5 Commands You Need to Teach Your Corgi​

Here’s the thing about getting a corgi puppy. They can begin learning new skills via training at around eight weeks old – which is about the age you’ll be able to buy one from a breeder.

That means you can start training right away!

If you’re a new corgi puppy owner, you must be thinking: how to I train this dog? You’re in luck. Here are the five top skills you need to train your dog – and the techniques to do it.

Before you get started!

These training techniques use positive reinforcement. Positive reinforcement is rewarding your dog when they do well. This is not a bribe – it’s simply an encouragement to push them in the right direction. The best way to reward your corgi is with their favourite treat, or a toy that they love.
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There are no punishments involved when they do poorly. That would be be negative reinforcement, and is not encouraged by most dog trainers. Negative reinforcement can cause your dog to feel confused and upset – not emotions we want to encourage for their wellbeing.

Keep your training sessions short to begin with, no more than 10 to 15 minutes. You can begin stretching this out as they get better at their skills.
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With that out of the way, let’s get started. 

How to Train Your Corgi Dog to Come When Called

Having your dog come when called is one of the most important skills your corgi can learn.

By using their name, or the COME command, in combination with their favourite treat, you can get them to run to you.

Not only does the COME command keep them in close range for hugs, it also keeps them safe around other animals and dangers that cross their path. And it’s not a bad trick to show your friends either!

Read our guide on How to Train Your Corgi Dog to Come When Called

How to Train Your Corgi Dog to Heel

Everyone knows corgis love an adventure! But when danger lurks, it’s important that your favourite dog stays safe by your side. That’s the power of the HEEL command.

Heeling is when you get your corgi to walk next to you – with the leash held loose. In competition, the head of your dog needs to match your left knee. For us non-professionals, it doesn’t matter which side. And they don’t have to be nose to knee perfect!
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Training this skill takes a few steps. You’ll first reward them for walking around you, then you’ll progress to rewarding them as they walk alongside you. When they are standing in the correct position, you introduce the command. Over time, you can adjust their behaviour.

Read our guide on ​How to Train Your Corgi Dog to Heel​

How to Train Your Corgi Dog to Sit

Getting your corgi to sit is one of the most common dog training skills – and one of the most important. The SIT command lets you keep your dog behaved and under control.
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This is critical when you are outside and around strangers or other dogs. It can also be useful when stopping to look at a map or waiting for the lights to change at the intersection!

Training your corgi to sit involves using treats like a fishing lure. By raising the treat high above their head, you naturally force their butt to go to the floor. You then extend this training to introduce the command, and encourage them to sit without the treat.

Read our guide on ​​How to Train Your Corgi Dog to Sit​

How to Train Your Corgi Dog to Lie Down

The DOWN command is one of the most useful skills for your corgi to master. 

It’s one of the real fundamentals of dog training – and will come in handy when you need to control their behaviour while you’re out playing.
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Like sitting, you’ll use the treat as a lure to gently instruct your corgi into position. However, this time, the treat goes the opposite way. It stays close to the ground, rather than above their head. This forces them towards the floor in order to get the treat, and into the laying position.
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Read our guide on​ How to Train Your Corgi Dog to Lie Down​

How to Train Your Corgi Dog to Stay

Teaching your dog to stay can be one of the harder tricks that your corgi has to learn. It fights against their natural impulse to run after treats and into your loving arms.

But teaching your corgi to stay is one of the most important skills they can have in their arsenal. It makes it super handy for you, like when you need to grab another treat, open a door, or pick up a toy.

Training your corgi to stay is easiest if you’ve already learnt the sit or lie down command. To train your corgi to sit, take a step back from them, and reward them. Then repeat, gradually increasing the distance as you go, while introducing the command.

Read our guide on How to Train Your Corgi Dog to Stay​

Final Thoughts on How to Train Your Corgi Dog to Stay

Here are all the skill guides in one place for you to check out.


Training is a process. You’ll go forward and back. Some days will feel like they’ve got it, and then the next will feel like you’re starting over again. That’s nothing to worry about.

The main thing to remember is to always encourage your corgi, and make them feel like a winner. And even when they’ve got it locked in, the odd reward for a well-executed command can do wonders!
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Always remember to make the learning process fun. And in kind, you’ll be rewarded with useful skill for your dog that will make handling them even easier in the future.

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