Pembroke Welsh Corgi Information
Only well behaved puppies get stars
The American Club has added the Star Puppy Level to its Canine Good Citizen Program. This rewards owners whose puppies have completed at least a six-week basic training class. STAR stands for socialization, training, activity and a responsible owner-....Practically everything a puppy and their owners need. The program is opens to pure bred and mixed -breed dogs up to 1 year old. During the 6 week course owners learn about basic puppy care and training, and puppies have a chance to socialize with other dogs. At the end of class, puppies are given a multi-item test by an AKC approved CGC evaluator. STAR graduates recieve a medal, certificate and and AKC puppy handbook. For more information on STAR PUPPY..... please press the button below.
CREATIVE ENVIRONMENT
The influences in the early life of a Corgi Puppy have a definite effect on his behavior as an adult dog. Although inheritance may predispose him to particularly behavioral traits, the envirnment plays a more vital role in his development and motivation. Therefore a creative environment which includes exposed to novel shapes, sounds, and smells. If they learn to adjust to such things when young without fear, they will have the ability to adapt well to stressful conditions later in life which may test their stamina-such as the many distractions and traumas at a dog show. Instead of sitting and sleeping all day, they are eager to explore and play with whatever is in their milieu. They are fascinated with objects that move and interesting spaces that can be explored. If puppies do not have a constructive way to occupy their time, they will seek their own diversions to avoid boredom. Such activities may evolve into undesireable behavior when the dog is older, such as nusiance barking, destructive chewing and feces-eating. A creative environment for growing puppies will stimulate them and encourage their interaction with one another and their playthings. A puppy pen, or existing run, with imagination, can become an exciting place, to develop a puppy's full potential. It is possible to create an area which has many tantalizing stimulants to attract and amuse the Corgi. Large, boulder-type rocks can be used for climbing and cardboard boxes in various shapes and sizes are perfect for playhouses with holes in different sequences on the sides and top to stimulate curiosity. Pups will enjoy them thoroughly; they can drag them around , chew them and sleep within their confines! Gently sloping inclines are Large chimney flues when placed end to end, create tunnels to explore and also serve as rest areas. The creative possibilities are limitless! Edibies become destructible toys! Carrots, potatoes, celery stocks and other raw vegetables provide good stimulation for teeth and gums and relieve during teething period. Citrus fruits make wonderful balls for rolling and batting and create a new taste sensation in the process. Target orientation training may also begin at this time. This may be accomplished by suspending rubber chew rings and dumbbells at the ends of light ropes so they can hang about six inches off the ground and are free to swing in all directions. As soon as the puppies become aware of them, they will spend hours batting, chewing,pulling and amusing themselves until they fall back exhausted! Many forms of antisocial behavior results from lack of environmental stimulation during puppy hood. Boredom is one of the most destructive elements throughout a dog's life and is easily overcome with some of the above techniques, Intelligent, well-adjusted dog who have grown up in a creative environment will be more responsive, eager to learn and will also be great companions!
TEACH YOUR DOG TO CRATE ON COMMAND
This is really a great trick to teach your dog, First your dog should view his crate as a "safe place". A place to go when he's tired, to take a nap or to just be left alone. Here is the fastest and easiest way to teach your dog to get in his crate, on command. it's especially useful for you if you have unexpected company and don't want your dog to get in the way. Start by palming a cookie in your right hand. Put the training collar and leash on your dog. Walk him up to the crate and make him sit. Now. Say "Get in the crate!" Toss the cookie in the crate, and then pull forward on the lease, in the direction of the open crate, As he moves into the crate, he'll automatically release the tension on the leash , Close the door to the crate, and tell him, "Good Dog!" as he munches on the cookie. Next open the crate door and tell him"Free!" When he comes out Praise him lavishly. Repeat this exercise, four times. After the fourth time, open the crate door , take the leash and training collar , off, give him another cookie and close the crate door. In 20 minutes, you can return and return and repeat this exercise. After you've done this a few times and you see your dog start to ANTICIPATE the command the next thing to do is only give him a cookie every third time. At this point, He'll likely begin running into the crate before you even tell him to. You'll need to tell him "NO" and pull him out of the crate, no praise. Remember-he can go into the crate on his own when you're not standing next to him, but as this is a formal exercise, we want him to wait for the command. This sounds confusing, and it is for the human mind but it's one of those things that your dog will understand naturally Trust me - I know this from experience. After you've brought him out of the crate, he'll start looking at you for "Get in the crate" command. Give him the command ,Reward him this time with a cookie. You'll start to see that h'll begin looking to you waiting for the magic command that allows him to dive into the crate and get your praise. (Note : If your dog is more motivated by a toy or something else you can use whatever you want . The idea is to use a motivator). The reason you want to pull forward on the leash instead of just throwing the food/ ball/motivator into the crate is so that your dog learns that you are actually making him do it. This is the difference between using food as a motivator vs using food as a bribe. If the food isn't there, you're going to make him do it anyway.
