With their cute looks and lively personality, corgis have become a popular choice for dog owners. However, in terms of training, their unique characteristics bring them both challenges and opportunities. Understanding the nature and various aspects of training of corgis is essential for anyone starting to teach this delightful breed.
The temperament of the corgi
Corgis are known for their intelligence and strong nature. They are highly alert and curious, which can be a double-edged sword in training. Their intelligence enables them to grasp new commands and concepts quickly. For example, they can learn basic obedience cues such as sitting, staying, and coming over relatively quickly. However, their strong will means they are also likely to push boundaries and try to stick to their preferences. They are not always eager to blindly follow orders without understanding the purpose. This independent personality can sometimes make them seem stubborn. For example, if a corgi decides to explore a particular area on a walk instead of following a recall order, it may refuse to return immediately.
Corgis are also affectionate and eager to please their owners, which is a great asset in training. They thrive on positive reinforcement and love the interaction and praise that a successful training session brings. Their social nature makes them respond to human cues and emotions. When they sense that their host is happy and approved, they are more likely to repeat behaviors that lead to a positive response.
Basic obedience training
House training
Training corgis indoors can be challenging. They are generally clean dogs and have a natural tendency to keep their living areas tidy. However, like all puppies, they need to learn where it is appropriate to relieve themselves. Persistence is the key. Establish a schedule of taking your puppy out regularly, especially after meals, naps, and playtime, to help them understand the routine. Box training can be an effective method because corgis usually don’t like to get dirty where they sleep. But this requires patience and careful monitoring to avoid accidents. For example, if a puppy is left in a crate for too long, it could have an accident, which could set back training progress. When puppies go to the bathroom outside, positive reinforcement, such as rewards and praise, encourages them to repeat the behavior.
Sit, wait, and command
Because of the corgis’ intelligence, teaching them basic commands like sit, stay, and come is relatively simple. For the “sit” command, holding the food above their heads and slowly moving it back can encourage them to lower their hind legs. Once they sit down, immediately reward them with treats and compliments. Stay commands are needed to build their impulse control. Start short and gradually increase the time. The order to come is vital to their safety. Using high-pitched, excited tones and treats as bait can help. But it’s important to practice in a distract-free environment first, and then gradually introduce light distractions. For example, start training in a quiet room, then move to the backyard with some toys around.
Socialization training
Corgis need proper socialization from an early age. If not properly exposed and introduced, they can be wary of strangers and other animals. Puppy socializing classes are highly recommended. These classes expose them to a wide variety of people, including children and adults of different ages and genders, as well as other dogs and sometimes even cats. During socializing, it is important to monitor their reactions closely. If the corgi shows signs of fear or aggression, such as growling or cowering, it must be addressed immediately. For example, if a corgi is afraid of a large dog, introducing them slowly from a safe distance and rewarding calm behavior can help them overcome their fear. Socializing should be a positive experience, so it’s crucial to reinforce the good behavior of those around you with rewards and praise.
Advanced training
Agility training
Corgis excel at agility training. Their small size and athletic build make them ideal for jumping obstacles. However, this requires a lot of patience and perseverance. Training should start with basic obstacles, such as jumps and tunnels, and work your way up to more complex obstacles. Positive reinforcement is crucial because corgis may lose interest if they feel stressed or punished. For example, every time they successfully complete an obstacle, reward them with a favorite toy or snack to keep them motivated. They also need to build up their confidence, so starting with a low height jump and gradually increasing the difficulty is a good way to do this.
Herding training
Despite their small stature, corgis have a strong herding instinct. If you have livestock or want to use them in herding activities, specialized training is required. This included teaching them commands to control the animal’s movement, such as “go away” to move the animal in a certain direction and “come over” to bring the animal in. This is a complex form of training that requires an understanding of the corgi’s instincts and the behavior of herded animals. Corgis need to learn to respond to their handlers’ cues while also taking advantage of their natural herding abilities. For example, they may instinctively try to bite an animal’s heel, and it’s important to teach them the proper level of contact.
Training challenge
distract
Corgis are easily distracted, especially by smells and small moving objects. During training, if a squirrel runs by or there is a delicious smell in the air, they may lose focus on the task at hand. This makes it difficult for them to stay focused during training. To overcome this, it is important to train in a variety of environments and gradually increase the level of distraction. For example, start training in a quiet, enclosed space, then move to a park with more activities.
bark
Corgis are known as talking dogs. They may bark to alert their owners to something, or simply out of boredom. Excessive barking is a nuisance that needs to be addressed in training. Teaching them a “quiet” command can help. When they start barking, use a firm but not harsh tone and command them to “be quiet.” Once they stop barking, reward them. However, it is important to determine the reason for the barking in the first place. If it is due to boredom, providing more mental and physical stimulation can reduce the behavior.
obstinate
As mentioned earlier, their strong will can make them seem stubborn. If they don’t understand the meaning of the command, or if they are more interested in other things, they may not always follow the command. This requires firmness and consistency. Using positive reinforcement methods and making the training process fun and engaging can help them overcome stubborn tendencies. For example, incorporating play time into training, such as playing catch after a successful obedience session, makes the training more appealing to them.
Training tools and techniques
Treatment and reward
Food is a powerful tool in corgi training. They can be used to lure a dog into the right position to give a command and as a reward for successfully completing a task. However, it is important to choose healthy, small portion sizes and not overfeed. Things like small pieces of chicken, cheese, or commercial dog training treats work well. The key is to give rewards immediately after you perform the desired behavior to strengthen that connection.
Phonograph training
Firing training works for the corgis. The siren makes a distinctive sound that signals to the dog that they are doing it right. It’s paired with a treat. For example, while teaching the “sit” command, click the clicker the moment the corgi’s hips touch the ground, and then feed it. Over time, the dog learns to associate the click with the correct behavior and will repeat it to get the reward.
Training Collars and Harnesses A regular flat collar is suitable for most basic training. However, for leash training, a harness may be more comfortable and give the owner better control, especially if the Corgi tends to pull. There are also training collars like martingale collars that can provide a gentle correction without choking the dog. But it’s important to use any collar or harness correctly and not rely solely on them for training. The focus should always be on positive reinforcement and teaching the dog proper behavior.
Conclusion
In conclusion, training a Corgi has its challenges but also offers many rewards. Their intelligence and affectionate nature make them capable of learning a wide range of skills, from basic obedience to advanced activities like agility and herding. By understanding their temperament, using appropriate training tools and techniques, and being patient and consistent, owners can successfully train their Corgis to be well-behaved and enjoyable companions. It’s a journey that requires time and dedication, but the bond that develops between the owner and the Corgi during the training process is truly special.
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