7 Facts About Corgis And Jumping + 9 Tips To Stop Jumping

In this article you’ll find out answers to questions like:

• Can Corgis jump?
• How high can Corgis jump?
• Can Corgis safely jump on furniture like the couch and bed?

You’ll also discover:

• The dangers of jumping.
• Why you shouldn’t react to your Corgi’s jumping.
• Whether it’s a good idea to use jumping during training.
• And more…

I know. It’s a lot to cover 🙂 Let’s dive right in…

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7 Interesting Facts about Corgis and Jumping

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#1: Can Corgis jump?

Corgis can jump. In fact, when it comes to obstacles, it’s the first thing they’ll do. They do this by pushing their hind legs. They then land on their front legs. Although, the way they jump sometimes changes with the terrain. It also strains their joints, so there are limits.

#2: How high can Corgis jump?

Corgis can jump healthily for as low as 8 inches and as high as 12 inches.

Even so, you should consider how tall and old your Corgi is before letting them jump.

They reach their full height (30 cm) after 1 year. Ideally, the obstacles should be about as tall as they are.

#3: Can Corgis safely jump on furniture like the couch and bed?

Corgis can jump safely on furniture, but often fail due to their height. A Corgi is only 12 inches tall at maximum, while the shortest couches are often 15 inches tall.

This is more than their legs can scale or, over time, tolerate. Avoiding them altogether is better.

#4: How often should Corgis jump?

Corgis can jump as part of a training regimen. However, they have physical limitations which prevent them from jumping safely for too long.

Generally, it should only be one or two rounds a day. However, you can visit your vet to find out if your lively Corgi can do more. 

Warning: You should count how many times your Corgi has jumped every day. Each one requires so much on the part of your Corgi. Try keeping a list. 

#5: When can Corgis start jumping?

The recommended age is 1 year old.

This is because Corgi legs don’t grow as fast as their bodies.

In adulthood, their backs are long while their legs remain small. This means even standing already puts pressure.

Your Corgi has to be very healthy before they can jump.

#6: Is jumping good for training Corgis?

Jumping is actually good for training. It can strengthen joints and allows your Corgi to last longer outside. But use this particular exercise sparingly, because a Corgi’s legs are meant for running short distances, not jumping. Go to your vet for an exercise planner if needed.

#7: Can jumping cause diseases?

Jumping itself does not cause diseases on your Corgi. However, overexertion can cause certain problems such as Hip Dysplasia, Intervertebral Disc Disease and even heat stroke.

You can let your Corgi jump, but in a controlled manner. Plan things carefully and follow them.

Note: Corgis are routine-based animals. Often, they will not jump unless it’s frequent, necessary or prompted. You should shape your policies for your young Corgi around this fact.

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9 tips on how to stop a Corgi from jumping

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Jumping can be a very powerful tool to keep your Corgi fit and healthy.

When Corgis jump, they improve their lower body strength. The resulting exercise also keeps body weight off their shoulders.

They also become more capable of absorbing impact. 

In fact, the fittest of Corgis can sometimes jump a few inches above their height without problems. 

However, Corgis can also become too playful and often can’t control themselves until it is too late.

This is where you come in. As an owner, you can train your Corgi and provide them with the restraints they need.

#1: Make your Corgi love specific flat spaces

Corgis are intelligent dogs whose main method of learning is repetition. They remember and actually love doing things that are predictable.

Their legs are also built for the flatlands. Their low stature makes them nimble runners. 

Consequently, they are fond of flat spaces almost by design.

Note: Here is an adorable example of why Corgis are great on flat ground!

Make sure to play with Corgi on flat spaces. It will help them love flat ground more.

Corgis do not look at owners for memories alone, either. They will remember the idle broom placed on the floor if it stays long enough.

And they will remember you playing fetch with them there.

Which flat spaces are recommended?

Typically, you will want to designate “flat spots” for your Corgi. 

This means your home’s kitchen counter, your front yard, or even the street right across.

By walking and playing with your dog there, they won’t just memorize your location.

They will be begging for you to play with them there.

