Click to Skip Ahead
Corgis were bred to herd cattle, so they are naturally active and adventurous. As puppies, they can give you a run for your money when it comes to keeping up with them. However, this breed tends to calm down once they grow out of puppyhood, around the age of 1 to 2 years. This is not a steadfast rule, though; some Corgis calm down sooner, while others don’t seem to ever chill out! That said, a calm disposition is not just about age, especially when it comes to the Corgi. It is also about personality, exercise regimens, and stimulation throughout the day. Let’s take a closer look at these points and more.
When Corgis Tend to Calm Down — At Least a Little
There is no hard evidence as to when Corgis calm down overall. However, there are anecdotal owner and breeder reports that these dogs start calming down at around 1 year old.1 For some dogs, a calmer disposition may start to develop at around the 8-month range, while for others, it won’t be until about the 2-year range. It just depends on the dog’s innate activity level, personality, lifestyle, and other factors.
Factors That Contribute to a Corgi’s Active Personality
There are a few different factors, aside from age, that can contribute to a Corgi’s energy levels and playfulness as they age. First, Corgis are extremely active and curious dogs. They were bred to herd cattle, so they have surprisingly high stamina and drive. They tend to explore every nook and cranny, and if they are bored and not provided with sufficient physical exercise and mental stimulation, like in any other breed of dogs, they may chew on shoes and books, chase toys, and play with everything that they can get their paws on, especially as puppies.
Many Corgi owners describe feeling overwhelmed while their dogs were puppies, never being able to relax at home because it always seemed to be “go time.” Napping is uncommon among these dogs while still young because they don’t want to miss out on any opportunity to explore or interact with their household companions. Corgis need plenty of exercise and attention each day, and if they don’t get it, they may resort to undesirable behaviors.
Things That You Can Do to Calm Your Corgi Down
The best thing that you can do to tire your Corgi down so they are more relaxed while spending time inside is to make sure you offer them plenty of exercise and attention. Go for a long walk (at least 45 minutes) first thing in the morning after breakfast, so your dog can get rid of the energy that they accrued throughout the night.
You should spend at least 15-30 minutes training and another 30-45 minutes playing with your Corgi before you start your own day, depending on their age. Speak to your vet about the exact times and intensity of recommended exercise based on your dog’s age and health.
Exercising first thing in the morning should help keep your corgi relaxed and content while you’re away from home, trying to wash dishes or do laundry, or even watching a movie in the living room. It is important to obedience train, kennel train, and socialize your Corgi puppy as early and consistently as possible.
Doing so will help ensure that your pup is well-behaved, even when things are not going their way in terms of activity and excitement during the day. It is also important to note that your Corgi likely won’t nap unless they have no choice, as they will explore and play as often as possible while awake. Putting your dog in their crate for an hour or so at a time will help ensure that they get the rest that they need during the day after they’ve had adequate exercise.
Crate training is useful for many dogs and their families, as it gives the dog a place of calm, where they won’t be disturbed. They should feel safe and at ease there, away from potential excitement or overstimulation. Use treats and toys to make it a positive place to be. You may also find it useful to train your dog to stay in their kennel whenever you leave the house until they are fully grown, but make sure they are well exercised before, fed, and have access to fresh water at all times.
Conclusion
Corgis are fun-loving dogs that are known for their high energy levels and rambunctious personalities. These dogs will give you a run for your money as puppies, but all the hard work that you put into being a good pet parent will be well worth it. Make training and socialization a priority, and everything should start falling into place within the first year or two.
Featured Image Credit: David Raihelgauz, Shutterstock
