Pembroke Welsh corgi Training: General Overview
Any dog training involves a thorough knowledge on the breed of the dog. In this case, you are going to train a highly trainable dog. Pembroke Welsh corgis are very intelligent animals. Corgis were originally bred for herding cattle and sheep. Their history has proven that they are very dependable animals with impeccable intelligence. They constantly excel in agility, competitions, and sheepdog trials. They pick up commands quickly and are very willing to please their masters.
As for the temperament, never expect a corgi to be shy. These dogs are big dogs in small bodies. They are highly active, alert, brave, and loyal to their owners. Since they’re herding dogs, they may exhibit nipping tendencies with small children. This problem can be addressed with the proper obedience training, which should start as early as possible.
The Importance of a Routine
A young Pembroke Welsh corgi should be taught daily routines. This includes a fixed location for its food and water and a fixed schedule for its meals. The bed or cage should stay in one place and there should be a designated area for its toys. Walks and play time should also be scheduled. Basically, many aspects of the puppy’s schedule should be fixed. Routines give puppies a sense of security and it makes them easier to potty train, a very basic component of training. You can set the routine as early as the puppy turns 2 to 3 months, although you shouldn’t expect to see results right away. Be firm with the puppy but be gentle.
The routine will make the puppy more behaved and self-assured. This is a very good foundation for successful training.
Housebreaking through Crate Training
Housebreaking can be done once the corgi pup hits 2 months. As emphasized above, there should be a set schedule and location where the dog will pee and poop. The crate or cage becomes very invaluable at this point. Puppies are not inclined to excrete in their territories. After eating, keep them in their crate for 30-45 minutes. Afterwards, take them out and bring them to their designated toilet area.
Positive Reinforcement
Positive reinforcement is every important in everything that you teach the corgi. For example, if they accidentally soil elsewhere, don’t scream or spank the dog. It only means that they cannot be given free access around the house yet. Clean up after the mess and firmly stick to the schedule. If they eliminate on the designated spot and schedule, praise them verbally. They will soon associate the positive reaction with the right action. The same philosophy applies to obedience training. If they sit on cue, give them a treat.
The only difficult thing about training is that there is no specific time frame when the dog will master the tricks. The real secret really lies in patience and perseverance.