With stubby legs, pointy ears, and a playful demeanor, the Corgi Puppy is undeniably charming. Renowned as favorites of the British royalty, Corgis have become beloved family members in many households. However, the playful bites of a Corgi Puppy, while adorable, can develop into problematic behavior if not addressed properly. Here’s a comprehensive guide on managing and preventing biting in a Corgi Puppy.
1. Understanding the Biting Behavior
Before rectifying the biting behavior of a Corgi Puppy, it’s paramount to understand its root causes:
- Herding Instinct: Corgis are historically herding dogs. A Corgi Puppy may display its herding tendencies by nipping at heels, which is a natural, instinctual behavior.
- Teething Pains: Like every young canine, a Corgi Puppy undergoes the teething phase, prompting them to bite objects around them for relief.
- Play and Exploration: A Corgi Puppy is inquisitive by nature and often uses its mouth to understand its surroundings and engage in playful bouts.
2. Offer Suitable Chew Toys
To provide a constructive outlet for their biting tendencies, especially during teething, ensure your Corgi Puppy has a variety of chew toys at their disposal. These toys can help soothe their gums and divert their attention from biting inappropriate items.
3. Instill Bite Inhibition Early
It’s beneficial for a Corgi Puppy to learn bite inhibition at a young age. When they bite too hard during play, let out a pronounced, sharp yelp, mimicking the feedback they’d receive from their littermates. This helps the Corgi Puppy grasp the difference between acceptable mouthing and painful biting.
4. Consistency is the Key
All family members and visitors must react similarly when the Corgi Puppy exhibits biting behavior. This consistency helps the Corgi Puppy recognize and respect boundaries faster and more effectively.
5. Prioritize Early Socialization
Introduce your Corgi Puppy to a variety of environments, other animals, and people from a young age. A well-socialized Corgi Puppy, accustomed to various stimuli, is generally less likely to react with aggressive biting.
6. Opt for Non-Biting Play Activities
Engage your Corgi Puppy in games that don’t directly encourage biting, such as fetch. While a bit of tug-of-war can be enjoyable, always ensure it doesn’t escalate into aggressive behavior. Keep your Corgi Puppy mentally stimulated with appropriate toys and puzzles designed for their active minds.
7. Implement “Time-Out” Sessions
Should your Corgi Puppy become overly excited and bite during play, momentarily isolate them in a quiet area. This brief “time-out” sends a clear message to the Corgi Puppy: biting results in halted playtime.
8. Celebrate Non-Biting Behaviors
When your Corgi Puppy chooses a toy over a hand or demonstrates restraint, reward them. Positive reinforcements, whether verbal praise or tasty treats, emphasize good behavior in a Corgi Puppy.
9. Seek Expert Guidance if Needed
If biting becomes a recurring issue, consider seeking the expertise of a professional dog trainer or behaviorist to guide your Corgi Puppy on the right path.
An Online Dog Training Course Can Help Your Corgi to Stop Biting
Our 2 favorite online courses are:
1. SpiritDog’s “Perfect Obedience” Course
The Perfect Dog Obedience Bundle is an online dog training program designed to help dog owners achieve well-behaved pets. The comprehensive course covers basic obedience, biting, loose leash walking, and includes bonus mini-courses on training habits and rewards, stopping jumping, and separation anxiety solutions. With lifetime access to expert trainers for personalized feedback and a 60-day money-back guarantee, this course aims to provide effective, accessible training for a variety of dog behavior issues.
2. K9 Training Institute’s “Dog Masterclass”
More than just an obedience course, this more comprehensive training course tackles any behavior problem you might face with your dog.
Conclusion
The journey of raising a well-behaved Corgi Puppy, free from biting issues, requires patience, understanding, and commitment. By addressing biting tendencies early and employing positive reinforcement techniques, you lay the foundation for a harmonious relationship with your Corgi Puppy. With love and the right guidance, your Corgi Puppy will mature into a well-adjusted adult, remaining your loyal companion for years to come.
Toledo, United States.
