If you own a corgi, you’re likely familiar with their perpetual energy levels. You may be thinking, will my corgi ever calm down
Yes, I know from experience that these delightful dogs always want to be running around the house and escaping out into the great outdoors.
They seem to have an endless reservoir of energy. Even a gentle tap on their behind can trigger an enthusiastic pounce towards you.
The best way to calm down your corgi is to give them an outlet for their energy. This can be playtime, exercise, or a puzzle to stimulate their brains.
Let’s look more closely at why corgis have so much energy, and some of the techniques you can put in place to help them calm down.
Why is my corgi so excited?
Corgis have this natural liveliness and alertness thanks to their herding dog roots. It’s in their genes to be lively and energetic. Plus, they’ve got a ton of energy to burn, and when they’re all hyped up, it’s often a sign they need to let loose and play.
Whenever they’re in a lively and enthusiastic mood, it’s often triggered by what’s happening around them.
New toys, the promise of a walk, guests dropping by, or even the thought of chowing down on some grub can get them all excited. Any changes in their environment, like rearranging furniture or new smells, instantly grab their attention and amp up their curiosity.
You’ll also find that if they are not getting regular exercise, they’ll be full of energy all day.
How do I calm down my corgi? 7 tips to try today
If you’ve got a hyper corgi pup bouncing off the walls, don’t fret – it’s pretty par for the course, especially with puppies. There’s a lot you can do including adjusting their environment, training, and exercise routine.
Here’s the deal: you’ve got the power to shape that energy into a well-behaved, obedient adult corgi. It’s all about proper training and setting the right boundaries early on.
If you let those hyper antics slide without any guidance, your little buddy might grow up thinking it’s totally cool to keep up the chaos even as a grown corgi.
Now, let’s talk about some actionable stuff you can do at home to help your corgi puppy chill out a bit.
1. Provide a safe place
Set up a comfortable and designated spot for your corgi to sleep in. If your corgi has a usual sleeping area, take your pup there at bedtime. Your corgi will understand it’s time to wind down and might settle in.
Arrange some cozy blankets, their dog bed, or any materials they’re accustomed to in that spot. These familiar materials will signal to your corgi that it’s a safe and restful space.
Your corgi will start associating these items with sleep, a low-energy activity, which can help them calm down and relax. This can reduce stress and have positive effects on shedding and appetite, keeping your furry friend healthy and content.
2. Don’t hype your dog
It’s pretty straightforward, but if you aim to settle your corgi, try staying calm yourself. Corgis tend to pick up on the vibe around them.
So, if you’re energetic and telling your dog to relax, it might not have the desired effect. Speaking in a calm and soothing manner will likely help your dog follow suit.
3. Use slow petting
When you’re giving your corgi cuddles, take it slow and use gentle, deliberate strokes across its body.
Avoid fast brushing or quick petting, and choose a slow and steady approach with repetitive motions.
Specifically, keep an eye on its tail, especially if you have a Cardigan or undocked Pembroke corgi, as it can indicate excitement.
Remember, the quicker you pet, the faster the tail tends to wag. It’s best to aim for minimal tail wagging to maintain a calm interaction.
4. Play soothing music
Playing soothing music can be a great way to create a calming atmosphere for your corgi. Dogs are responsive to their surroundings, and soft, tranquil music can aid in relaxing your furry friend.
This practice is especially helpful for new puppies adapting to a new setting. Classical music is a good choice, as it can effectively lower their stress levels, reduce anxiety, and alleviate fear.
Pick instrumental music without any jarring or dramatic sounds, and no vocals. This gentle background music can contribute to a serene environment for your corgi, promoting a sense of peace and comfort.
5. Use a chew toy
Providing a chew toy for your puppy can be quite beneficial. Chew toys offer comfort for your puppy’s teething discomfort, especially before bedtime.
Moreover, chew toys serve as a distraction, keeping their attention on the toy instead of potentially stressful or intimidating situations. This can help them stay occupied and content, promoting a sense of calm and easing any unease they may feel.
6. Play with your corgi
Engaging in interactive play with your dog is surprisingly effective.
Offering your puppy undivided attention and diverting their focus from destructive or hyper behavior can work wonders in calming your corgi.
Low-energy activities like going for a walk or practicing tricks like sit and lie down can be particularly helpful.
These activities not only tire them out physically but also stimulate their minds, resulting in a calmer and more content corgi.
7. Teach your dog the “calm” command
Teaching your corgi the “calm” or “settle” command is a handy technique that can really come in handy in different situations. Imagine you’re out and about, and your corgi gets a bit too excited.
That’s where the “settle” command steps in, helping them chill out and regain their composure.
Even during playtime or when things get a bit too wild, this command can be a game-changer in toning down their excitement.
Start by using a clicker when your dog naturally starts to calm down. Wait for that moment of calmness, give a click to acknowledge the behaviour, and then reward them.
Keep doing this and introduce a phrase like “calm” or “settle down” to associate with the desired behaviour.
When you’re doing the training, try to stay cool and composed. Avoid getting overly excited or sounding desperate for them to listen. The idea is to guide your corgi into staying calm and collected after you give the command.
Give them gentle praises and soft petting while maintaining a serious tone to emphasize the importance of staying calm.
Is there an age when corgis calm down?
Typically, corgis reach adulthood at around 1 to 2 years old. Around this time, you may notice them becoming more relaxed and showing less of their playful puppy behaviour and hyperactivity.
The energy levels of a corgi can differ from one furry friend to another. Some corgis may always seem energetic, but there are usual trends based on their age and growth.
Does neutering a corgi calm them down?
Neutering can bring a sense of calm to dogs by reducing their levels of testosterone, which are linked to aggressive and territorial behaviours.
Yet, the impact of neutering on a dog’s behaviour, including calming them down, can vary due to factors such as the dog’s unique personality, upbringing, training, and socialisation.
Neutering doesn’t guarantee a change in a dog’s behaviour or temperament, so it shouldn’t be seen as a fix for behavioural issues.
Does exercise help calm a corgi down?
Yes, exercise is important to help reduce your corgi’s energy levels.
Corgis thrive on mental and physical exercises. Regular walks, interactive play sessions, and training activities can help channel their energy constructively. There’s some great choices in my guide to tire out your corgi.
Engaging them with tasks that stimulate their intellect can make a significant difference to their energy levels.
Final thoughts on how to calm down your corgi
By integrating these soothing techniques into your daily interactions with your corgi, you can develop a closer connection and ensure a happier, more relaxed dog.
Similar to how we appreciate a little tender loving care, our furry companions also benefit from strategies to help them cope with stress.
Give these approaches a try, observe what resonates most with your corgi, and remember to shower them with affection and understanding.
A tranquil and content corgi brings immense joy, and through your guidance, you’ll cultivate a companion that exudes a little calmer happiness.
