Are Corgis Destructive?

Are corgis destructive?

Corgis are the fluffy little nuggets of joy that have stolen our hearts with their adorable short legs and butt wiggles.

Every dog has the potential to be a little mischievous from time to time. But are corgis destructive?

Yes, corgis can be destructive if they are not regularly exercised. They are also a social breed, which means they can be destructive when they are feeling bored or alone. With a little training and plenty of love, these playful pups can be the perfect addition to any home.

Why are corgis destructive? 3 top reasons your corgi destroys things

Corgis can be destructive because they are bored, lonely, or anxious. Thankfully, these can be managed with a little work.

Like any dog, corgis can be destructive if not properly trained and exercised. Don't leave your socks lying around or you might find them turned into a chew toy!

Here are some possible reasons why your corgi might be causing a little chaos in your home.

1. Corgis may be destructive if they are bored

As active dogs, corgis will be destructive if they get bored, particularly if they don’t get enough exercise and play while you’re at home.

If you've ever owned a corgi, you know these little furballs have boundless energy and a love for adventure.

But if they don't get enough opportunities to burn off that energy, they might start getting a little destructive.

Trust me, I learned this the hard way when my corgi dug a giant hole in my family backyard because she was bored.

So, if you want to keep your corgi (and your home) in tip-top shape, make sure to stop them getting bored.

2. Corgis may be destructive if they are lonely

If corgis are left alone, they have a tendency to be destructive. This is because they are social dogs that crave interaction with others.

Ahh, separation anxiety. It's not just humans who get a little anxious when we're away from our loved ones.

Corgis can definitely experience some separation anxiety when left alone for too long.

Symptoms of separation anxiety in your corgi might include excessive barking or whining (basically just singing their own little song of loneliness), chewing the furniture, or digging as a way to release all that pent-up energy.

You may in rare instances even see attempts to escape – because they just can't bear to be apart from you.

3. Corgis may be destructive if they are stressed

Your corgi may exhibit destructive behaviours if they are stressed or anxious. This may be from loud noise, or potential threats they can sense nearby.

Stress is a common physical and psychological reaction to life's responsibilities. It is the body's method of reacting to any demand or danger. This signals to the brain that something bad is about to happen, even if it isn't.

It's important to identify the cause of the stress in your corgi and take steps to address it. This will help soothe your corgi’s soul.

By showing your corgi love and patience, you can help them become a well-behaved and joyful companion – and a little less destructive.

Do corgis destroy toys?

Yes. Corgis may chew or destroy toys if they are bored or do not have enough outlets for all their energy. It's always useful to have a few backup todays at the ready.

As a corgi owner, it can be frustrating and costly to constantly replace destroyed toys.

It's important to remember though that your corgi may be exhibiting destructive behaviour because you haven’t properly managed their energy levels.

To prevent toy destruction, try giving your corgi with a variety of toys and rotating them regularly to keep them interested.

You can also try engaging in interactive play with your corgi, such as fetch or hide and seek.

This will limit the amount of time and energy they have to destroy their toys, and build the bond between you.

Adobo the corgi has destroyed his favourite mouse toy. Source

Do corgis destroy furniture?

Yes, if corgis are left alone, they have the potential to destroy your furniture.

It's true, corgis can sometimes get a little overzealous with the furniture. But don't worry, there are ways to keep your fluffy pal from turning your couch into a pile of fluff.

Make sure your corgi is getting enough exercise and play time, and always be on the lookout for chewing. By using up all that excess energy, you limit the amount they have to spend on munching on the sofa.

With a little patience and some preventive measures (which I'll go into below), your corgi can be a well-behaved companion.

Bella the corgi has gotten into the pillows, along with some of her toys. Source

What are the most destructive dog breeds?

The list of most destructive dogs is topped by Great Dane, Chihuahua and Mastiff.

Have you ever come home to find your furry friend has decided to redecorate your living room (using your favourite shoes as décor)?

If so, you're definitely not alone. In fact, a recent study by The Telegraph and Esure Pet Insurance found over 3,000 dog owners had to repair or replace items destroyed by their pups.

But which breeds were the biggest culprits? Well, the study took a look at the most destructive breeds and the average lifetime cost of damages caused by these furballs.

If you're considering adding a new four-legged family member, it might be worth considering which breeds might cause a little (or a lot) of destruction.

The top 15 most destructive dog breeds are:

Great Dane
Chihuahua
Mastiff
Basset Hound
Whippet
English Bulldog
Greyhound
Bull Terrier
Boxer
Beagle
Staffordshire Bull Terrier
West Highland White Terrier
Dachshund
German Shepherd
Labradoodle

The most destructive pet breeds are more likely to leave your flower beds destroyed, your carpets ruined and your furniture chewed. Not things you want in your family home.

Do corgis grow out of destructive behaviour?

As a dog owner, it is important to be aware that all dogs have the potential to exhibit destructive behaviour at some point in their lives. Because corgis are high energy dogs, this potential is increased. However, the older they get, the less likely they are to be destructive.

Corgis are often more destructive as puppies, because they lack the training to know any better.

Thankfully, this reduces as they age, and become more acquainted with their surrounds.

If your dog does exhibit destructive behaviour, it is important to be patient and consistent in your efforts to manage and modify the behaviour.

It may take several months or more for your dog to learn new behaviours and overcome destructive tendencies.

With patience, consistency, and the right approach, most dogs can learn to control their destructive tendencies.

