Corgis are adorable, intelligent, and playful dogs that make great companions for families and individuals alike. If you’re considering bringing a Corgi into your home, there are a few things you should know before making the commitment. Whether you’re adopting a Corgi from a rescue or bringing home a new puppy, here are 12 things to keep in mind.
1. Corgis are Herding Dogs
Corgis are herding dogs that were originally bred to drive cattle and sheep. This means that they have a natural instinct to chase and herd, which can sometimes translate to nipping or biting at ankles or heels. It’s important to train your Corgi not to nip or bite, and to provide them with plenty of opportunities to exercise their herding instincts in a safe and appropriate way.
2. Corgis are Active Dogs
Corgis may be small in size, but they’re big in energy. These dogs require daily exercise and mental stimulation to keep them happy and healthy. Plan on taking your Corgi for a daily walk or run, and provide them with plenty of toys and puzzles to keep their minds active.
3. Corgis Shed A Lot
Corgis have a thick double coat that sheds heavily twice a year. Be prepared to brush your Corgi’s coat regularly to prevent mats and tangles, and invest in a good vacuum cleaner to keep your home clean.
4. Corgis Are Intelligent Dogs
Corgis are intelligent dogs that respond well to positive reinforcement training. These dogs are quick learners and enjoy learning new tricks and commands.
5. Corgis Are Good with Children
Corgis make great family dogs and are generally good with children. However, it’s important to supervise interactions between young children and dogs and to teach children how to interact with dogs in a safe and appropriate way.
6. Corgis Can Be Stubborn
While Corgis are intelligent and eager to please, they can also be stubborn at times. Be patient and consistent when training your Corgi, and use positive reinforcement to encourage good behavior.
7. Corgis are Prone to Obesity
Corgis have a tendency to gain weight, so it’s important to monitor their diet and exercise to prevent obesity. Make sure your Corgi gets enough exercise, and talk to your veterinarian about the best diet for your dog’s age, weight, and activity level.
8. Corgis are Prone to Back Problems
Corgis have a long spine and short legs, which puts them at risk for back problems. It’s important to keep your Corgi at a healthy weight and to avoid activities that could put a strain on their back, such as jumping from heights or going up and down stairs frequently.
9. Corgis Love to Dig
Corgis have a natural instinct to dig, which can be destructive to your yard or garden. Provide your Corgi with a designated digging area, such as a sandbox or digging pit, to satisfy their digging instincts.
10. Corgis Can Be Vocal
Corgis have a tendency to bark and howl, especially when they’re bored or anxious. To prevent excessive barking, provide your Corgi with plenty of mental and physical stimulation, and teach them to be quiet on command.
11. Consider Pet Insurance
Corgis are generally healthy dogs, but they can still be prone to certain health issues, such as hip dysplasia and intervertebral disc disease. Pet insurance can help you cover the costs of unexpected veterinary bills and ensure that your Corgi receives the best possible care.
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12. Consider Dog Training
Corgis are intelligent dogs that respond well to positive reinforcement training. Dog training can help you teach your Corgi basic obedience commands, as well as fun tricks and games that provide mental stimulation. Consider enrolling your Corgi in a puppy kindergarten or obedience class to help them develop good manners and social skills.
Check out the Best 7 Online Dog Training Programs here.
13. Make Sure These Products Are On Your Shopping List!
Bringing home a new Corgi can be overwhelming, so we compiled a comprehensive list of every product you’ll need for your new Corgi here.
FAQ for First-Time Corgi Owners
1. How often should I exercise my Corgi?
Corgis require daily exercise to keep them happy and healthy. Plan on taking your Corgi for a daily walk or run, and provide them with plenty of toys and puzzles to keep their minds active.
2. How often should I groom my Corgi?
Corgis have a thick double coat that sheds heavily twice a year. Be prepared to brush your Corgi’s coat regularly to prevent mats and tangles, and invest in a good vacuum cleaner to keep your home clean.
3. Are Corgis good with children?
Corgis make great family dogs and are generally good with children. However, it’s important to supervise interactions between young children and dogs and to teach children how to interact with dogs in a safe and appropriate way.
4. Do Corgis have any health issues?
Corgis can be prone to certain health issues, such as hip dysplasia and intervertebral disc disease. It’s important to keep your Corgi at a healthy weight and to schedule regular veterinary check-ups to monitor their health.
5. Should I consider pet insurance for my Corgi?
Pet insurance can help you cover the costs of unexpected veterinary bills and ensure that your Corgi receives the best possible care. Consider purchasing pet insurance to give you peace of mind and protect your furry friend’s health.
6. How do I house-train my Corgi?
House training your Corgi can take time and patience. Start by establishing a regular feeding schedule and taking your puppy outside to go to the bathroom after each meal. Praise and reward your puppy when they go outside, and be consistent with your training.
7. How do I prevent my Corgi from becoming overweight?
Corgis love to eat and can easily become overweight if they don’t receive enough exercise and a balanced diet. Make sure to feed your Corgi high-quality dog food in appropriate portions, and provide them with plenty of opportunities to exercise and play.
8. How do I socialize with my Corgi?
Socializing your Corgi is important to help them develop good manners and social skills. Introduce your puppy to a variety of people, animals, and situations, and provide positive reinforcement for good behavior. Consider enrolling your Corgi in a puppy kindergarten or obedience class to help them learn how to interact with other dogs and people.
9. How much should I expect to spend on my Corgi each year?
The cost of owning a Corgi can vary depending on a number of factors, such as age, health, and where you live. On average, you can expect to spend between $1,000 and $2,000 per year on food, veterinary care, and other expenses.
10. Are Corgis easy to train?
Corgis are intelligent dogs that respond well to positive reinforcement training. However, they can also be stubborn and independent at times, so it’s important to be patient and consistent with your training.
11. How do I choose the right breeder or rescue organization?
If you’re interested in purchasing a Corgi from a breeder, make sure to do your research and choose a reputable breeder with a good reputation. If you’re adopting a Corgi from a rescue organization, make sure to ask questions about the dog’s health and behavior history.
12. Can Corgis be left alone during the day?
Corgis are social dogs that thrive on human interaction, so it’s not recommended to leave them alone for long periods of time. Consider hiring a dog walker or pet sitter to provide your Corgi with attention and exercise while you’re away.
Conclusion
Bringing home a new Corgi can be an exciting and rewarding experience, but it’s important to do your research and prepare for the responsibilities of dog ownership. By considering the factors outlined in this article, you can help ensure that your Corgi is happy, healthy, and well-behaved.
Toledo, United States.
