Corgis are intelligent and social dogs, but also a bit stubborn – making it more of a challenge when they need to be trained to go potty outside. House training can be a challenging task, but with patience and consistency, you can teach your corgi to be housetrained.
What is House Training?
House training is the process of teaching your dog to eliminate in a designated area, such as the backyard, or for apartment dwellers or others in small spaces without a lawn, it may be an area like a “pee pad”. This can be a challenging process, especially for young puppies. However, with patience and consistency, you can teach your corgi to be housetrained.
Signs Your Corgi Needs to Go Potty
Make sure you are aware of the signs that your corgi needs to go potty, such as:
- Sniffing around or circling
- Whining or barking
- Scratching at the door
- Squatting or lifting their leg
How to House Train Your Corgi
There are several effective strategies and tips for house training your corgi:
- Choose a Designated Potty Spot: Designate a specific area in your backyard as your corgi’s potty spot, or if you use a pee pad, make sure it is always in the same location. This will help them learn to go potty in one place.
- Establish a Routine: Take your corgi to their potty spot frequently, such as first thing in the morning, after meals, after naps, and before bedtime.
- Use Positive Reinforcement: When your corgi eliminates in their potty spot, reward them with praise, treats, or their favorite toy. This will help them associate going potty outside with positive reinforcement.
- Use a Crate: Crate training can be an effective tool for house training. Crates provide a safe and comfortable place for your corgi to sleep and rest. They also help prevent accidents by teaching your corgi to hold their bladder when they are inside.
- Be Consistent: Consistency is key when house training your corgi. Be consistent with your commands, routines, and rewards.
- Be Patient: House training can take time and patience. Don’t get discouraged if your corgi has accidents. Just keep practicing and they will eventually learn.
Additional Tips for House Training Your Corgi
- Make sure your corgi has plenty of water to drink. This will help them produce urine and make it easier for them to hold their bladder.
- Avoid using harsh punishments or scolding. This can scare your corgi and make them more likely to have accidents.
- Don’t rub your corgi’s nose in their mess. This will not teach them to go potty outside and may make them afraid of you.
How to Clean Up Accidents
If your corgi does have an accident inside, it is important to clean it up immediately. Use an enzymatic cleaner to remove all traces of the accident. This will help prevent your corgi from going potty in the same spot again.
When to Seek Professional Help From a Trainer
If you are struggling to house train your corgi, you may want to seek professional help from a dog trainer. A dog trainer can provide you with personalized advice and strategies for house training your corgi.
House training your corgi can be a challenging but rewarding experience. With patience, consistency, and positive reinforcement, you can teach your corgi to be housetrained. With a little effort, you and your corgi will be enjoying a happy and mess-free home!