And since they’re flat surfaces, there is no risk for jumping unless you put obstacles there. This lessens the risk of injury and endears you to the Corgi at the same time!

#2: Ask your Corgi to do something different every time they jump

Corgis love to be ordered around by their beloved owners.

They may be headstrong, but they love it when you take charge. It shows them that you care! Asking your Corgi to do things isn’t just routine, it’s an art you can perfect.

However, the way you take charge matters. 

Corgis often find it harder to appreciate negative commands like “no” because they usually indicate negative reinforcement or even punishment. 

For a headstrong Corgi, this sometimes won’t do.

And if you say it in an angry way, your Corgi might also become afraid or frustrated with you. Instead of telling your Corgi to not jump, tell them to do something else.

Preferably, you can ask them to lie down, sit, or go to their favorite spot.

This is because none of these actions will involve jumping. 

Note: It would also help if you issue non-jumping commands more often because Corgis can detect patterns and will eventually love doing things repeatedly.

#3: Do not react if they jump

Corgis are not just playful, they regularly ask for your validation. 

Every time you giggle or smile at your Corgi, they will connect the dots.

And when they find out that you find it cute when they jump, they will remember it.

Once that happens, undoing that habit will be difficult for both you and them.

Teaching your Corgi self-control means showing it yourself. And you can start doing this by not reacting to your Corgi when they jump. 

Don’t laugh, don’t smile, don’t take your phone out. Do nothing and pretend you don’t notice.

Once they realize this, your Corgi will stop and try to get your attention in a different way. They may run toward you, bark, or paw at your feet. When they do, this is when you cuddle or pet them.

In doing so, your Corgi will think that you will only react when they get close to you without jumping.

However, this tip isn’t just for you: it’s also for family and friends.

Before they walk in, let them know that you do not want your Corgi jumping around. If necessary, you can put up a sign for this purpose.

Place it at a prominent spot within the house and everyone will be doing the same.

This ensures that your Corgi won’t jump out of habit.

#4: Keep fellow jumpers away from your dog

If you have only one dog, it’s good for your Corgi in the long-term because you have more control.

However, this advantage disappears when you have several dogs running at your home. Corgis are not just playful, they are social. They love to be around kindred spirits.

And while it’s emotionally great to see Corgis play around, jumping can be a problem.

When Corgis chase each other, they will regularly jump on each other’s bodies.

And none of these are good for your dog later. Too much physical activity can be dangerous for your Corgi. As such…

Playtime with other dogs should not be the norm, but the exception.

Have your Corgi socialize with other dogs, but regulate it to 30-45 minutes: the prescribed play time. This should be even less if your Corgi already has some existing condition. 

Fun with friends is always good for your Corgi, but in the end, you need to be at the very center of their social circle.

You may also ask your local dog trainer for other steps you can take to keep your Corgi from socializing too much.

A dog trainer can give you practical advice that will prevent awkward situations. One of which could be you calling your Corgi endlessly to come home with you while they’re having the time of their life with some peers.

#5: Have your Corgi checked consistently

This step alone won’t prevent Corgis from jumping.

But this does allow you to know when to stop your Corgi from jumping. This is crucial because a Corgi’s joints are surprisingly fragile.

With the shock that a jump provides to these joints, it can suddenly complicate joint problems or even cause new ones.

Note: You can read our section on Corgi health problems here.

What’s more, joint problems can be gradual. This means you likely won’t notice anything wrong until your Corgi gets seriously injured.

The only way you can prevent this oversight is by going for yearly checkups. 

Have your Corgi go to the vet so you can see if there’s anything wrong. It’s also a good way to acquaint your dog with your vet so they won’t be afraid later.

Should my Corgi stop jumping if they have a joint-related condition?

They should stop. Sadly, damage to the joints is typically permanent.

Some are even degenerative, meaning your Corgi will inevitably decline. Since jumping is a tiring activity, it can be torture for a sick Corgi.

You can still have them walk or run occasionally depending on your vet’s advice.

But typically, jumping is for the healthy ones.