WEIGHT PROBLEMS
Obesity, the most common canine nutrition-related health problems, can lead to the development or worsening of serious diseases, such as diabetes, liver disease, or pancreatis. It can also aggravate pre-exisitng joint problems such as hip dysplashia. Excessive canine weight can overwork your Corgis heart and make breathing more difficult. Overweight dogs often have trouble running, playing or sometimes even walking, which makes the weight problem even worse. Use your eyes and hands to tell your Corgi is over weight. When viewed from above, your companion should have a 'waist" an indentation in the flank area. When you run your hand over your Corgi's body, you should be able to easily feel the waist and the ribs beneath it. Weight problems are easier to prevent than they are treat! Equally important is to consider your Corgi's age. Pembroke Welsh Corgi puppies should never be over exercised, as this could lead to health problems. stress developing bones, ligaments and muscles could lead to lameness in adulthood.
exercise
Lack of adequate exercise is the root of dog problems. Physical activity burns your dogs excess energy and helps maintain a healthy state of mind. This is important, in order to talk to the mind, you need to remove the energy from the body walking exercises your dog 's body stimulates the mind. Create a schedule that includes a 30 -45 minute walk every day. SEE THE WORLD THROUGH YOUR DOGS EYES!
NEW PUPPY OWNER
I am sure you have already spend a lot of time finding your puppy the right food, treats , toys , bed, and all other accessories needed. Now that your pre-spoiled and has a safe warm place to live, you need to focus on being a strong pack leader. Puppies will sense our confidence levels and will control if they perceive us as weak. When this happens bad behavior begins. Do not turn to mush. You need to be a strong alpha figure for your puppy to grow into a healthy, balanced dog you must demonstrate leadership from day one!!!! To help you achieve this we recommend puppy kindergarden classes and even intermediate obedience classes. These should start as soon as your puppy has had his last puppy shot. After you have finished one set of classes go on to the next . The idea is to keep going to socializing and obedience training classes for your puppy's first year , non-stop. Dogs need to know what to do with their lives.
socializing your Corgi
The world is vast and wondrous to a young puppy. Everything is new, and each day brings fresh sights, sound and smells. A pup's first six months are the prime time for her to learn about the world, and during those early months, durable impressions and beliefs grow. One of the most important things you can do to ensure your Corgi Pup grows into a calm and well-behaved dog is help her form pleasant, positive associations with new situations while she's still young. This vital task is known as socialization, whichis about building self-confidence and social skills . Unexplored territory can seem scary, so don't overwhelm your Corgi Puppy, keep outing short, no more than an hour long at first, so your pup won't become over stimulated and exhausted. exhaustion is not conducive to developing confidence.
