How to tire out your corgi? 16 tips to exercise your dog

Corgis have lots of energy, so tiring them out is useful to keep them behaved. Key strategies include exercise, games, activities, and socialisation for your corgi.

Your corgi is not just a pet, they are integral members of the family. They bring joy, love, and companionship into your life.

But, oh boy, do they have a lot of energy. Trying to keep up with your corgi is draining. And most likely, you’re here looking for some ways to give your corgi a little outlet for their energy.
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These tried-and-true methods are some of my favourite ways to help your corgi burn off energy and relax at night. 

Exercises to tire out your corgi

​1. Go for a walk with your corgi

Walking your dog is the most obvious strategy to tire out your corgi. It’s important your corgi gets 30–60 minutes of exercise a day, and walking is a great way to do it and tire them out.

Not only does walking get their bodies moving, but it also activates their brain, eyes, ears, and nose as you take in all the sights and smells on the route.

Great places to go for a walk include strolls around the neighbourhood, walks by local creeks or rivers, or even just down to your local park.

Mixing up your walking routes by taking different paths will keep things interesting for both you and your furry friend. 

Plus, going for a walk will warm up your corgi before you move to more strenuous exercise (like a run).

2. Go for a jog or run with your corgi

Going for a jog or a run with your corgi is the next step up from a walk. It’s a more vigorous exercise designed to get the heart pumping, and will tire out your corgi for the day or night ahead.
 
A run ups the intensity of your exercise, and is a great chance for your corgi to stretch their legs in the open air.
 
If you have a puppy, or if your dog is getting a little old, they may not be able to keep up with you. Simply adjust your distance and speed to match their skills.
 
If you're not sure how far your corgi can run, it's a good idea to start with shorter distances and gradually increase the length.
 
Likewise, be aware of your puppy's physical condition and to stop the run if they seem to be struggling or show any signs of distress.

3. Hike with your corgi

Hiking is a fantastic way to mix up your usual routine and give your corgi both exercise and new sights, smells, and sounds to help wear them out.
 
When you go hiking with your corgi, they will be challenged as they navigate uneven surfaces, loose rocks, and obstacles like tree roots and branches.
 
The added difficulty of inclines, declines, and stream crossings can also give your corgi an extra level of challenge if you find them on your hike.
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Hiking with your corgi lets you spend time together in the great outdoors and enjoy all that nature has to offer.

For example, if you live near a state park or national forest, you can spend a day exploring the trails and spending quality time with your corgi.
 
Be sure to bring plenty of water and snacks for both of you, and consider investing in a backpack to carry supplies. You can even get a little one for your corgi to carry their own things. This will help them feel involved in the adventure and give them a sense of purpose.
 
With a little planning and preparation, you and your corgi can hike together and burn off some of that loose energy.

4. Take your corgi swimming

If you live near the beach, a lake, or even have a backyard paddle pool, swimming is an incredible form of exercise. It’s also easy on the joints, making it a great option for corgis to tire them out.
 
Many corgis love being in the water, so swimming is a fun activity for both you and your pet.
 
Swimming can help to improve cardiovascular fitness, strengthen muscles, and provide a full-body workout. It allows them to get their daily workout without putting too much strain on the joints.
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Whenever I take my pup to the beach, they love splash and paddle around in the shallow water.
 
Just be sure to always supervise your corgi when they are in the water. Oh, and make sure the body of water is safe for your pet. A paddle pool is less dangerous than deep ocean water for a tiny dog.
Not all corgis like the water, but for those who do, swimming is a fantastic way to use up some energy.

Games to tire out your corgi

​5. Play fetch with your corgi

Tossing the ball about and playing fetch stimulates your corgi both physically and mentally. This helps exhaust them.

Fetch allows your pet to tap into their natural retrieving instincts as they hunt down the thrown ball.

When playing fetch, make sure you use a safe ball or toy for your corgi (one that’s big enough so they won’t choke).
 
You should also double check that where you are throwing it is safe. Do not play fetch near a busy road for example.

To start, you can throw the ball a short distance and slowly increase the distance as your corgi becomes comfortable with the game.

Pay attention to your corgi's body language and energy levels and stop the game if they seem tired – you’ve done your job.
 
When I play fetch, my little one gets so excited they can hardly contain themselves. We usually go to a nearby park and toss the old tennis ball. It always gets returned quickly!

