Corgis are arguably one of the cutest dog breeds in the world. But as cute as they are, we can’t have our dogs with us 24/7, and there are times when your Corgi may need to be left alone from time to time. That being said, there are some important things to know about Corgis and what they need to be happy and healthy.
Owning a dog is a huge responsibility, no matter the breed of your furry friend. Just like you would not like to be left alone every day, your dog needs consistent love and attention. If left alone for an extended period of time without the proper stimulation and comfort, dogs often develop unpleasant behaviors or can even develop health conditions.
So when you have to leave your dog alone, it is crucial to know the best ways to do so and make informed decisions based on the breed of your dog, your specific circumstances, and the best recommendations for leaving your dog alone for a short amount of time.
Here is what you need to know about your Corgi and how to accommodate the times they may need to be left alone.
Breed Information
Corgis are one of the most popular herding breeds, and there are two main breeds of Corgi: Cardigan Welsh and Pembroke Welsh. There are some distinct differences between these breeds.
The Pembroke Welsh is the Corgi breed that the late Queen Elizabeth II adored and is often one lighter color like fawn or red. Pembroke Corgis are also recognized because of their short tail and lighter behind.
Cardigan Welsch Corgis actually come from a completely different line of parentage. They are usually larger than the Pembroke breed and have a more distinct tail. Cardigan Corgis come in a wider variety of fur colors from black and white to blue merle and can have a combination of markings.
One reason these pups are so loveable is their affectionate and playful nature. Corgis make great companions, and they thrive off of time and attention with their owners and some other dogs.
Corgis are generally very social dogs. Because they are considered part of the herding family, Corgis often feel responsible for their herd, which in many cases means your family. They instinctively want to keep the herd together and care for each member, including children. This means Corgis can struggle when they are left alone for an extended period of time without something to distract and challenge them.
Another thing to keep in mind about Corgis is that they really are athletic — big dogs in small bodies. Their legs may be short, but their muscled thighs and chests are built for hard work. They are also quite quick and agile and have a fearless nature.
Now that you know more about the Corgi breeds, let’s discuss the different behaviors of Corgis as they get older.
Differences in the Age of a Corgi
Corgi Puppies
Training Corgi puppies is fairly straightforward. They usually respond quickly to consistent training and care. Housetraining is the biggest factor in determining how long a puppy can be left alone inside the house. Proper crate training can help with housetraining and preventing accidents, but it is important to remember that even the best-trained puppies can struggle to hold it for more than a few hours.
Corgi puppies do best being left alone after they have had some exercise and have a chance to burn some more energy as soon as you are home again.
Adult Corgis
Fully matured adult Corgis that are properly housetrained can be left alone for a little longer and may not require crate training. However, you should never leave your Corgi unattended inside at home for more than 8-10 hours.
If you need to leave your Corgi alone consistently, be sure to take them out before you go and spend quality time with them as soon as you return. Remember, Corgis are extremely social and are happiest when they are with you.
Senior Corgis
As dogs age, including both breeds of Corgis, they often require more care and attention. It is not uncommon for senior dogs to need more potty breaks to avoid accidents and messes in the house. You may also notice an increase in your Corgi’s anxiety as they age.
These things mean that senior Corgis may not be able to be left alone for long periods, even if they used to do so before. You may need to accommodate these changes as your Corgi ages and possibly find ways to spend more time taking care of this important member of your family.
5 Tips for When You Leave Your Corgi Alone
Corgis may be small, but they are high-energy and athletic and need at least 1 hour of exercise daily. If a Corgi doesn’t get enough physical activity, they are more likely to chew and do other less desirable things out of boredom.
To help your Corgi enjoy their time alone, take them out for a walk or other activities before and after you are gone. It can also help to switch up the type of exercise you engage your Corgi in so they also experience a bit of a mental challenge.
When it comes to a mental challenge, there are many toys and treats that can provide the mental stimulation your Corgi needs to be content. You may need to try a few different ones to find what your dog prefers and what can keep your dog preoccupied for the longest period of time.
A quiet house can add to a feeling of loneliness or separation anxiety. One solution is to leave some background noise so your pup feels like something is still happening around them. You can try putting on some TV, music, or white noise as a distraction. This suggestion may not be effective for all dogs, so try it out for a short time to see how your dog responds.
Sometimes all a lonely dog needs is another furry friend to keep them company. If your Corgi struggles to be alone while you are at work or out and about without them, consider adding a second dog to your home.
This may not be possible for everyone, but it can significantly benefit both dogs if they need to be left alone. Again, this may not work for all dogs. Some prefer to be the only dog and struggle to get along with other dogs. Just be sure you can offer the care and attention both dogs will need from you.
As your Corgi grows and gets more accustomed to a routine, you may be able to expand the boundaries your Corgi recognizes. Most veterinarians and dog trainers recommend crate training your dog. This is a great first step and should still be used even if you don’t put your dog in the crate each time you leave.
If you have an enclosed yard with a dog door or pathway for your dog to get in and out of the house on their home, you may be able to leave your dog alone for a longer period. It is still a good idea for someone to check in on your cute Corgi and make they have everything they need — including some playtime and belly rubs.
Plush Paws Products
For all of the products to keep your Corgi happy and healthy, check out Plush Paws Products. We have everything from car seat covers for all your adventures with your dog to eye drops to help maintain your dog’s eyesight. From one dog-lover to another, Plush Paws Products is the best choice for your pup.