Keeping your corgi busy and mentally stimulated is crucial to good behavior, and a stress-free corgi. But how exactly do you go about increasing mental stimulation…?
I know, at first I was fairly confused about how to actually go about doing this. But after a lot of research, and years of trial and error, I’ve found the best ways to keep a pup mentally “worked”.
Before I run through seven excellent ways to do this, i’ll briefly explain why mental stimulation is so important. Let’s get started.
The Importance of Mental Stimulation for Corgis
Before getting into the tips, let’s talk about the significance of mental stimulation and why it’s so vital for our furry friends. Mental stimulation for corgis is similar to physical exercise, but for the brain.
Just like physical exercise, mental stimulation is essential for our corgis, but it often goes overlooked.
As working dogs, corgis require mental stimulation just as much as they need physical activity. They love having tasks that challenge both their minds and bodies.
Lack of mental stimulation can result in a range of problems for our corgis such as:
- Stress & anxiety
- Boredom & frustration (destructive behavior)
- Disobedience
- Hyperactivity
- Depression
- Chewing habits
We often see corgi owners taking their beloved pups on long walks, but sometimes they still remain full of energy. This is because they haven’t had their minds exercised.
- A tired mind leads to a calm, tired, and happy corgi.
Therefore, as responsible owners, it’s crucial to provide engaging games, training, and activities that challenge our corgis mentally. This is how they receive the necessary mental stimulation to lead a happy and satisfied life.
7 Great Ways to Mentally Stimulate Corgis
Let’s run through the best ways to keep your corgi busy, entertained, and mentally stimulated!
Increase socialization
Socializing your corgi is very important for several reasons, including ensuring good behavior and a friendly disposition towards other pups and new friends. If your corgi lacks exposure to new experiences, people and dogs, then it’s definitely time to start!
Another great benefit of socializing is mental stimulation. In fact, socialization might be the most potent form of mental stimulation for dogs.
Meeting new doggies and people provides a fun challenge for your corgi’s mind. Whether they are sniffing, playing, chasing, wrestling, or even making new doggie friends, all of these activities help keep their minds sharp and healthy.
🎯 Easy ways to start doing this:
For your corgi to get more socialization opportunities, take them to a nearby park where they can play and socialize with other pups.
If that’s not possible, why not organize a playdate with some furry friends or invite friends and family with their own dogs over to your place?
Another great option is to join a doggie meetup group, where you and your corgi can make new friends and have fun playing together at designated times and locations.
Nose work games
Nose work games for corgis are a fun way to give your furry friend some mental stimulation. The goal of the game is for your corgi to use their sense of smell and their snout to find a yummy treat that is hidden from sight. This type of play is not only enjoyable, but it also helps your corgi tap into their natural instincts and abilities.
Corgis, like many other dogs, have an incredible sense of smell thats tends of thousands of times better than ours! This is of course their primary means of exploring and experiencing the world around them. So by using their sense of smell to solve puzzles and find treats, your corgi’s mind will be engaged and active, making it an awesome form of mental exercise.
🎯 Easy ways to start doing this:
To get started with the game for the first time, place a tasty treat behind a cushion while your corgi can see, then ask him to “find it”. This first round will be a breeze, but it’s just to get the ball rolling.
Next, have your corgi sit and stay in a different room while you hide the treat elsewhere. Call him back into the room and encourage him to “find it”. He may initially go back to the cushion, but that’s just the start of the fun. Keep encouraging him to “find it”. Your corgi will have a blast playing this game, but don’t make it too challenging.
Puzzle toys (Interactive toys)
Another great way to keep your corgi entertained is with interactive puzzle toys. Unlike regular toys, these puzzles require your corgi to solve a problem in order to get a yummy treat.
There are many different types of puzzle toys available, varying in difficulty and design. Some require your supervision, while others are perfect for when you have to leave your corgi alone for a bit. These “set and forget” toys are a great way to keep your furry friend entertained and mentally stimulated.
🎯 Easy ways to start doing this:
Invest in some puzzle toys like the Star Mark Bob A Lot or a toy from the Nina Ottoson collection, and incorporate them into your corgi’s daily routine.
A pro tip: make sure to only put dry treats or kibble inside the toys, as moist treats may stick to the insides and make a mess, making it difficult for the treats to fall out.
Basic command training
Don’t underestimate the power of basic command training for your corgi. Incorporating just 30 minutes of simple commands like “sit,” “stay,” “down,” “come,” and “paw” into your corgi’s routine can provide mental stimulation and give them a sense of accomplishment.
It’s easy for corgi owners to stop practicing basic commands once their pup has learned them, but this is a missed opportunity.
Basic commands form the foundation of obedience and good behavior in corgis, so it’s important to continue working on them regularly.
🎯 Easy ways to start doing this:
Make it a daily habit to spend 30 minutes practicing commands like “sit,” “stay,” “come,” “down,” and “paw” with your corgi. Always reward them with treats when they do well, and gradually increase the difficulty as they master each command.
For example, you can make the “sit” and “stay” commands more challenging by increasing the duration or by walking away before giving the “come” or “go” command. This will keep your corgi mentally engaged and continuously learning.
The cup game
A super fun game that will not only get your corgi’s sense of smell going, but also their memory and coordination.
There are some great videos online demonstrating just how fun this game can be. So i’ll link this just below so you don’t need to exit the page.
🎯 Easy ways to start doing this:
Buy some plastic cups and grab your corgi’s favorite dog treats!
Check this out: (this dog is a bit of a pro, but your corgi can get there in no time at all!)
Increase general interaction with your corgi
Don’t forget about the importance of general engagement and interaction with your corgi.
Spending time with your pup, playing, talking to them, and involving them in family activities are all key to providing mental stimulation.
🎯 Easy ways to start doing this:
There’s no magic trick, just good communication and bonding. Make sure to give your corgi plenty of your time and attention, as corgis, as working dogs, form super strong bonds with their human family.
All they really want is to be with you and your attention will keep them happy and content. Consider how much quality time you’re giving your corgi every day.
Hide and seek
What a classic. Hide and seek is fun game that corgis love just as much as kids do.
It’s a fantastic way to provide mental stimulation without the need for treats, toys, or even leaving the house. Start a spontaneous game anytime for a quick mental workout for your corgi.
🎯 Easy way to start doing this:
When your corgi is not looking, hide in another room and call its name. Your corgi will come searching for you and the fun begins.
If your corgi leaves the room, call its name again and watch it go crazy with excitement. However, be sure to keep the game challenging but not too difficult for your corgi to find you.
Striking the right balance between fun and frustration is key.
How Much Mental Stimulation Is Enough?
One of the most common questions around mental stimulation for Corgis is how much is enough?
Honestly, there’s no specific amount like there is for physical exercise.
Mental stimulation can come in many forms, making it hard to determine how much you’re giving. A simple answer would be, the more the better!
Keep challenging your Corgi’s mind along with physical exercise, and you’ll naturally find the right balance. Keep a close eye on your Corgi, and you’ll know when everything is just right.