TL;DR / Quick Insights:
- Puppy-proof your home by securing wires, removing small objects, and blocking access to dangerous areas.
- Create a cozy sleep space with a comfy bed and familiar scents to help them settle in.
- Stock up on high-quality puppy food and establish a feeding schedule.
- Start training and socializing early to set the stage for a well-behaved, confident pup.
Bringing home a Corgi puppy is like opening the door to a whirlwind of fur, laughter, and adorable chaos. Those tiny legs and fluffy butts come with an equally big personality—and some preparation is key to making their arrival smooth for both of you. Ready to puppy-proof your space and get everything set up for your new best friend? Let’s do this!
Puppy-Proofing: Safety First
Before your little fluffball makes their grand entrance, take a good look around your home through the eyes of an adventurous puppy. They’ll want to sniff, chew, and explore everything, so your first job is to make sure their surroundings are safe.
- Hide the hazards: Move loose wires, secure electrical cords, and stash anything small enough to be swallowed. If it’s chewable, assume they’ll try to chew it. Bye, bye dangling phone chargers!
- Toxic plants, no thanks: Keep houseplants like lilies, pothos, or philodendrons out of reach. Even better: double-check every plant you own to make sure it’s puppy-safe.
- Baby gates are your friend: Use them to block off rooms you’d rather keep off-limits, like the kitchen or the fancy carpeted living room. A designated puppy zone (like your living room or a sectioned-off area) will keep them safe and make your life way easier.
When Max, my Corgi, first came home, he was obsessed with the TV remote. Lesson learned: anything within puppy-level reach is fair game in their eyes.
Comfort and Sleep: The Perfect Puppy Den
Your new pup is leaving behind their littermates and familiar surroundings, which is (as you can imagine) a big deal. Therefore a designated cozy, secure sleeping area just for them will help them to adjust quickly.
- The dog bed: Invest in a soft, durable puppy bed and place it in a quiet, low-traffic corner. Add a blanket or toy that smells like their litter or breeder (if you have one). Trust me, it’s like a comfort zone for their first few nights. Make sure, that there is nothing on the bed, that they can chew on and swallow easily—again, they could try to eat anything.
- Routine is everything: Start establishing a bedtime routine from day one. A little quiet cuddle time or a quick potty break before bed can help them settle down and get used to their new home.
Pro tip: Expect a few restless nights at the start—it’s normal! Puppies may whine or cry and might need 1-3 bathroom breaks during the night. But a steady routine will help them settle in faster.
Nutrition and Feeding: Set Them Up for Growth
Corgis might be small, but they’re big on appetite! Choosing the right high-quality food and setting up a feeding routine is essential.
- Pick high-quality puppy food: Look for options made for small to medium breeds. Check with your vet when you’re unsure about brands or specific dietary needs.
- The right setup: Use shallow, puppy-friendly bowls. Elevated feeding stations can help keep their posture comfy (and avoid messes). Start with three meals a day, then gradually transition to two as they grow (skipping the lunch).
- Don’t forget hydration: Keep fresh water available at all times—it’s easy to overlook, but your pup will need it constantly.
Fun fact: Max loved his puzzle feeder—it turned mealtime into a mini adventure and slowed him down from inhaling his food too quickly.
Training and Socialization: Start Strong
Puppies are little sponges, soaking up everything around them. Early training and socialization will set your Corgi up for a lifetime of good behavior and confidence.
- Potty training 101: Consistency is key. Take them out first thing in the morning, 5-10 minutes after meals, and of course before bed. Use the same spot, and reward them like crazy when they get it right. You can also try to establish a little keyword when they are doing their business. With Max, it helped him release more quickly, because he knew, when he heard my keywords that it was time to go. This will not work with all ages though—at least from my experience.
- Basic commands: Start with the essentials like “sit,” “stay,” and “come.” Keep sessions short (5–10 minutes) and full of positive vibes. Treats + praise = success. We got a full blog post on that topic too.
- Meet and greet: Introduce your puppy to new people, sounds, and safe, vaccinated dogs. Positive experiences now will help prevent fear or aggression later on. Also for this topic, there is a complete blog post available on our side.
Socialization tip: Short walks in quiet areas or playdates with a calm dog are great ways to build your puppy’s confidence without overwhelming them.
Why It’s All Worth It
Bringing home a Corgi puppy is a mix of preparation, patience, and lots of love. It’s all about setting them up to feel safe, happy, and ready to grow into the incredible companion you know they’ll be. Sure, there’ll be accidents and chewed-up slippers, but those are just little bumps in the road to an amazing bond.
Celebrate Your New Dog
Welcoming a dog into your life is a huge deal—so why not make it extra special? Check out our Official Corgi Fan Club Collection© for fun, stylish dog-themed gear that celebrates your new pup. From cozy Corgi hoodies to adorable dog bandanas, we’ve got everything you need to show off your Corgi pride. Happy puppy prep!