Positive training
Its easier to prevent behavior, such as unwanted chewing or jumping up, than it is to correct, so be consistent with the rules from the moment you get your Corgi. If not properly socialized, managed and trained, potentially perfect Pembroke Welsh Corgis can be guilty of undesirable behaviors such as jumping up, barking, pawing, marking , chasing, chewing and more. You can prevent these annoying habits and help your Corgi become the perfect dog he was meant to be by following some basic training and behavior concepts. Be consistent. Consistency is important, not just in relation to what you allow your dog to do and not to do. But also in the verbal and body language cues you use on a daily basis. Dogs are most comfortable when they understand how their wold works. Lack of consistency causes stress, stress causes behavior problems. Be gentle and firm Dog-friendly methods, properly applied, are wonderfully effective, creating canine-human relationships based on mutual respect and cooperation. Positive training prevents problems, including stress and aggression, which can occur in training programs that include verbal and physical punishment positive, however, does not mean permissive. A good training program will set limits and help the dog understand that some behaviors are inappropriate and unacceptable. Manage Behavior. All living things repeat behaviors that reward them. Behavior that isn't reinforced will go away if you manage your Corgi puppy will through the use of crates, baby gates, doors, fences, leashes, and supervision . He'll never have the opportunity to learn that inappropriate behaviors are rewarding. By the time he's a year old, most of his habits will be solidly formed and he'll be unlikely to start chewing table legs and shoes. A dog, who missed his early good manners lesson must managed even more carefully. It's more difficult to make unwanted behavior go away than prevent it in the first place. Provide adequate exercise. A tired dog is a well-behaved dog. Many behavior problems can be avoided, others resolved, simply by providing your dog with exercise. Check with your veterinarian to make sure your canine is physically and medically fit for an increase in exercise. Pups, young dogs that are still maturing, overweight adults and those with problems such as bad hips should not be asked to overexert.
training your CORGI
Are you Alpha?? Do you plead with your dog to behave? Does your dog walk you all over the neighborhood? Do you bribe your dog with treats? Does your dog chew on your furniture? Why? Dogs are animals, they respond to calm, assertive leadership, NOT to emotional arguments or negotiation. You need to learn how to become the pack leader. In this order, exercise, disipline and then affection. As a human pack leader you must set rules, boundaries, and limitations. Put your dogs need first and take responsibility for your dogs actions and state of mind. Only then will you experience all the love your dog has to give!
Though discipline is critical for the upbringing of a Corgi puppy, its important to use a soft-handed approach to training. It takes very little to discipline most Corgis. Their feelings are easily hurt, and they so want to please you. Anger, aggression or abuse toward a dog will not establish you as a pack leader. An aggressive leader is not in control and will cause unwanted issue in your dog. You will need to seek a professional dog trainer.
House breaking your puppy
A dog or puppy is either housebroken or not. If your dog is sneaking off into another room and having accident, you will have to take some of his freedom away until you can solve the problem. The longer you allow this type of behavior to exist, the harder it will be to modify. Unless you can catch him, it really does no good to drag him off to site of his mishap and try and punish him. Keep him in sight if he is bold enough to try something in front of you , say "NO', get his attention and take him outdoors quickly so he can finish eliminating in the appropriate area. Remember, it is your house. He has to earn his freedom through good behavior and this is your responsibility . Start by establishing an elimination spot outdoors. In the morning, clip his leash to his collar and take the dog outdoors to his spot for elimination. State commands like "go potty" or "hurry up" After the does his duty, bring the dog inside for food and water. About 15 to 20 minutes after the meal, take the dog outside again to eliminate. Take your dog to the same spot at each eliminate time. Maintain a regular feeding, drinking, and elimination schedule. One of the most commonly made errors in housebreaking is rushing too quickly ahead of your dog, Too much freedom too quickly can cause confusion. If your dog experiences an accident or two, you will have to back up and slow down. Marking should not be confused with housebreaking problems, because marking is deliberate . This is claiming territory. It is advised that if you should notice this behavior indoors or out, you strengthen all obedience commands immediately. This will remove all doubts as to who is in charge around the house. Providing your dog with a crate that is way too large may allow him to relieve himself in one end and sleep in the other. Placing food or water in his crate will allow him to fill up his bladder and bowel and he will have no choice but to relieve himself in his crate. Make sure you take your dog or puppy outdoors to eliminate on a regular schedule and especially prior to being left alone for long periods of time. If you have tried all of the above and are still experience what you believe to be "territorial marking" consult your veterinarian. Your dog/puppy may have a bladder infection and its always better to be safe, not sorry if your dog/puppy is not spayed or neutered you may want to talk to veterinarian about this procedure. It usually has a very positive effect on this type of behavior problem. Even well trained dogs sometimes have accidents. Clean this accident area with a pet odor neutralizer so your dog wont' be tempted to repeat his mistake. Here are some tips to help prevent accidents:
Do not make sudden changes in his diet.
Avoid giving your dog late night snacks.
Make sure to spend enough time outdoors.