Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Dri on July 20, 2009 at 4:37pm

We got our first family dog, 8 week old Pippi in April. So we're only 3 months into our adventures with Pippi, but she's great.

We too work, and must leave her home for 10 hours some days. We blocked off an area of the basement, maybe 6-ft square, covered in with old linoleum, put her crate in there (without the door), some toys, food, etc. It's a bit of a mess to clean up at night, and it probably has slowed her house training, but we're making it. Even now, she's down to usually only 1 mess per day when we're gone. Actually, she's almost 5 months old now, and she is house trained, and I would say crate trained too. She sleeps in her crate, and if we have to leave for anywhere other than a full work day, she goes into her crate in our living room.

When we are home, we are highly active (kids age 11-9-4) and we have acreage to run and play on. Pippi loves going on hikes with us, and even as a small puppy she could do a couple miles and out-do our 4-yr old!

So, we're loving our Corgi - she camps and hikes with us, and amuses us always. We were so worried about the work schedule, but she's handled it like a champ!

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Permalink Reply by Alex on July 20, 2009 at 7:26pm

Thank you Beth. We will need to start writing down questions that we would need to ask the breeder. I'll be sure to not judge their homes while visiting, hehe.

Kerry, I wish you were local, you sound like the perfect breeder =)

Dri, thank you very much for that reassurance.

Hopefully we'll be able to find a Corgi shortly after closing out on the home.

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Permalink Reply by Beth on July 20, 2009 at 7:36pm

I would suggest calling well in advance of when you'll want a puppy; you may need to wait several months. Gestation is 60 days and most breeders send pups off to their new homes between 8 and 12 weeks, and often by the time they are born they are all promised out.

And be forewarned: when we dealt with Jack's breeder, I was usually on the phone with her for a good hour as she told me about her dogs, favorite dogs from the past, funny puppy stories, etc. :-)

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Permalink Reply by Alex on July 20, 2009 at 7:47pm

Ah, thanks for the tips, greatly appreciated!

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Permalink Reply by Jane Christensen on July 24, 2009 at 11:57am

My last pup went to a family that never had a dog before... they have had her for 2 months now and all is well! Rosie has been camping many times and is getting her socialization! I believe that it depends on the people too as corgis need strict but gentle loving discipline so if you can provide what they need all should go well. One thing I used after my 1st litter was born and got a little older was a pet fence for in the house and 3 of my owners got this so when you are gone they can have their crate inside the fence but have plenty of room to roam without getting into something they shouldn't. If you have the patience and time when you are home to give them attention,exercise,training and love there should be no problem and also if you can find a breeder that will answer questions either before of after...this is important I have kept in touch with all but 1 of my puppy owners but then I only have 1-2 litters a year! I think it should work!

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Permalink Reply by Christine on July 24, 2009 at 2:25pm

Hi! Boomer the Corgi was our first dog. She was very friendly, calm, and smart in general. She didn't have super crazy energy or behavioral problems, so even though we didnt take her to any classes, she was very well trained by us.

After Boomer, we got Bandit. and o goodness, Bandit is almost the exact opposite of Boomer. While he is also VERY friendly and smart, he is also stubborn, sometimes bossy, likes to wander off, sometimes barky, very whiny, and just too energetic. I am not trying to scare you. He wasn't like this when he was younger, but he's going through his teenage-hood, so it's just hard for him to concentrate. He probably won't calm down until he reaches 2.

So from my experience, to get a good start, I would definitely recommend choosing a reputable breeder or rescue, like others have said already. If you go with a reputable breeder, it will take you longer because he/she will try to get to know you, see if you are worthy to become corgi parents, and then match you with the perfect pup.

As for training, it's always a good idea to get them socialized at a young age. My trainer, for example, has a class for those who are between 10 - 12 weeks old, just to get them started on socialization, which is important during the first 3 months. Dog parks may not be a good idea just because the pup is not fully done with immunization. Training is also a great way to challenge them phyiscally and mentally. Bandit has to do "doggie push up" when we do training at home, and I also challenge him with new tricks and commands. The most difficult one so far is learning to differentiate between left and right. It's been 2 months and he still doesnt get it. hahaha. Anyway, definitely do a search on trainers reviews on google and then go observe the classes. That's how I found my trainer and she's great! And Bandit passed his Canine Good Citizen test on Monday!

I think as long as you are aware that corgis can be barky, pushy, and maybe crazy before becoming adults fully, and that you are willing to be patient, exercise with it, and do the necessary training and socialization, then you would be a great owner.

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Permalink Reply by Alex on August 24, 2009 at 11:27pm

Hello all!
Just wanted to update everyone who helped us with your advice and support.
We're going to be picking up our PWC Tri Color pup this Saturday.
We've been purchasing all of the tools of the trade so I think we're good there.
Been watching and reading a bunch of training videos/sites.
Attached is a picture that we took of him when we first visited the breeder's house.

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Permalink Reply by christy fry on August 25, 2009 at 4:00am

congrats on your new puppy...=0

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Permalink Reply by Bev Levy on August 25, 2009 at 7:32am

Congrats! Thanks for the update.

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Permalink Reply by Derek on August 25, 2009 at 8:36am

Miranda was my first dog and she was absolutely perfect in all respects except she was anxious when left alone and destroyed things. Thankfully I am allowed to bring her to work with me and she is a calm little angel, but that is something I have seen with a lot of corgi's. Once they bond to you, they go nuts when you are not with them. If you get a corgi for your first day I would recommend getting him/her used to being alone right away and PLEASE crate train. Your furniture will thank you for it.

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Permalink Reply by Beauty and the Beast on August 25, 2009 at 10:34am

My corgi is my forst dog, and I never had problems. Of course, it is a must that you go to puppy or obedience classes and continue training throughout the dogs life. They get bored easily and need lots of exercise and mental stimulation.
I love my corgi and I wouldn't wish for any other dog. It is challenging at time when he doesn't feel like listening to me, but everything changes when food is involved. Some claim that corgis are hard to train due to their stubburness but they'll do anything for a piece of treat.
If you are committed and do everything to properly socialize and train your dog, then there's no better breed. They are very goofy and funny. Shiro makes me laugh all the time.
One thing that I was not prepared for is shedding. They shed all the time and it might bother some. I have to brush my dog and use furminator on him 3-4 times a week. We also vacuum a lot more than we used to. He's not allowed on furniture so it's not that bad after all. Jst make sure that hair everywhere, including your clothes, personal items and sometimes food is something you can deal with.
Other than that I couldn't be happier with my boy. He's a treasure.

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Permalink Reply by Jeny (and Wrigley) on August 25, 2009 at 1:20pm

Wrigley is my first dog and I love him to death. He was a little under a year when we got him (he was a rescue) and he adapted very well. He is very high energy and sometimes barks more than I want, but overall he is wonderful.

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