How to Train a Corgi Puppy to Fetch a Toy
Both Cardigan and Pembroke Welsh corgis are bred for herding. These low-slung little dogs love to chase anything that moves and they're easy to teach to fetch. Many corgi puppies fetch instinctively but for those that don't, harnessing their tendency to run, grab and return to their handler is a simple task.
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Instructions
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Place your corgi puppy in a quiet, non-distracting environment such as the living room floor.
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Show the puppy the ball. A 2-inch to 3-inch diameter tennis ball designed for small dogs is a good size for a small corgi's mouth. Gently tease the puppy by showing it the ball and tossing it from hand to hand. When the puppy is very excited, roll the ball along the floor. Your corgi puppy is bred to chase anything "running away" from it and will likely instinctively try to "herd" the ball and grab it.
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Crouch down low and talk to your puppy excitedly with a high-pitched tone of voice. This will bring your puppy back close to you.
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Offer the puppy a treat in exchange for its ball. Don't steal the ball from the puppy, or fetch will turn into a frustrating game of keep-away and your puppy won't want to bring the ball back to you. Make an even trade, the ball for the treat. Most corgis pick up the practice quickly. Repeat as necessary.
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Invest in a smaller ball or move closer to your puppy if it drops the ball halfway to you. Corgi puppies have very short attention spans and your puppy may have gotten distracted. Alternatively, the ball might have been too big for your short-legged, long-bodied corgi puppy to carry back.
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If your puppy shows no interest in the ball, invest in a small rubber goodie ball, which has openings for treats. Smear a bit of peanut butter inside the ball to encourage interest. Play with the puppy and get it excited. Toss the ball, making sure the puppy sees where it goes. Your puppy will follow it and lick the peanut butter out. Encourage any movement to pick up the ball with an excited tone of voice. As soon as your puppy gets the concept of fetch, switch back to the tennis ball, as your corgi might consider the treat ball too valuable to trade for another treat.
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References
- Photo Credit corgi image by Cindy Haggerty from Fotolia.com
