Stop Corgi Biting in Its Tracks: How I Did It

Last Updated on April 14, 2023 by May Jones

Oh, those sharp little teeth! As a corgi owner, you may have experienced the playful (or not so playful) biting that comes along with this adorable breed. While those little nibbles may be cute when they’re young, it’s important to teach your corgi to stop biting as they grow up.

Corgis are known for their herding instincts, which means they have a tendency to nip and bite to move things (or people) around. This behavior may be cute when they’re puppies, but it can become a problem if not addressed early on. Plus, those little teeth can really hurt!

But don’t worry, teaching your corgi to stop biting is possible. With patience, consistency, and positive reinforcement, you can help your furry friend learn appropriate behavior and save your fingers in the process.

In this article, we’ll explore some effective ways to stop corgi biting, from redirecting their attention to teaching them gentle play. With these tips and tricks, you’ll be able to nip that biting behavior in the bud and enjoy a happy and healthy relationship with your corgi. So, let’s get started!

Why do corgis bite?

Let’s get one thing straight, corgis aren’t vicious creatures out to get you. But sometimes they can get a bit nippy. It’s just in their nature! Here are a few reasons why your little pup might be biting:

• Playful behavior: Corgis are known to be a bit of a clown, and sometimes that involves using their mouths. When they’re playing with you or other dogs, biting might just be part of the fun.

• Teething: Just like babies, puppies go through a teething phase. And just like babies, they like to chew on things to soothe their sore gums. Unfortunately, that might mean biting your fingers.

• Fear or aggression: Okay, we don’t like to think about our cute little corgis being scared or aggressive, but it happens. If your pup is feeling anxious or threatened, they might resort to biting as a way to protect themselves.

• Attention-seeking: Let’s be real, sometimes our furry friends can be a bit demanding. If they want your attention and they’re not getting it, biting might just be their way of saying, “Hey! Look at me!”

Tips for stopping corgi biting

If you’ve got a corgi with a case of the nippy nips, don’t fret. There are plenty of things you can do to help break the habit. Here are some tips to get you started:

Socialization and training

• Positive reinforcement training – basically, bribing your corgi with treats and praise when they do something good. Hey, it works for us humans too!
• Exposing your corgi to different people and situations – the more they experience, the more well-rounded and confident they’ll be, and the less likely they are to bite.

Providing appropriate chew toys

Let’s face it, we all get the urge to chomp on something every now and then. Make sure your corgi has plenty of toys they can gnaw on to satisfy their teething needs.

Redirecting attention

• Using a toy or treat to distract your corgi from biting – sometimes a good ol’ game of tug-o-war or fetch can be a great way to redirect their biting behavior.
• Teaching your corgi the “leave it” command – this is a lifesaver. Basically, you’re teaching your corgi to stop what they’re doing when you say “leave it.” It takes some practice, but it’s worth it.

Avoiding rough play

• Not encouraging biting during playtime – if your corgi thinks biting is part of the game, they’ll keep doing it. So, make sure you’re not playing too rough.
• Establishing boundaries and rules – let your corgi know what’s okay and what’s not. For example, biting is a no-no, but cuddling is always welcome.

What not to do when your corgi bites:

Okay, so now that we know what to do, let’s talk about what NOT to do when your corgi starts nipping at your ankles.

Punishing your corgi

Don’t be too hard on them, guys. Punishing your corgi for biting is not the answer. Not only is it ineffective, but it can also cause your furry friend to become fearful or aggressive.

Ignoring the behavior

Ignoring the biting behavior won’t make it go away. In fact, it may even escalate if left unchecked. Make sure to address the issue and take action to correct it.

Encouraging rough play

Roughhousing and encouraging biting during playtime might seem fun, but it can lead to bad habits and make it harder for your corgi to distinguish between appropriate and inappropriate biting.

Remember, your corgi is just trying to communicate with you. By understanding why they’re biting and taking appropriate action, you can help them learn the proper way to interact with humans and other animals.

When to seek professional help

Now, let’s be clear. Just because your corgi is biting doesn’t necessarily mean they need professional help. But, there are certain circumstances where it might be worth considering.

Aggressive or fearful behavior

If your corgi is biting out of fear or aggression, it’s important to address this behavior immediately. This could indicate an underlying issue that needs to be addressed by a professional trainer or behaviorist.

Persistent biting despite training

If you’ve tried all the tips and tricks for stopping biting, but your corgi is still nipping at you, it might be time to seek some outside help. A professional trainer can assess the situation and help you come up with a personalized plan for your pup.

Any signs of injury or pain in your corgi

If your corgi is biting more than usual, it’s possible that they’re in pain or discomfort. Make sure to schedule an appointment with your vet to rule out any underlying health issues.

Remember, biting is a natural behavior for dogs. But with some patience, training, and maybe a few chew toys, you can teach your corgi to play nice. And if all else fails, don’t hesitate to reach out to a professional for help.