Comment

Comment by Holly on May 10, 2014 at 1:39am

Hi Hollie. Welcome. I live in a one bedroom with one corgi and it is fine, but I am home often. Also I adopted an adult dog so I already knew she is fine with being left all day, though I rarely need to leave her that long. I can't say how a puppy would do, but I think taking in an adult would be much easier if you were able to consider that. If you take that route you may want to start looking now since adult corgis are harder to find (in the states that is) and it can take some time to find one that is the right temperament for your household. I researched, as you are, for over a year before deciding a corgi was right for me. I think it is smart and it was fun looking for the right pet!

Comment by Maple (owners Alicia n Orlando) on May 9, 2014 at 1:42pm

One of the (many) cool things about a corgi is that they are a big dog in a small package. So even though they have the energy and mentality of a big dog, they are compact and portable :) House train your puppy and they should be fine inside for 8 hours. HOWEVER they need exercise so if you are going to lock them in all day, make sure you are walking them when you get home...or else you will have a depressed and troublesome corgi. We have a large backyard so we let our Maple out to chase birds and cats around and let me tell you, that is great cardio for her! You will LOVE  you corgi, they are funny, happy friendly and exciting little creatures. Good luck!

Comment by Mai on May 9, 2014 at 12:27pm

I don't agree about big dogs in a small living environment.

I've been in apartments where the dog takes up all the available room left. The apartment was a nice size but, after furniture and everything else, the available space shrinks even more leaving a lot less room for the humans or dog. I also take into consideration that I might have guests over and with a big dog it's just not comfortable for anybody.

Even now at my house, if I have 6 people over, my dogs will go outside into the backyard. They don't like the crowdedness. They feel trapped and with limited space to turn around in with their long bodies, they just don't even want to be inside with the human crowd.

Comment by Jane Christensen on May 9, 2014 at 9:20am

I agree with Linda...choosing a pup or letting a pup choose you can both work. I have specifically chosen a pup for someone that wanted to do something with a dog  Therapy dog. I had 2 dogs from sage's litter that were good...both my Sage and the other dog are great Therapy dogs...I have also urged people to pay attention to which dogs are paying attention to the possible new owner, I have to laugh at this one couple because they had picked one they really liked(and their other dog that came with) well the male pup must have decided he wanted to go home with them because he just kept working his way into the room and placing himself "front and center" well....he won their hearts and the rest is history...Wynn did this also as a pup as I wanted a female and Wynn picked me:) Best decision I ever made:)

Comment by Linda on May 9, 2014 at 7:42am

I have let my dogs choose me and I have let the breeder choose...all have worked out just fine.  Dogs from the shelter have chosen me and each placement was great.  My rescue corgis....one I chose and 2 the breeder felt we were the best people for that dog.  Our Irish wolfhound from a breeder was evaluated and it was determined that he was the best to fit our needs and he was.  So either way does work out.

As for the size of the living area....even giant breeds can do just fine in a small apartment including Great Danes and Irish wolfhounds as long as they can get in some good exercise every day.  Giant breeds tend to be large couch potatoes and not known for tearing up a house like many smaller dogs will do.

Comment by Mai on May 9, 2014 at 1:23am

Corgis are small enough dogs to be able to do well in apartments compare to say a.....great dane. So, yeah corgis should do well in an apartment as long as they get the proper exercise that they need.

Now, I don't agree with the belief that they are high energy dogs because I've seen mutts that are all sorts of mix and they have a higher level of energy than my Chucky or Freddy will ever have. So, to me, high energy doesn't necessarily apply to every corgi. It's just like every individual is not going to be the same; it applies to dogs too no matter what breed.

They are working dogs and were bred to have more stamina and to do a job so that should be taken into consideration of course.

I don't agree with letting the puppy choose you. I know some people use that as a way to choose their puppy but, to me that's just asking for trouble. Most reputable breeders will assess your needs/desires and place the right puppy to match your lifestyle because they want the puppy to have a forever home and that's how I choose.

I know that I'm not going to be home all day and there are some days that I might not be able to walk the dog because of an emergency or I'm so sick I can't even get out of bed. Life happens and I needed a dog that would be OK if he didn't get his walk a couple of times a week. Not a dog that would be tearing up the house because of all the pent up energy he's been building up. That's when there's a lot of resentment, frustration, wanting to get rid of the dog because he/she is tearing up your house.

