Are Corgis hard to train? - Everything you need to know
Whether you're considering adopting or purchasing a corgi, you may be wondering... are Corgis hard to train? The answer may surprise you. We'll guide you through how to train a corgi and everything else you need to know!
Are Corgis Hard to Train?
Corgis are considered to be one of the smartest dog breeds. Because of their next level intelligence, they are overall considered to be easy to train and teach new commands. However, Corgis have been known to be a bit stubborn; they really like to think for themselves.
Corgis generally like to do what they feel like when they feel like it - so they can sometimes be a bit of a hassle to train. However, with proper training and guidance, a Corgi is one of the best animals to teach new tricks. They have a great ability to learn for themselves and have an ancestral advantage with their herding intelligence.
How can I train a Corgi?
The best way to train a Corgi is with treats and food. Food is a heavy motivator for Corgis and you can exploit this to get them to listen to your commands - even when they don't necessarily want to. Regular positive reinforcement with treats is a great way to establish a training routine with a Corgi.
Corgi's should be taught obedience training and commands as early as possible so that they will have an easier time doing them as an adult. They are always craving affection and mental stimulation, so make sure to include some regular mental and physical activity.
Corgi Training Tips
- Start training them as early as possible
- Make their kennel comfortable
- Create mental stimulation (via dogs toys or tricks)
- Reward them when they go potty outside
- Reward them every time they do something good
How smart are Corgis?
Corgi's are considered to be one of the smartest dog breeds aside from the Pomeranian, Bernese Mountain Dog, Cocker Spaniel, Miniature Schnauzer and Weimaraner. The Pembroke and Cardigan Welsh Corgis are the 11th and 31st smartest dog breeds according to canine researcher Stanley Coren, a famed canine psychologist and researcher. Coren coined the term "obedience & working intelligence" and set up trials to test canine intelligence of various dog breeds.
In Coren's trials, both the Cardigan and Pembroke Welsh Corgis were classified as "bright dogs". They are in a highly exclusive class with just 21 breeds that class. Both Corgi breeds were able to learn a new command with just 5 to 15 repetitions; meaning you should be able to train a corgi in just a few minutes! Even more impressively, they were both able to obey a known command on their first attempt with an 85% success rate.
How smart are Corgis compared to other dogs?
A dog breed is considered average intelligence if it can learn a new command within 25 to 45 repetitions. That means, Welsh Corgis are at least 65% faster than the average dog at learning new tricks! Average dogs obey a known command 50% of the time, which means Corgis are 70% more likely to obey commands on the first try.
Some average intelligence level dog breeds include, Siberian Husky, Boxer, Havanese, Australian Shepherd and Great Danes.
Are Corgis easy to potty train?
In general, Corgis are easy to potty train due to their intelligence and willingness to obey commands. Corgis are "denning" animals, meaning that if they lived in the wild, they would naturally sleep in a protected den or hole in the ground. At your house, their "den" could be a couch, living room, bed, kennel, or wherever they choose to sleep. Dogs have a natural tendency to relieve themselves away form their den, so you can use your Corgi's natural tendencies to your advantage.
Corgis will use body language to try to communicate with you. When your Corgi needs to go, they will usually sniff one area intently, circle, and then squat. Recognizing these behaviors will allow you to take your Corgi for a potty break before an accident occurs.