​If you’ve played for a while, you can start to vary the game. Throw it in unusual directions, or into rougher terrain (like longer grass) to give them more of a challenge.

6. Play frisbee with your corgi

Playing with a flying disc is fun way to exhaust your corgi. It’s similar to fetch but just that bit more intense.
 
With a frisbee, you can throw it much farther than a ball, allowing your corgi to run longer distances and get more physical activity.
 
It's also easy for you to stand there and throw the frisbee while your corgi does all the hard work.
 
If your corgi doesn't know how to catch a frisbee, start by using a soft disc.
 
Traditional frisbees are made of a hard plastic and may discourage your corgi from trying to catch it if they get hit in the face with one.
 
Get your corgi excited about the frisbee by tossing it short distances or rolling it on the ground and encouraging them when they show interest in it.
 
With some practice, your corgi will be catching frisbees like an expert in no time.

7. Play tug of war with your corgi

Playing tug of war uses up some of your corgi’s natural energy while letting them have some fun in the process.
 
Tug of war involves pulling on a toy, such as a rope toy or an old towel, with your dog. This can help to improve your corgi's strength and coordination.

​I usually play tug of war in the living room or the backyard. I let them win some of the rounds to keep things fair (at least, that’s the lie I tell myself when they keep pulling it out of my hand.)
 
If your corgi seems disinterested in playing tug of war, there are a few things you can try to coax them into it.
 
You can try wiggling the toy around on the floor to pique their interest, or you can start with shorter tug sessions and increase the duration as your corgi learns what to do. Most corgis are onboard with it after a little practice.

8. Let your corgi herd balls 

As corgis are natural herders, you can use a soccer ball (or other small ball) as a herding target to wear them out with a challenging task
 
Corgis love to run around and play with balls. It’s a great way to tap into their herding instincts.
 
Playing herding games with your corgi is a lot of fun, and it's a great way to exercise them.
 
You can start by rolling the ball gently on the ground. Then, increase the speed and distance of the ball the better your corgi gets at the game. Pretty soon you can play a full-on soccer match with them.
 
You can also try using different balls, such as a beach ball, football, or a deflated soccer ball, to give them an extra challenge.
 
With my corgi, it's clear they enjoy the mental challenge of figuring out how to herd the ball, and my little one always comes out of the session happy and tired.

9. Play with your corgi with a flirt pole

A flirt pole is a versatile toy that can be used for training, play, and exercise to help tire out your corgi.
 
So, what is a flirt pole, you ask? Let me introduce you.

It's a long stick that has a string attached to the end. On the end of the string is a toy. You simply drag the toy on the ground in a circle while your corgi chases and tugs at it.
 
It's like a giant cat toy for dogs and it's a heap of fun for your corgi to chase and tug on.
 
Flirt poles are a great way for your corgi to engage in a high-intensity game of chase and experience the joy of tugging, all while you maintain control of the toy and the intensity of the play.
 
Properly used, flirt poles can do wonders for your corgi's physical and mental well-being.
 
They can teach your corgi self-control, improve their targeting skills, and build muscle, all while burning off excess energy.

​If you don't already have one, I highly recommend giving it a try. You can buy them online or simply make your own.
Corgis love playing with flirt poles and it's a great way to tire them out.

Activities to tire out your corgi

​10. Give your corgi an obstacle course

Agility and obstacle training is a fun activity to get your corgi tired before they need to retire for the evening.
 
Obstacle and agility training involves guiding your pet through an obstacle course. This can include jumps, tunnels, balance beams, weave poles, and other challenges.
 
Agility training improves your corgi's coordination, balance, and concentration, and it can also be a lot of fun for both you and your pet.
 
You don't need to have access to a formal agility course to enjoy the benefits of agility training with your corgi.
 
You can set up a basic course in your own backyard using items like hula hoops, cones, or even household objects like bins, pillows, chairs and blankets. 

11. Teach your corgi a new trick 

Exercise your corgi (and tire out their brain) by teaching them a new trick and practicing it with them.
 
Tricks are a great way to provide mental stimulation for your pet.

​There are many different tricks that you can teach your corgi, such as shaking paws, sitting, barking, spinning in a circle, or rolling over.
 
Teaching your corgi new tricks can help bond you together and keeps them on their best behaviour. Plus, they always look so proud and happy when they get it right.
 
Be sure to start with simple tricks and work up to more complex ones, and always use positive reinforcement techniques to encourage your corgi to learn.