I tend to like to get puppies when I have vacation time. I like to get to build a bond with the puppy, establish a routine, and immediately start working on separation anxiety issues. That's just me.

Comment by Linda on May 8, 2014 at 3:16pm

I agree that the square footage of your space is not an issue...as long as you make sure the pup has plenty of exercise.  They are high energy dogs even tho they look like lumps when they are enjoying downtime.  All suggestions for when you and your partner work at the same time are good ones.  Being alone for 8 hours at a stretch is a long time for a little guy.

Eevee does have a point about relationships.  We got Max when he was returned to his breeder.  He was adopted as a puppy into a family with 2 boys.  He was well loved.  Husband and wife split up...both the boys and the dog went with the husband.  Husband remarried...the new wife tolerated Max but then Tim (owner) finally had no choice but to give up the dog that both he and his sons loved to keep harmony in the family.  It was fortunate for us because Max came into our family.  We know that he and the boys were devastated because we still keep in touch with them even after 7 years.

Both of you need to be onboard with having a dog and a clear cut plan if your relationship changes.

Comment by Anna Morelli on May 8, 2014 at 10:09am

Excellent advice from both Denis and Eeevee.  I also agree space is not an issue, many people all over the world live with dogs in the city, making time for nice long walks which benefit both dog and owner and it works just fine.  In tight quarters, make sure you don't make your pup overdependent by fussing over him ALL the time.  This is important for anyone, but especially in your situation.  You may have a neighbor come in mid-day, or a reliable teenager, or there may be a place that offers doggy daycare.  I commend you for thinking ahead, if more people did that the Shelters would not be full.... Best wishes.

Comment by Eevee88 on May 8, 2014 at 9:01am

I agree with Denis on the importance of exercise and activity versus square footage. You don't want to be living in close quarters with your pup all that much, but you do want to have enough room that they can run around (and if they're anything like our girls, they definitely will!), and ample space outside to roam, play and do their business.

When it comes to work schedules, is there any altering of either your schedule or your boyfriends? We have left our puppy home for 8 hours (we only work the same shift one day a week), but it can be really rough on them if done for prolonged periods routinely. Even if you can swing working opposite shifts for a little bit, or cutting down hours/taking vacation time, etc. that would probably be best for your pup its new environment.

I also know this may not be the advice you want to hear, but please make sure your relationship is strong enough before considering adopting an animal together. I'm not trying to undermine your relationship, but offering sage advice for the well being of your pet. I have seen situations where boyfriends/girlfriends decide to get animals together, and the relationship doesn't work out. Best wishes! :)

Comment by Denis J. on May 8, 2014 at 8:43am

Morning Hollie,

For me there's two things that come to mind when I read your post.  First is about the work shifts, will you and your spouse be able to come home during lunches to take your puppy out for his business, feeding and a little play time?   Are you planning to take a few days off when the pup comes home so that it's not rushed into 8 hours of kennel during the day?      

I would be careful to test him out a few hours in his kennel at a time, but to ensure that it does not have any seperation issues and that it feels safe and secure in your care.    If possible to have a sitter to come home for a few hours during the day if you both can't, during those odd days you're both gone would be best.

About the space, it all matters on the level of excercise and activity given to your pup, not necessary the Square Footage of your residence.   If you have access to a yard and you can play in safety, bring on regular walks, training, or just bonding activity with your pup, the space will be shared by the 3 of you. 

I would most focus on a location in the home where a kennel could be.   At first it would be part of the furnitures and somewhere safe where the pup does have view of the rooms, as best and potentially bringing the kennel in the bedroom with you at night for the first weeks.   

And last, if you do have a chance to get from a reputable breather and the adoption is only for a year or so, continue doing your research, talk to the breather and ask to visit the pups several times.   Getting to know the breaders they can share much information about the breed, you can see the parents and their temperament.   It's not always possible but getting the puppy to pick you is the best, but some goes for pet homes as others can go for professional competitions.

These are just my two cents as others can share other positions about kennel-crating, activity, spacing, etc.

Enjoy the prep time.   :)