How to Potty and Crate Train a Corgi Puppy

Corgis are smart and learn fast, which makes potty and crate training very doable. At F&M Corgis we begin crate and potty training before puppies leave, so the first week at home is easier. Here is how to carry it on.

Consistency and patience are the key.

Why crate training works

A crate gives your puppy a safe den and helps with house training because dogs avoid soiling where they sleep. It also keeps your puppy safe when you cannot watch it.

Choose a crate big enough to stand up and turn around in, and use a divider if it is too large.

Making the crate a happy place

Put a soft bed and a toy inside. Feed meals in the crate with the door open. Toss in treats. Close the door for short periods and gradually lengthen the time.

Never use the crate as punishment. Our puppies are acclimated to crates, so most settle quickly.

A simple potty schedule

Take your puppy out first thing in the morning, after every meal, after naps, after play and before bed. Young puppies may need to go every one to two hours.

Go to the same spot, use a cue like "go potty," and give praise and a treat immediately when your puppy goes.

Handling accidents

If you catch your puppy in the act, calmly interrupt and take it outside. Clean accidents with an enzyme cleaner to remove odor. Never punish after the fact because puppies will not understand.

Accidents are normal, especially in the first weeks.

Nighttime tips

Take away water about an hour before bed and take your puppy out right before bed. Expect to take it out once or twice overnight at first. Put the crate near your bed.

As the puppy matures it will sleep longer.

Common problems

If your puppy cries in the crate, make sure it has gone potty, exercised and is not hungry, then wait for a moment of quiet before opening. If it has frequent accidents, shorten the time between trips.

Corgis may nip while being trained. See our first week guide and contact us if you need help.

How long can a puppy wait?

As a rough guide, a puppy can hold its bladder for about one hour per month of age, plus one. A two month old puppy may need to go every two to three hours during the day. Do not leave a young puppy in a crate longer than it can hold.

If you work all day, arrange for someone to let the puppy out at midday.

Positive training tips

Use treats, praise and a cheerful voice. Corgis respond well to rewards and shut down with harsh corrections. Keep sessions short and fun.

Be consistent with words and routines. Everyone in the family should use the same cue words and follow the same schedule.

When training stalls

If your puppy seems to regress, check for medical issues such as a urinary infection, and review your routine. Growth spurts, changes in schedule and stress can also cause setbacks.

If you need help, call us. We are glad to talk through any issue, and we can often suggest a simple fix. See our first week guide for more ideas.

Crate size and placement

Choose a crate that lets your puppy stand, turn around and lie down comfortably, but not much larger. Too much room encourages using one corner as a toilet. A divider lets you adjust the space as your puppy grows.

Place the crate in a busy room during the day so your puppy feels part of the family, and near your bed at night at first.

A sample training day

Morning potty, breakfast, potty, short play, nap in the crate, potty, training, lunch, potty, nap, play, potty, dinner, potty, calm time, last potty, bed. Each time you take your puppy out, use the same cue and praise success.

This routine feels like a lot at first, but it pays off quickly. Most puppies are doing well within a few weeks.

Quick takeaways

Use the crate as a comfortable den, keep a regular schedule, take your puppy out after meals, naps and play, reward every success and clean accidents with an enzyme cleaner. Never punish after the fact.

Our puppies are acclimated to crates and start potty training before they go home, which gives you a head start. Stay consistent for the first weeks, and ask for help if you get stuck. Call Michelle at (620) 764-3565 any time. Training takes patience, but corgis are smart, eager to please and quick to learn when the routine is clear.

Next, read about your puppy's first week at home and how to prepare your home.

Common questions about training

Should I use pee pads? They can confuse a puppy about where to go, so we suggest going outside when possible. Is it cruel to crate a puppy? No, when the crate is a comfortable den and used in moderation. When can my puppy sleep outside the crate? Many owners wait until the puppy is reliably house trained and no longer chews.

If your puppy is struggling, call Michelle and we will help you sort out the schedule.