Note: Prevention is always better than cure – financially and emotionally!

#6: Carry your Corgi more often

The quickest way to prevent a Corgi from jumping is to literally carry them.

This can be a particularly useful solution if you need your Corgi to go up. While they can scale elevations on their own, it’s not the most ideal setting.

Note: Corgis can’t handle jagged terrain for too long.

Carrying becomes your crutch during these times. It’s also useful if your Corgi’s not used to your commands yet.

When should I carry my Corgi?

It’s understandable that you can’t always do the heavy lifting. That besides, you also want your Corgi to get exercise.

So you should carry them only across elevations, like stairs.

Reading tip: Can Corgis Climb Stairs? 5 Hidden Dangers & 9 Simple Tips

Further, your Corgi should never jump down from things. 

This is because gravity adds to the Corgi’s overall weight.

It puts more stress on their front legs than jumping or walking upward.

Note: Here is an example of how Corgis jump downstairs. Take a look at the front legs:

It’s also a good idea to carry your Corgi if you aren’t sure about the terrain yourself.

As a general rule, keep an eye out for anything that makes the ground uneven and carry your dog across them.

#7: Notice how they jump

Dogs tend to jump with the hind legs first and land on their front legs. Each leg works perfectly with the other to distribute weight across the joints evenly.

This makes many of them ambidextrous- they can use their left or right legs equally.

This evolutionary advantage is more useful for your Corgi because they have long backs and small legs.

The moment they start favoring one leg over the other, or if they start limping, stop your dog from jumping.

To be sure, take your dog to the vet immediately.

Further, you should discourage Corgis from jumping down, because the front legs will have to bear all of the Corgi’s weight.

You want your Corgi to be using their legs equally because it means they are healthy.

Note: Corgis don’t often cry in pain; they show it with their jagged movements. You need to get a handle on your Corgi’s movement patterns to keep them safe.

#8: Remove anything that requires your dog to jump

Jumping is not a natural phenomenon for Corgis. Although they can jump, their legs are not meant for that specifically.

Unless you give your Corgi any reason to jump, they won’t do it.

This means obstacles or any distractions around the house that might get them to jump. If you have scattered toys or unused boxes, feel free to remove them.

What if removing them is not an option, like furniture?

In this case, you need to actively teach your dog to stay away from them.

There is a dedicated “off” command for this purpose.

The basic idea is for you to make your dog think that getting off the couch is rewarding.

Naturally, you have to be ready to give them treats with each “off” command. Do the following in this particular order:

1. Get your treat out.
2. Put the treat where you are standing.
3. Tell your dog to get “off.” Move them to your treat by the collar.
4. Pet your dog and reassure them they are doing a wonderful job.

You can then rinse and repeat this until you no longer need to tell them. This will take weeks or even months, but keep at it and it will pay off.

Note: Most Corgis will struggle and fail to climb most platforms. However, this doesn’t mean you should just let them try constantly. “Standing” on two legs puts pressure on the hind legs, so you still need to forbid them from doing it.

#9: Use implements

Instruments are a way for you to discipline your Corgi passively.

If you use them cleverly, especially in a Corgi’s early years, they will gladly go to or stay away from them for much of their lives.

Knowing which one to use at the right time will definitely help with this purpose.

You do not have to own all of these, but it would help if you at least had some.

You can even improvise on some of these with a few tools. These are some instruments you’ll need:

• Walks: Leash. A leash allows you to keep your Corgi in check and keep them in line when they start jumping. It has to be at least 6 feet long to allow movement.
• Stairs: Dog fence. Dog fences can block off the stairs for your dogs and prevent them from jumping up and down there.
• Exercise: Playpen. A large playpen will allow your Corgi to let off some steam. If you place it on completely flat ground, they won’t jump.
• Commands: Treats. These can be cheese, sausage or bacon. You need to prepare a lot of these to get your Corgi motivated. Be sure to keep them bite-sized.

Note: Instruments are just a means for you to train your dog. Ultimately, you will still need to interact with them in order to get them to stop jumping.