You want to take your Corgi everywhere with you. But it’s not practical to take your dog to work and other occasions.
So you wonder whether Corgis can be left alone (and for how long).
Can a Corgi be left alone?
Corgis can be left alone, but that depends on 3 primary factors: how attached you are to your dog, how old they are and how well they are trained. Corgis expect affection from their owners, so be careful if you want to leave your home without them.
How long can they stay home alone?
Adult Corgis (1 year and older) can stay home alone for less than a day. You can leave for your 8-hour workday and it will be fine. But they may start seeking attention if you leave them alone longer: barking and pacing are some tendencies to watch out for.
Warning: puppies can also be left alone. It is recommended to use a crate for your corgi when he is alone. That way you won’t find a mess or chewed shoes when you come back home.
Can you make staying at home easier for your Corgi?
Staying at home will be easier for your Corgi if you give them things to do.
You can give them their favorite ball or puzzle and they will be occupied for hours. You should also keep them in an open area in the house to protect them from heatstroke.
Note: see Tip #1 to learn more about which puzzles or materials you can leave behind!
Can you train your dog to behave when he’s alone?
A Corgi can also behave when left alone!
They are loyal dogs and will stay calm if you train them well.
With a few well-placed gates, food and water dishes, and behavioral changes on your part, your dog will learn to think that being alone is sometimes good for him.
Can I leave my Corgis alone if they are sick?
Corgis should not be left alone. Because they are vulnerable to certain illnesses, you must be with your dog whenever they show signs of weakness. If possible, you should call in sick and be with them personally. If that’s not possible, hire a sitter or ask a friend or neighbor for help.
Can Corgis be left alone with other dogs in your home?
Corgis can be left alone with other dogs.
In fact, they are generally super friendly with dogs they know. But they should have equal resources so they don’t fight each other. Separate their food and water compartments and give one toy per dog. They should also have their own crate.
Should Corgis have the house to themselves when they are alone?
If your house has a lot of space, don’t give it all to your dog. Block off your stairs, because they can break their hips without assistance.
Give them a place to poop or pee so they don’t make a mess later and keep them away from the fence to prevent them from barking at the neighbors.
9 tips to keep your Corgi safe at home
#1: Don’t be too clingy
Owners tend to find it difficult to leave their Corgis behind.
With their cute looks, who can blame them?
Sometimes a simple “goodbye” can turn into a cuddle session, making you late for work. That may sound sweet, but it can harm your dog in other ways.
Because Corgis are social creatures, a single outburst of affection isn’t enough. The more you show that you’ll miss them, the more you trigger their separation anxiety.
Dogs with separation anxiety tend to have tantrums when separated from their favorite owners. It can affect them in the following ways:
- Running in circles.
- Blocking your exit.
- Ignoring your commands.
- Non-stop barking or crying.
- Constantly scratching at your pants.
As a result, your Corgi can bother your neighbors and even ruin things in the house.
When this happens, it means you have lost all control over your dog.
What can you do?
In milder cases of separation anxiety it is enough to simply give your dog a special “goodbye toy”. Some of these are:
- Snuffle mats. The snuffle mat is built to mimic outdoor grass and is a good way for your Corgi to forage for food when you are not there.
- Chew toy. With this classic tool your Corgi can work off some energy for 20-30 minutes at a time.
Note: the chew bone also serves as a fun toothbrush and removes debris from their teeth with every bite.
- Spin and treat. A toy that dispenses treats when opened turns dogs into problem solvers. This reward system can make a dog happy when you’re not there.
Note: use these only when you leave, so your dog knows they will be rewarded when left alone.
In more severe cases you should speak to an animal behaviorist and have your dog undergo a specialized program including:
- Desensitization: reducing your dog’s fear.
- Counter-conditioning: changing your dog’s reaction from stressed to happy.
Note: Separation anxiety worsens over time. As soon as you begin to see a pattern of agitation, you should consult a trainer or behaviorist immediately.
#2: Dog-proof places
Corgis are naturally active dogs and go where they please. Unfortunately, some places can be hazardous to them without supervision. They may, for example, jump off the stairs in your home. If they do this constantly, it can damage their joints later on.
If you’re not there, they’ll likely run up and down the stairs to look for you. If they do it long enough, this can cause long-term problems, such as hip dysplasia.
You also don’t want your Corgi near your kitchen, because they can bump into tables, wedge themselves into corners, or break glasses. This can cause lacerations or bruises that you’ll have to treat when you return. That’s why you want a gate on your stairs and a door to your kitchen.
You should also keep your bathroom doors locked, unless you’ve specifically house-trained them there. When dogs get bored, they tend to eat toilet paper.
Finally, you shouldn’t keep your Corgi in your front yard. Corgis are territorial and hostile toward people or animals they don’t know. If your front yard faces a busy street, your Corgi hours will bark and annoy your neighbors.
#3: Give your Corgi an exclusive space
Being alone can be heartbreaking for an attached Corgi, even if it’s only for a day.
So you want them to feel comfortable with the place they’ll stay when you’re not around.
It’s usually a good idea to keep your Corgis in the living room, but every home has different layouts. This can make deciding difficult.
Choosing poorly can lead to your Corgi developing health problems later on.
Instead of putting your Corgi somewhere in the house, pick a spot and ask the following questions:
- Is it flat? Corgis have fragile legs that make climbing and jumping stressful for their joints.
- Is it roomy? As herding dogs, Corgis like to have some space. If you’re not there, they will likely wander around to entertain themselves.
- Is the temperature right? Corgis have thick coats that allow them to tolerate temperatures between 20 and 30 °C .
- Is the place curiosity-proof? Toilet paper, thread, or loose screws can make your dog curious. They may start to chew on them.
If your answer to this is yes, it means you have found the perfect place for your Corgi.
#4: Be good-natured
If you work full-time with a hectic schedule, you may sometimes completely neglect your Corgi. This can stress any Corgi, no matter how well trained they are, because they still need a bond with their owners.
Note: Trained Corgis can only be alone for 7-8 hours . After that, they will likely look for you.
If you leave them alone, they can accidentally injure themselves while trying to cope with their boredom. They may also end up breaking glassware and cutlery, moving chairs, or even rummaging through your clothes.
If you live in a neighborhood with other dogs, they may cry and make a lot of noise. And if no one is there to help, your dog could really be in danger.
As such you should try to make friends with your neighbors. Good neighbors can often be asked to look after your dog while you are away. They can also feed them and even help form a bond with your dog. They will also understand your dog better if it barks or misses you.
You can also hire a dog walker or pet sitter. They will give your dog some exercise while you are not there.
Note: Dogs can eventually come to love their sitter more than you if you are often absent. Make some time for them every day when you return!
