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Comment by Tina on September 29, 2008 at 10:40am

We got Ein when he was already 4 months old, so we didn't have a bunch of the very young puppy stuff. He was mostly potty trained, but he had to be re-trained at our house. So, he did have a bunch of accidents when we first got him, but we had to learn his cues for when he had to go to the bathroom.

Ein still nips (he is 7 months now) and I don't know for sure how to prevent that. But I would recommend yelping when he bites. Also, as mentioned above, get his used to you handling his paws and ears for when you have to clip and clean. Ein had an ear infection shortly after we got him (as well as a parasite) but he wasn't used to us handling his ears so he put up a big fuss.

For Ein's first visit (all shots except rabies were paid for) we spent about $100. When we neutered him, at about 6 months, it cost about $200.

Ein loves his rolling kong (you put kibble in it and he has to knock it around to free his food) but it took him a day or so to learn how to do that and his regular kong. We started Ein in his crate at night and when we were at work, but now he sleeps in our room at night and is locked in the kitchen during the day. He isn't mature enough to have free reign of the house yet (as evidenced by a book he shredded when he was left unsupervised for 20 min) I think I remember that when they are young they can't go to other places with other dogs until they have had their rabies shot. But, I would socialize him while young, with other dogs and kids (as long as the kids don't pull or hurt him)

Good luck! It has had its frustrating moments, but seeing his doggy smile and funny noises makes it worth while.

Comment by A & P on September 27, 2008 at 9:04am

Hi, Fanklin looks like he going to be a good looking dog! Congratulations. Puppies are puppies so it will take time for them to learn and remember so do expect perfect right away. We did both, pads when we were not home and took them outside ALOT but we still had accidents. Keep plenty of cleaning solution for dogs around! We also restricted their freedon when puppies are young so they can learn boundaries plus it will limit the areas you need to clean up. As they get older widen the space and when you feel that you can trust them, give more but keep in mind that they are young and then teething period! Keep plenty of chew toyts and ice cubes around. Keep your instructions short & simple don't use too many words in your commands and lots of rewards when they do what they suppose to do, Again it will take time and taking training classess will help. I also suggest watching Animal Planet for the different dog training shows...we all need reminders! It is hard work in the beginning but worth it! Corgis are the best breeds! Corgis will nip so stop the nipping early! Enjoy!

Comment by Samantha on September 27, 2008 at 1:44am

oh ya.. and good luck congrats!

Comment by Samantha on September 27, 2008 at 1:44am

Hey...
When we brought Mac home, we used puppy pads, and did what the directions said.. we just kept moving them closer and closer to the back door. We would also take him outside and let him roam around the yard and he kinda understood and started going out there on his own. (we do have 2 other dogs to influence him tho).
play with his feet... it makes it a LOT easier to cut his toenails when it comes that time. and just make sure you break him of the ankel biting habits early! he will try to herd you up in a corner!! :)
You really have no worries, Corgis are awesome dogs.. they do make some funny noises but you cant help to laugh at them!!
^^ to the post from Julia.
We put Mac in a crate next to us when we slept and he would wake up whining as loud as he could, so we would stick our hand in the crate and hed go right back to sleep.

Comment by Julia on September 26, 2008 at 11:30pm

Hey Franklin's Mommy! Congrats! I know that it is a real treat to bring home your little guy. I too was not sure what to do but we were told that they can only hold their bladder for one hour longer than they are months old. For example, if they are nine months old then they can hold their bladder for 10 hours. When we brought Nick home we had a crate in the bedroom and one in the Kitchen. We set up an area in the Kitchen for him with the piddle pads and a few toys and water only. I would come home in the middle of the day and walk him and then I left at 3 so that I could get home to walk him and clean up. There were messes but we used newspaper as all Nick did was shred the piddle pads. We did not take a blanket with us when we went to visit but we did put tshirts in with him the night we got home and I took two days off to be with him 24 / 7 to help him get used to the house. He is still in the crate during the times we are not home but we are hoping that will be able to go away when he is a year old. We have lots of stairs in our home so we caried him up the stairs and down the stairs until he was 4 months old. Then we caried him down the stairs only, until he was 6 months old. I did not know this but they have to strengthen their front shoulder muscles and joints and if they put that jarring pressure on their fronts that can jeopardize that growth area. I would say talk to your breeder at length about your concerns and questions. Our breeder was and still is our lifeline. I can call her with the smallest question and she is always happy to help. Good Luck and I look forward to the pictures. :O)

Comment by Franklin's Mommy on September 26, 2008 at 10:56pm

I have prepared for franklin a baby blanket I made for him, several chew toys, 3 different kinds of Kong toys, sweaky toys, plush toys, a collar, leash, food, water & food bowl, freeze dried liver training treats, a doggie rain poncho. I dont have his crate yet, but I am buying a 36inch long one next week.

Another question I just thought of, did any of your puppies have separation anxiety from his or her littermates and mother? I was thinking about taking his baby blanket to the breeder next week when I visit him, keeping it there with him for the next week until I take him home so that when I do take him home, his blanket will smell like his littermates. I dont know if this will help with any separation anxiety he might have? Or if it will just make him more sad becuase his brothers and sisters arent there but he can smell them?


Is there anything else I need to buy for him now?
Any advice about what NOT to do when training, etc?
I have so much love to give for my little guy.