss out on your Corgi completely.

This can stress any Corgi out no matter how well-trained they are because they still need to bond with their owners.

Caution: Trained Corgis can only tolerate 7-8 hours of being lonely. After that, they will likely start looking for you.

When you leave them alone, they can accidentally hurt themselves trying to deal with their boredom.

They may also end up breaking glasses and silverware, disarrange chairs, or even sift through your clothes.

If you’re in a neighborhood with other dogs, they might howl and make a lot of noise.

And if there’s no one ready to help, your dog could be in real danger.

As such, you should try befriending your neighbors.

Good neighbors can often be asked to watch your dog for you while you’re away. 

They can also give them food and even help them bond with your dog.

They’ll also understand your dog more when they bark or miss you.

You can also hire a dog walker or pet sitter. They will give your dog some exercise while you’re not there.

Caution: Dogs can end up loving their sitters more than you if you’re often absent. Spare some time every day when you get back!

#5: Consider going to doggy daycare

Doggy Daycare is fantastic for giving your Corgi some exercise and interaction without your presence.

With sitters and other dogs, they will overcome loneliness, especially if you’re still training them.

There are other benefits as well. These include:

• Social training. Daycares often house a lot of dogs every day. Meeting new ones at a steady pace will make your Corgi more social.
• Feeling secure. Doggy daycares often give owners a sense of security, and each session can cost as little as $20-30 USD per day!
• Terrain variation. Doggy daycares are packed with ramps, empty fields, and even slides. Pet trainers regularly use these to strengthen dog joints.
• Emergency readiness. Dog trainers are often ready to offer first-aid to your Corgi.
• Breed-specific training. Trainers understand each breed well and will adapt to your Corgi’s needs.

However, you should limit your dog’s stay to 2-3 days per week as too much activity can cause health issues.

It can also eventually trigger separation anxiety by exposing them to too much socializing.

If you’re not able to meet your Corgi constantly after the 2-3 day period, consider hiring a sitter for the intervening days.

Note: Try sticking to a fixed schedule per week. This will help establish a sense of routine in your Corgi’s mind.

Make sure you don’t go on consecutive days so your Corgi can get properly alternate between rest and play.

#6: Install security cameras

Security cameras are not just for intruders and thieves.

They’re also great for keeping track of your dogs.

Since Corgis are really smart and curious, they will sometimes try to open doors or find a way around fences.

They may bark or scratch covers from time to time when they’re bored.

They will also try to escape more often if they have separation anxiety.

Having a camera around will allow you to improve your defenses constantly and know if doors or fences need fixing.

It will also tell you what stuff to remove around the house to prevent unnecessary climbing.

Some cameras (like the nest cam) also have a built-in speaker that allows you to talk to your dog during your breaks and even issue orders!

If your Corgi is well-trained, you can tell them to get off the couch or go back to their crate without being there.

Note: Cameras with built-in speakers can be expensive at $129.99 minimum, but don’t compromise. It will work wonders for your dog’s mental and physical health later!

#7: Train them for the crate

Owners who want to leave their dogs at home need the crate or kennel.

They act as a house within the house. Your Corgi can stay in it for the day or eat their meals there.

It also minimizes scratches or any disarrangement around the house.

Bonus Tip: You can also consider playpens as an alternative to crates. They are more spacious, allowing your Corgis to roam freely within it.

However, getting to this point requires constant conditioning for up to 6 months or more.

Typically, the training revolves around these steps:

1. Give dog treats when they leave the crate. Anything that’s bite-sized like a small slice of meat or cheese will work.
2. Play fetch or put their favorite toys in the crate. This way, your Corgi will think that being in the crate is fun.
3. Lock crates until you are ready to leave them open. Your Corgi needs to acquaint themselves with their space. You can keep them open if your Corgi starts getting in on their own.

Note: Here’s an adorable video of what a fully-trained Corgi looks like:

• Put them in their crate at specific times during the day. You can tuck your Corgi in for a nap. Doing so will allow them to associate crates with sleep.

Note: Corgis are heavy sleepers during middays and afternoons. On a good day, they can sleep for up to 4-5 hours.

• Leave essentials such as a bed, food, and water containers. You want your crate to be accommodating and well-stocked. 

Since each Corgi is different, you should ask your trainer for the best sequence based on your Corgi’s personality and habits.

Be sure to take down notes so the trainer can construct the perfect program for your dog.

Caution: Do not use the crate to punish your dog for disobeying. It can make them hate crates.

#8: Have a playtime schedule set for when you get back

Corgis always look forward to seeing their owners come back.

In fact, it’s the first thing they understand when they hear your car’s engine.

When you get home, you will always be greeted by barking and tail-wagging. 

This means they want to play with you, and you should oblige because it contributes to your dog’s learning patterns.

Playing with them after a long day is also therapeutic, helping with anxiety.

It’s also a way for you to improve your dog’s joints if you think they’re not receiving enough exercise.

All it takes is 30-45 minutes of your time.

However, this isn’t just for health. It’s also part of your dog’s training.

Playing after work is positive reinforcement. Your Corgi will eventually understand that behaving means getting their owner’s love.

Note: It’s also really good for you. Playing with your dog can make you much happier and even help with depression or burnout from work.

Thus, you should assign a specific time every day for bonding. 

It could be before or after dinner, or just before your bedtime. 

You can play fetch or hide-and-seek, blow bubbles or even go for a nightly swim in shallow waters!

At the end of the day, the goal is to de-stress together.

#9: Maintain a social ambience before leaving

Before taking off, make sure to at least have some appliances running.

Having your TV blast news in the background can have a comforting effect on your Corgi.

It also helps them with their crate training, because it can take up to 6 months before they get used to having their own den.

You should also keep your Corgi’s space well-lit at all times. 

This is very useful if your dog is afraid of the dark.

If possible, you should also call your dog through a special security cam.

You can also have a neighbor’s phone on loudspeaker.

Dogs may not smell you this way, but they can recognize their owner’s voice and authority. 

Note: Even a 10-minute call will keep them happy for hours. Consider calling your dog on your break times.

You should also give your dog orders while calling: it will help them catch up on training.

If you’re unable to call, you can get a dog sitter, close neighbor, or relative to play with your dog for you during the day.

Caution: None of these are substitutes for physical interaction with their owner. These methods may not always help with separation anxiety. 

Be sure to ask a behaviorist for additional advice!