How to Prepare Your Home for a Corgi Puppy

A little preparation makes the first days with a new corgi puppy much smoother. Puppies explore with their mouths and are quick, so it is worth getting your home ready before pickup day.

Here is the checklist I give families at F&M Corgis.

Supplies to buy

Get a crate with a divider, a bed, stainless steel or ceramic bowls, a collar with ID tag, a lightweight leash and a harness. Add chew toys, a puzzle feeder, a soft brush, nail trimmers and dog toothpaste.

Buy the same food your puppy is eating, and enzyme cleaner for accidents.

Puppy-proof the house

Look at your home from a puppy's height. Pick up shoes, socks, cords and small objects. Tuck away electrical cords and cover outlets. Move houseplants that could be toxic.

Close off rooms and use baby gates to block stairs, since stairs and jumping can be hard on corgi backs.

Set up a puppy area

Choose a space for the crate and a small play area, ideally close to where you spend your time. Keep food and water nearby and use washable floors if possible.

Add a ramp or pet steps if your puppy will use furniture or the car.

Plan your schedule

Puppies need frequent potty breaks, meals and attention. Arrange time off for the first few days if you can, and plan who will take the puppy out during the day.

Choose a vet and book a first visit in advance.

Prepare the family

Agree on house rules, such as whether the puppy is allowed on furniture, who feeds and who walks. Teach children to be gentle, to pick the puppy up properly and to let it sleep.

Consistency among family members helps training.

Gather documents

We send you home with the AKC registration, pedigrees, microchip information, vaccination and worming records and the vet health certificate. Keep them together for your vet visit.

If you are shipping, we handle the paperwork. See our shipping page and first week guide.

Room-by-room checklist

Kitchen: secure trash cans, keep food off counters and store cleaners out of reach. Living room: hide cords, secure remote controls and shoes. Bedroom: keep laundry and slippers off the floor. Bathroom: close the lid on the toilet and store medications safely. Yard: check the fence for gaps and remove toxic plants.

Garage: store chemicals, antifreeze and tools out of reach. Antifreeze is extremely dangerous to dogs.

Safety around the home

Know the number of your vet and an animal poison control line. Keep a basic pet first aid kit. Make sure your puppy wears an ID tag as soon as it arrives, and keep the microchip registration up to date.

Never leave a puppy unsupervised in a yard until you are sure it cannot dig out or squeeze through gaps.

Introducing your puppy to the home

Let your puppy explore one room at a time on a leash or in a small pen. Show it where the potty spot, the food and the crate are. Keep greetings calm.

Our puppies grow up around people and other dogs, so they are usually curious and confident. For more on the first days, read our first week guide.

Choosing a vet and a trainer

Before your puppy arrives, find a veterinarian near you and ask about new puppy visits. Look for a positive reinforcement trainer or puppy class that starts after the first vaccines. Ask friends with dogs for recommendations.

Having these appointments ready makes the first weeks calmer.

Corgi-specific safety

Because corgis have long backs, avoid slippery floors and high furniture. Add rugs, ramps or pet steps. Keep a harness on hand to protect the neck when walking.

Corgis are also food-motivated, so secure the pantry and trash. A little planning will save you from emergency vet trips.

Quick takeaways

Gather a crate, bed, bowls, collar and tag, leash, toys and grooming tools. Puppy-proof every room, block stairs, set up a safe area, line up a vet and plan your schedule for the first week. Agree on rules with the family.

Our puppies arrive with a vet certificate, pedigree copies, microchip information and records, and they already know about crates and potty training. If you want a hand with your list or have questions about what your puppy needs, call (620) 764-3565. We are glad to help you get ready.

When you are set, read about the first week at home and potty and crate training. Then, meet our available puppies.

Common questions before pickup

How much should I spend on supplies? Basic supplies are inexpensive compared with the puppy, but quality items last longer. Do I need a fenced yard? Not required, but a secure area for potty and play is helpful. Should I get one puppy or two? One at a time is easier while you learn routines.

What time of year is best? Any, though a mild season is gentler for house training and for shipping. See our shipping page for temperature limits.