How to stop destructive behaviour? 9 ways to stop your corgi destroying the house

If your corgi is not on their best behaviour, you may be wondering what you can do about it.

Here are some steps you can take to help stop your dog's destructive chewing, scratching, and digging.

1. Use a crate to train them not to be destructive

Using a crate can be an effective way to help stop destructive behaviours in your dog.

Start by feeding your dog in the crate and gradually increasing the amount of time they spend in it. You can also toss treats into the crate to encourage your dog to go in.

Your dog should view the crate as a safe and comfortable place to be. Don't use the crate as punishment, and don't leave your dog in the crate for extended periods of time.

2. Remove the items they are trying to destroy

Make sure to pick up any household items that your dog might be tempted to chew, such as shoes, clothes, or trash.

Dogs, especially puppies, have a natural urge to chew on things as they explore their environment and learn about the world around them.

If they are not provided with appropriate chew toys, they may turn to other items, such as shoes or clothes, to fulfill this urge.

Removing these items from the dog's reach can help to prevent them from being chewed on and destroyed.

It’s also critical to properly dispose any trash, as plastic, rubber and metal can be dangerous to your corgi if chewed. This can also help to keep the home clean and prevent any potential messes.

3. Block them off from important areas of the home

If there are certain areas of your home that you don't want your dog to have access to, consider blocking them off with a baby gate or closing doors.

It may also be as simple as leaving them in the backyard (with shelter) during the day, and bringing them in at night.

It's not recommended to use total isolation as a way to stop destructive behaviour in your dog.

Isolating your dog, such as by putting them in a crate or a separate room for long periods of time, can cause them to become anxious and stressed, which can actually lead to an increase in destructive behaviours.

4. Give them more food

Feeding your dog can help stop destructive behaviour, as it gives them something to do and keeps them healthy.

Making sure your dog is receiving all the nutrients they need can help keep them healthy and prevent boredom and destructive behaviour.

Food puzzles and feeders can help keep your dog mentally stimulated and prevent boredom. These toys allow your dog to work for their food, which can be a fun and rewarding activity.

You can use food treats to reinforce good behaviour. For example, you can give your dog a treat when they stop chewing on the furniture and redirect them to a chew toy instead.

If you leave food out all the time, your dog may become bored with it and seek out other things to chew on. Instead, feed your dog at set times and remove their food when they are finished eating.

5. Give them more exercise

Exercising your dog can be an effective way to help stop destructive behaviour as it uses up all that pent-up energy.

Energetic dogs like corgis need regular physical activity to stay healthy. Make sure your dog is getting enough exercise by taking them for walks, runs, or visits to the dog park.

Mixing up your dog's exercise routine can help prevent boredom and destructive behaviour. Try different activities such as hiking, swimming, or playing fetch to keep things interesting.

In addition to working out their bodies, you also need to work out their brains. Try training your dog new tricks, playing hide and seek, or giving them puzzle toys to keep their minds active.

If you know you'll be away from home for a while, make sure to get your dog plenty of exercise before you leave. This can help tire them out and prevent them from getting bored and destructive while you're gone.

6. Have the TV or radio on in the background

Leaving the TV or radio on can help reduce the anxiety that your corgi feels while you're away. It gives their brain something else to think about.

By giving them something to keep their brain and senses active it helps stop them getting bored.

However, it's important to note that this is not a substitute for giving your dog exercise and attention when you are home.

Just like you wouldn’t want to leave your kids in front of the TV for ten hours, you shouldn’t do the same to your dog.

7. Leave out toys for them to chew on

Leaving out toys for your dog can help prevent destructive behaviour by giving them with something more appropriate to chew on.

Choose toys that are fit for your dog's size and chewing strength. Avoid toys that are small enough for your dog to swallow or that have parts that can break off and become choking hazards.

To keep things interesting, try rotating your dog's toys so they have a variety of things to play with.

When you first give your dog a new toy, it's a good idea to supervise them to make sure they are playing with it safely.

If you catch your dog chewing on something they shouldn't, interrupt them and redirect them to a chew toy.

8. Train them to reduce their separation anxiety

Separation anxiety can be a common cause of destructive behaviour in corgis.

If your dog becomes anxious when you leave them alone, try gradually increasing the amount of time you spend away from them. This can help them become more comfortable with being alone.

Make sure your dog has plenty of toys and chews to keep them occupied while you're gone. This can help prevent them from being destructive when you’re not around. Also make sure your dog gets plenty of exercise before you leave.

Try to be as low-key as possible when you leave and return home. Avoid giving your dog a lot of attention or getting excited when you come and go, as this can increase their anxiety.

9. Put them in day care while you are not home

Sending your dog to day care can be an effective way to help prevent destructive behaviour, especially if your dog becomes anxious when left alone.

Day care provides your dog with socialisation and exercise to tire them out.

Make sure you choose a reputable day care facility that is clean, safe, and staffed by trained professionals.

You should also make sure that the facility is a good fit for your dog's personality and needs.

If you're considering sending your dog to day care, it's a good idea to visit the facility and observe how the staff interacts with the dogs to ensure that it's a good fit for your corgi.

Final thoughts on whether corgis are destructive

Corgis are prone to destructive behaviour if they are stressed, lonely, or bored.

If you are looking to own a corgi, it’s important you’re aware of this fact. And when you get them, you take steps to prevent it – by giving your new dog lots of exercise, stimulation, training, and attention.

If you are still having difficulty managing your corgi's destructive behaviour, it may be helpful to seek the guidance of a veterinarian or professional dog trainer.

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