TL;DR / Quick Insights:
- Corgis are tiny, bossy geniuses who will own your heart (and your couch).
- Puppy-proof your home like you’re preparing for a toddler who can chew through anything.
- Start training early, but keep it fun and have patience and high-quality special treats ready (like chicken).
- Walks, playtime, and strict meal times are non-negotiable. Corgis thrive on attention and routine.
- Get ready for fur. Everywhere. Accept it now, and invest in good lint rollers (stressing the plural).
So, you’re a Corgi dad—or thinking about becoming one? First of all, congrats! You’re about to have a fluffy, stubborn, smart, and endlessly lovable companion in your life and you will join the very special club of Corgi parents. Corgis are just one of a kind. Let me walk you through what life as a Corgi dad is really like, with tips to help you navigate every step of the journey.
Understanding the Corgi Spirit
Corgis aren’t just dogs—they’re big personalities on four short legs. These little herding dogs were bred to boss cattle around, and trust me, that bossy streak is alive and well. They’re incredibly smart, which is amazing when you’re training them (or trying to keep them out of bad behavior). But with all that intelligence comes a streak of independence. Corgis will test you, and they’re not shy about telling you exactly what they want.
Tips:
- Engage their minds with puzzle toys, new tricks, or even agility training. A bored Corgi is a naughty Corgi.
- Stick to a routine. They thrive on knowing what’s coming next, whether it’s dinner time or walk time.
Preparing Your Home for a Corgi
Before you bring your Corgi home, get ready to see the world from about 12 inches off the ground. What can they reach? What can they chew? If it’s accessible, it’s fair game in their minds.
Tips:
- Secure electric cords, shoes, and anything chewable. I once lost a brand-new pair of sneakers because I underestimated Max’s love for leather. Lesson learned.
- Set up their space. A comfy dog bed, some chew toys, and a quiet spot they can retreat to will make them feel at home.
Training Your Corgi: Patience Is Key
Corgis are smart. Like, scary smart. But they’re also stubborn, so training needs to be consistent, fun, and full of rewards. Start early, and keep sessions short to match their attention spans (5-10 minutes per session is great).
Tips:
- Begin with basic commands like “sit,” “stay,” and “come.” Keep treats in reach at all times, and use high-value ones (like chicken for example), that they only get during training sessions.
- Celebrate progress, even the small wins. If they’re having an off day, try again tomorrow.
The Food-Loving Corgi: Managing Their Diet
Corgis love food, and they don't have a sense of fullness so they don’t know when to stop eating. It’s adorable until you realize they’ve gained a little too much weight. Keeping their diet in check is essential to their health.
Tips:
- Measure their food. Free feeding is a no-go for these chowhounds.
- Use low-calorie treats for training. Carrot sticks or blueberries are great options.
Daily Exercise: Burning Off That Energy
Corgis might be small, but they’ve got the energy of a much larger dog. Regular exercise isn’t just about keeping them fit; it’s about keeping them happy and preventing them from channeling that energy into, say, redecorating your furniture.
Tips:
- Aim for two to three walks a day, around 20–30 minutes each if you do three, or around 40-50 minutes of you do two.
- Incorporate playtime in between. Fetch, tug-of-war, or even a good romp in the yard will do wonders.
The Fur Situation: Embrace the Shedding
If you’re not ready to live with fur on everything, a Corgi might not be for you. Shedding is constant, and during shedding season, it’s next level.
Tips:
- Brush them a few times a week to keep the shedding manageable (maybe 2-3 times a week).
- Invest in a high-quality vacuum and stock up on lint rollers. You’ll definitely need them.
Social Life of a Corgi Dad
Corgis love people and other dogs, but early socialization is key. Taking them out and about helps them build confidence and learn how to behave in different settings.
Tips:
- Start socialization early. Take them to parks, pet-friendly cafes, or just on walks in busy areas.
- Introduce them to a variety of people and dogs. The more they experience now, the better they’ll handle new situations later. Meet different kinds of dogs and also people (like big, small, bearded, on a bike, in a wheelchair, ...).
Capturing Memories with Your Corgi
Corgis are walking comedy shows, and you’ll want to remember the hilarious, adorable, and heartwarming moments they bring into your life.
Tips:
- Take lots of photos and videos. Their silly quirks are pure gold.
- Keep a journal or even start a social media account for your Corgi. Sharing their personality with others can be a lot of fun (and might bring some fame for your low rider).
Why Being a Corgi Dad Is Worth It
Sure, being a Corgi dad comes with its challenges. The fur, the stubbornness, the occasional chewed-up shoe—it’s all part of the package. But the love, loyalty, and laughter they bring make it all worth it. They’re not just pets; they’re family.
Celebrate Your Corgi Dad Status
If you’re proud to be a Corgi dad (and why wouldn’t you be?), check out our Official Corgi Fan Club Collection©. Whether it’s a comfy Corgi hoodie for you or a cute dog bandana for your pup, we’ve got you covered. Show the world you’re part of the best club around—the Corgi dad club.