12. Get a food puzzle for your corgi

Food puzzles let your corgi uses up their senses (particularly, tasting, sniffing, and touch) to tire out your corgi.
 
Activities that involve food are a terrific way to appeal to your corgi's intelligence (and their appetite).
 
These can include basic soft toys with food inside or more difficult puzzles that challenge your corgi's motor skills.
 
You can make your own activities based around their favourite foods. A great technique to do this is by concealing food in household items like boxes, wrapping paper, packing paper, brown paper bags, blankets, or kitchen paper rolls,
 
As your corgi becomes more skilled, you can increase the difficulty. Try hiding the food in different toys – or adding extra layers of challenge by wrapping it in blankets or tying it up with rope.
 
Remember to start with easy activities and use something with a distinct scent.
 
With some creativity and tasty treats, you can give your corgi some fun activities that will use up some their abundance of energy.

13. Get your corgi a snuffle mat

​Corgis find sniffing to be a very soothing activity, and most dogs love it. This makes a snuffle mat an excellent choice for corgis who can definitely benefit from a little extra relaxation.
 
A snuffle mat is a mat with extra fabric strands. The fabric strips are the ideal cover for tiny bits of kibble, which your corgi will later smell out.
 
A snuffle mat is a very particular form of food puzzle. It's a simple yet effective way to stimulate your corgi's senses to help tire them out.
 
Each individual corgi will behave differently when using a snuffle mat. Yours may act differently to mine, for example
 
Some will get super active and dig out every bit of food. Others will quietly lie down and carefully remove each treat one at a time.
 
Others again will go slightly bonkers and simply swing the mat around while gathering the kibble that spills out. These are all useful ways to help exhaust your corgi, regardless of the method they take.
 
There are many snuffle mats available online. You can even make your own using fabric and treats if you enjoy creative do-it-yourself projects. 
A snuffle mat is a great way to tire out your corgi

Socialising to tire out your corgi

​14. Playdates for your corgi

Playdates are a great way to use up some of your corgi’s energy as they socialise with their friends.
 
Have you ever thought about setting up a playdate for your corgi? If your furry friend loves socialising with other dogs, inviting a pal over can be a great way to tire them out.
 
Not only does it give your corgi the chance to interact with other pups, but it can also help improve their social skills.
 
One of my favourite ways to do playdates is to go for a walk with a friend and their dog.
 
This can give your corgis the opportunity to explore and play with each other in a new environment, which helps tire them out.
 
But, if you want to stay closer to home, no problem. You can still let your corgis play in the garden while you relax with a cup of coffee and a bit of gossip. 

15. Get your corgi to come to you and your friends

If you’re a couple with a corgi, or happy to bring your corgi when you catch up with friends, the come command is a great way to tire them out.
 
Getting them to come to you lets you practice your commands with your corgi while tiring out their body and brain.
 
For this activity, you will need a dog-loving friend to help, but trust me, it's worth it.
 
Here's how it works: stand outside with a friend and call your corgi back and forth between you. Reward them with a treat each time they come. You can slowly up the distance as your corgi catches on to the game.
 
Doing this with a friend is a great way to tire out your corgi and hang out with your friends at the same time

16. Take your corgi to the dog park

​If you're looking for a way to tire out your dog, consider taking them to the dog park.
 
Walks are great for your corgi. But if you want some unleashed action, you should take them down to your local off-leash dog park.
 
Off-leash dog parks give your corgi plenty of space to play and new things to explore and sniff.
 
However, it's important to be a responsible dog owner when taking your dog to the dog park. Be aware of other people and dogs, particular if they are young and small.
 
By keeping an eye on the situation, you can help put other dog owners at ease and ensure that everyone has a positive time at the park.
 
With these precautions in mind, you and your dog can enjoy the benefits of a trip to the dog park.
The dog park is a fantastic option to meet new friends and use up some of your corgi's relentless energy

Final thoughts on ways to tire out your corgi

There are many ways to tire out your corgi, including playing fetch, swimming, agility training, teaching them new tricks, playing tug, herding games, socialising with other dogs, and using food toys.
 
It's important to find activities that your corgi puppy enjoys and to monitor their energy levels to ensure they are having fun and not getting overwhelmed.
 
It's also a good idea to vary their activities and introduce new ones to keep things interesting. This will help tire them out quicker.
 
With a little bit of creativity and a lot of play time, you'll be able to tire out your corgi and provide them with the stimulation they need to stay calm when you’re not around.

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