Bringing home a beautiful corgi is the start of a fun journey together. And once they’re home, it is important to socialise your corgi to help shape their behaviour and personality.
Socialisation isn’t just about training; it’s a way to help your corgi become comfortable. You should start this process early and continue it throughout their life. This helps create a well-adjusted, confident, and friendly companion.
So, let’s get started. Here’s my tips to help you socialise your new corgi.
What is socialisation for dogs?
Dog socialisation means introducing your dog to different things like people, places, and other animals in a positive way.
Socialisation is to help your dog become comfortable and confident in different situations and interact well with the world around them. You can think of socialisation like raising a child – you want them to understand the world they are now a part of.
Dogs that are properly socialised tend to make for better pets. You’ll find they’re easier to train and take care of as part of your family. That’s why I often recommend getting two dogs.
When should I socialise my corgi?
You should socialise your dog when they a puppy between 3 to 14 weeks old.
Start socialising your corgi as early as possible when you first get them. A good breeder should have already started the socialisation process for you.
Having positive experiences early on can prevent behaviour issues and fears as your dog gets older. But it’s not just for puppies.
I’ve found the socialisation process continues throughout their life as they experience new things.
What should I socialise my corgi to? 4 things your corgi needs to know
You should socialise your corgi to different environments, people, animals, and experiences.
This includes different places like parks and cities, meeting new people, interacting with other dogs and pets, exposure to lots of sounds and sights, and positive experiences with everyday activities like grooming and vet visits.
Let’s take a closer look at each of these important socialisation factors now.
1. Socialise your corgi with people
Make sure your corgi is friendly with lots of people!
You should start by introducing them to your family and friends – people that you already have strong connections with.
From here, you can start to broaden the circle. You can take them to public places like parks to meet friendly strangers. Next, let them get to know their vet and groomers. Finally, help them be calm around delivery people, like mail carriers.
It’s also important you introduce them to lots of different people, including kids, older people and people from different backgrounds. By doing this, I find this helps them be friendly with everyone.
2. Socialise your corgi with animals
To make sure your corgi gets along well with different animals, let them meet your other pets.
With other dogs, let your corgi interact with different sizes, breeds, and personalities to help them socialise. Corgis have a lot of energy, which can be too much for some tiny dogs, and get them into trouble with big dogs.
Cats have their own behaviours, so introduce your corgi to them if you know they’ll be around. This helps to promote tolerance in your dog and helps the cats feel comfortable too.
You should get your corgi acquainted with small mammals like guinea pigs, rabbits, and hamsters to expose them to different sizes and movements. After that, birds can also be interesting for your corgi, but always keep the bird is safely caged,
While being careful, controlled exposure to wildlife can help your corgi develop a healthy respect for other creatures.
3. Socialise your corgi with environments
Expose your dog to different environments, such as parks, streets, beaches, and various indoor spaces. This helps them become adaptable and less anxious in new surroundings.
You should also familiarise your dog with various objects, surfaces, and obstacles. This can include different flooring materials, stairs, elevators, and everyday objects like umbrellas or bicycles.
4. Socialise your corgi with experiences
You should expose your dog to different sounds, such as traffic noise, sirens, and doorbells. Gradual exposure can help prevent noise phobias and anxiety, and help keep your dog feeling safe.
I find that you should also let them experience different physical sensations. This might include going swimming, running through long grass, or taking them to the sandy beach.
Quick recap! 4 things to socialise with your corgi 💡
- 1. People
- 2. Animals
- 3. Environments
- 4. Experiences
5 reasons to socialise your corgi
Socialising your corgi is crucial for developing positive behaviour, reducing aggression, and ensuring they are comfortable and well-behaved in various social situations.
A well-socialised corgi is not only cute and playful but also more likely to be happy and get along well with people and other animals. Here’s five good reasons to spend time and effort on socialising your corgi.
1. It’s fun for you and your corgi
A great reason to socialise your corgi is because it’s fun. By meeting lots of people and seeing new things, you can enjoy your local area. In my opinion, every outing is a chance to find new parks, cafes, or hidden gems you might have missed.
The joy your corgi shows in different environments adds excitement to your daily routine. You’ll start looking forward to these outings not just for your pet but also for the enjoyment of exploring your local area together.
These days, there’s a growing number of places where you and your dog are welcome. Previously reserved for humans only, many cafes now happily accommodate dogs. Moreover, it’s not limited to cafes – numerous stores have also become dog-friendly.
In these pet-welcoming spots, you can create lasting memories with your canine companion. Whether relishing delicious food, meeting new friends, or simply basking in the affection from your furry friend, these experiences highlight that happiness often lurks in unexpected corners.
2. It keeps you both healthy and active
Discovering cafes that welcome pets and enjoying a comfy setting is great, but there’s something extra special about spending time outdoors.
Instead of sticking to your coffee break routine, why not grab a frisbee and take your dog to the park for a thrilling adventure.
In the dog park, your furry companion can roam freely in spacious areas, socialise with other dogs, and have a blast. I’ve found that it is a fantastic way for both you and your dog to stay active.
As your dog runs, jumps, and plays happily, your own heart rate increases, and you can’t help but get caught up in the lively fun.
3. It helps keep them behaved
Taking your corgi out and about is a chance to encourage good behaviour. When your corgi behaves well in different situations, it helps them learn good manners and obedience.
Meeting people, other dogs, and being in different places helps your corgi become well-behaved and good at socialising.
Plus, going out with their friends keep them happy and stops them from feeling bored or frustrated – which can lead to destruction.
This not only makes your outings more fun but also makes daily life at home easier as your corgi gets better at handling different situations.
4. It makes you both more social
Make sure your corgi hangs out with other dogs so they can learn how to behave and make new pals.
If you’re not sure where to do this, consider puppy classes or doggy daycares. These places are like schools where puppies learn to be friendly to each other, not just for play.
Professional dog trainers are there to help your puppy play and learn with other puppies. These classes help your pup become confident and make friends, and it’s a good opportunity for you to meet other dog owners too.
I know many dog owners who became best friends because they first built a connection around a common love for their favourite breed.
5. It builds the bond between you and your corgi
Socialisation is a way for you and your dog to form a deep bond.
Introducing your corgi to new experiences and environments helps build trust. As they learn to navigate different situations with your guidance, they come to rely on you as a source of security.
As you give them cues and reassurance, and they’ll respond in their own way, which strengthens the communication channels between you.
The journey of socialisation creates shared experiences. Whether it’s meeting new people, exploring new places, or seeing different animals, these shared adventures make for to lasting memories.
Quick recap! 5 reasons to socialise your corgi 💡
- 1. Provides plenty of fun
- 2. Maintains your health
- 3. Encourages good behaviour
- 4. Supports social interaction
- 5. Builds the bond between you and your dog.
Final thoughts on socialising your corgi
Socialising your corgi is not just a rewarding experience; it’s an essential aspect of responsible pet ownership.
It extends beyond merely exposing them to new experiences—it’s about establishing a foundation of trust, communication, and understanding.
This foundation serves as the bedrock for a strong and lifelong bond between you and your furry companion. I wish you a delightful and fulfilling journey in nurturing this special connection!
