Unfortunately when you go to purchase a Welsh Corgi puppy, they don’t come already trained. Welsh Corgi Training is predominantly about communication, so you will need to teach them what’s right and wrong with a structured teaching system that includes rewards and corrections. One of the main methods used is divided into 3 stages, motivation, correction and distraction.

One of the first steps required in Welsh Corgi training is to teach your puppy positive behaviors (the motivation stage) by associating these behaviors with rewards your puppy loves. If they behavior in a manner you like, such as obeying a command, you offer a reward with lots of affection. Offer treats of a healthy nature that can be devoured quickly or your puppy may get distracted if they become too involved in the treat. Treats are also used to guide your puppy’s attention and focus on the task at hand. When giving affection during dog training make sure you are enthusiastic, they enjoy rewards as much as you want the correct behavior. Clickers are sometimes used in conjunction with rewards so that your Corgi identifies it with having done something correct, even when you no longer use treats as rewards.

Start with basic commands like sit, you will probably have to guide them first and reward them before worrying about wanting them to stay. When first starting out with Welsh Corgi training make sure they are short sessions. As your puppy picks up on the commands you can add a 2nd command etc… But remember not to be too eager and fast as your puppy may find it difficult to keep up. If you remember the 3 step training system command, response and reward, which are followed through within seconds you will keep your puppy’s mind focused. Waiting too long between command, response and reward may give your puppy mixed messages and become confused as they won’t understand how it all fits together. These dogs will remember commands used in training, so keep your commands clear and to the point.

Next is the correction stage. Once your Corgi understands the expected behavior without a treat, you may find you’ll need to correct any mistakes they might make. This may be standing up too early after given the command to sit and stay. If they do slip-up, give them a verbal signal of disappointment like ‘uh-uh or oops’. But continue to reward their good behavior. Correction training needs to be done in gradually longer sessions, from having your puppy stay for 2 seconds then 5 seconds and so on.

The distraction stage is the last section of Welsh Corgi training. Now that your puppy should know what they are doing you can now move away from your quiet environment to a park to learn how to ignore noises, movement and other distractions they may come across while giving a command. Continue with the same techniques and gradually expand the sessions.

Now that your Corgi is well trained and obeys your simple commands while ignoring the distractions around them, they are probably entitled to a well earnt reward.

Surprisingly, not a lot of dog owners are aware of the fact that there are a multitude of dog training collars available for Cardigan Welsh Corgis. We have flat collars, slip collars, Prong and Martingale collars, and of course e-collars or shock collars.

Slip, Prong, and Martingale collars basically work in the same way. These training collars are essentially long metal chains with rings at each end. The collar is made to form a loop around the top of the dog's neck, and the ring which connects to the leash goes over the back of the dog's neck. When the leash is attached to the chain link at the very end, the collar is prevented from constricting the dog's neck. When the leash is attached to the other ring, the chain becomes adjustable and gets tighter when pulled and looser when tension is released. Gently tugging on the chain tends to bring the dog into a “heel” position.

The only difference between the three is that the Slip collar is simply a plain metal chain. The Prong collar, often incorrectly coined as the pinch collar, is designed with open ended chain links all around, to simulate a mother’s teeth against the neck of a puppy being trained. Finally, the Martingale is a collar with two loops on each end of the collar.

Though these options may have proven to be effective for some dog breeds, owners of Cardigan Welsh Corgis must take certain precautions with these training aids as the Corgi built is much more fragile than that of dogs from larger breeds.

Last but not the least, we have what are called e-collars (electronic collars) or shock collars. Incorporating the use of this device with

puppy training

With that being said, it is vital to understand why the need for such devices would be even necessary. Since Cardigan Welsh Corgis were originally bred as cattle dogs, they have a natural instinct to lead rather than the other way around. On those cases that you need a little help getting your Cardigan Welsh Corgi to follow your command, these devices may be beneficial. Just remember to take the time to understand your pet as each dog has individual personalities. With enough patience and effort, training your Cardigan Welsh Corgi should be a breeze.

Cardigan Welsh Corgis are slightly bigger than Pembroke corgis. Among the two dog breeds, the Cardigan has an older ancestry; they are characterized by longer brushy tail with its front legs slightly bowed under the chest. This breed had been brought by early Celtic migrants to Cardiganshire, Wales. It comes from the Teckel dog breed, the same family that Dachshunds belong to.

Cardigan Welsh Corgis are bred to be big, sturdy dogs with short legs, excellent for herding sheep and cattle. The breed’s short stature makes them safe from the cattle kicks that can easily miss them and go above their heads. They are bred as farm guard dogs, protecting cattle and other livestock from predators. They are good at herding and were known as “drovers”, driving sheep and cattle from the farm to the English markets.

Driving is one of the three herding styles. In driving, the dog moves the livestock closer together and guiding them away from the shepherd. Another technique is called mustering, wherein the dog outruns the sheep and guides them back to the shepherd, commonly done by Border Collies. Then there’s tending, usually done by German Shepherds, wherein the dog constantly moves around the group, keeping them together and following the shepherd’s lead. These herding styles, however, are not exclusive to specific dog breeds. Until today, herding instincts can still be seen present among corgis, when outdoors; they may try to keep their family together by nipping at their legs or ankles.

Cardigan Welsh Corgis are considered as the perfect hunting companion, family member and watchdog for their children. They are best known for their herding abilities, obedience, agility, playfulness and loyalty. Among dog breeds, they are highly trainable and easy to live with; they get along well with other household pets. When it comes to strange animals and other peoples’ pets they are not familiar with, they can be very territorial. The Cardigan Welsh Corgis’ herding and protective instincts kick in, as they are used to chasing away stray animals that may have wandered through the farm. They are also great at protecting livestock. When trained, they do very well in obedience, agility, tracking and herding competitions.

If you are interested in having a Cardigan and competing at herding trials, make sure you go to a reputable breeder who specializes in breeding working dogs. If you are raising a Cardigan puppy that you picked from the pound or other local breeders, it will take intensive training and investment on your part and your dogs. Herding trials are considered the most difficult among dog sports, even experienced herding competitors agree. If you would like to compete in the sport, it is best to start right and get a Cardigan Welsh Corgi bred and raised specifically for the sport.

Cardigan Welsh Corgis may be small house dogs but it is important to give them space where they can run around, to let them exercise daily and to stimulate them to keep them healthy and happy.