Corgis are one of the most beloved dog breeds, and for good reason. They are known for their intelligence and loyalty. However, they are also known for something else: barking! Corgis can be quite vocal, and their bark is unmistakable. But that doesn’t mean you have to put up with excessive barking. Here are some gentle ways to train your Corgi not to bark too much, along with some tips for success.
In This Article:
- Why Do Corgis Bark a Lot?
- Can You Train a Corgi Not to Bark?
- 10 Step Training Plan to Reduce Barking
- What to Do if Your Corgi Is Barking at Night
- Success Tips for Controlling Barking
Why Do Corgis Bark a Lot?
Corgis are known for being very vocal dogs, and they love to bark. They bark for the same reasons why most other dogs bark—they’re hungry, bored, annoyed at someone or something, or they’re warning you of a situation.
They Bark to Be Independent
The breed is also fiercely independent, which may explain why they bark more than other breeds. They aren’t always the most subservient of dogs and may require some extra patience from their owners during training.
They Get Overly Excited
Corgis are intelligent and simple to train, but sometimes they get too excited and can’t keep their mouths shut! A dog’s excessive excitement may result in excessive barking. Depending on their environment, personality, and breed, some Corgis may bark more than others.
They May Need Your Attention
It’s also worth considering that your Corgi could be barking excessively because of stress or anxiety. Some common causes of stress-related barking in dogs include:
- changes in routine
- lack of exercise, or
- new people coming in and out of the house.
Separation Anxiety
The anxiety of being apart from you is a common reason Corgis bark a lot. It could mean that your canine companion is acting up because they don’t want you to leave. A tip that works well for dealing with separation anxiety in dogs is to play soothing, calming music.
Bring your Corgi in for a checkup at the vet if you think stress or anxiety may be the cause of his barking.
Can You Train a Corgi Not to Bark?
Yes, it is possible to train a Corgi not to bark. You can use several methods to limit excessive barking. The most common strategies are:
- Teach the dog a “quiet” command and reinforce it with treats and positive reinforcement when they comply.
- The Relaxation Protocol developed by Dr. Karen Overall helps a dog learn to relax. Try her technique to show your pup how to sit and stay while remaining quiet in various situations.
- Corgis need a lot of mental stimulation, physical exercise, playtime, and basic training to stay content and healthy.
You can successfully teach a Corgi to reduce barking with patience, consistency, and these tried and tested methods.
10 Step Training Plan to Reduce Barking
If you want to stop your Corgi from excessively barking, follow these ten steps:
- Identify the cause of the barking – is it due to fear, boredom, or another behavioral issue?
- Avoid leaving the Corgi unattended in the yard, as this could lead to excessive barking.
- Provide plenty of exercise and mental stimulation to keep the dog from becoming bored or anxious.
- Introduce a “quiet” command to help control barking when it is not appropriate.
- Look for barking triggers such as people or animals walking by the window.
- Place etched-glass effect plastic film on the lower half of your window to obscure the dog’s view.
- Praise the dog for not barking and reward them with healthy treats.
- Label the action as “bark” and practice having the dog bark under different circumstances and in different places.
- Keep them busy at times when they are likely to bark, such as when the doorbell rings.
- Teach the dog to go to a mat or rug when the doorbell rings as a way of channeling their desire to react more quietly and appropriately.
What to Do if Your Corgi Is Barking at Night
If your Corgi is barking at night, there are a few additional steps that you can take as a pet owner. Firstly, try to identify the root cause of the behavior: Is it fear-based? Behavioral? Or boredom? Depending on the reason, the solution may vary.
- Fear-based barking in dogs is often recognized by other signs of anxiety or distress, including whining at night, trembling, or pacing. Removing your Corgi from the stressful situation and providing reassurance can help calm them down.
- If it is a behavioral issue, ignore the vocalization and reward your dog when they are quiet.
- You can address boredom-based barking with additional exercise and play.
Remove Barking Opportunities
It’s also helpful to manage the environment to prevent excessive barking at night. Consider closing curtains or putting your dog in another room if they bark at people or animals passing by. Use the etched glass effect plastic mentioned earlier to restrict the view from windows.
Other Remedies for Barking at Night
- playing classical music or white noise to reduce stimulus
- taking your Corgi for an evening walk or play session
- providing a more comfortable sleeping space
- giving them an evening pamper session
- working with a dog trainer to help address the behavior
Does your Corgi bark a lot? Let us know in the comments below!
Success Tips for Controlling Barking
Many dogs bark to get attention, and giving them what they want when they are barking will only reinforce the behavior and make it worse. Therefore, you might want to set yourself some rules that will aid the success of your training plan. For example:
- Try and ignore the barking. Instead, wait until your dog is quiet before rewarding them with treats or affection.
- Ensure your pup has enjoyed a good walk and has plenty of toys to play with before you leave the house. When leaving your dog home alone while at work, explore ways to keep them happy. A tired dog is more likely to rest. Consider having a pet sitter come to walk your dog mid-day, or try an indoor dog treadmill during the colder months
- Use the “quiet” command. It is very effective. Use a calm, firm voice to tell your dog to be “quiet” and positively reinforce correct behavior with healthy treats and affection.
- Socialize your dog. Get your dog exposed to other people and animals so they don’t become overly excited. That way, they shouldn’t bark when they encounter something new.
- Consider enrolling your Corgi in the AKC Canine Good Citizen (CGC) program. This program is the gold standard of how canines should behave and can help you train your dog to better handle situations that may cause them to bark.
Final Thoughts
No matter why your Corgi is barking, there are ways to reduce it. You can teach your dog to bark less and enjoy a calmer home environment. Remember to never punish your pet for barking, as it will only make them more anxious. Instead, focus on positive reinforcement methods and provide them with plenty of mental and physical stimulation.
Sources and Further Reading
- Barking | ASPCA
Barking is one of many forms of vocal communication for dogs. People are often pleased that their dog barks, because it alerts them to the approach of people to their home, or it tells them there’s something that the dog wants.
