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The truth is that Corgis bark. A lot.
This can be a dealbreaker for some people.
Especially if you live in an apartment building with thin walls, but the good news is that it’s trainable.
These adorable dogs are known to be excessive barkers.
Thankfully, this guide will teach you the basics of what to expect and how to manage it.
Do Corgis Bark A Lot?
While some dog breeds are known for being quiet, Corgis are the opposite!
They love to talk and to show their excitement using their voice.
Some may bark for other reasons, such as to alert to a stranger on the porch or out of boredom.
Understanding why your Corgi barks is important when trying to moderate it.
If you are looking for a quiet dog, then perhaps a Corgi isn’t your best option.
Some Corgis Bark More Than Others
Not every Corgi barks, and some certainly bark more than others.
But, it is safe to say that the majority finds certain enjoyment in making themselves heard.
They may bark when dinner is ready or when it’s playtime.
It’s important to remember that Corgis are working dogs bred to herd.
They were not bred to sit quietly in the corner of a room.
So, asking them to be quiet 24/7 is likely not going to work.
If you have one of the quieter Corgis—great.
But, if you have one that gets a little too worked up sometimes, then you need to start working on teaching your dog when it’s appropriate to bark.
Luckily, this highly intelligent dog breed responds very well to positive reinforcement training.
The earlier you start working with your dog, the better.
Reasons Why Corgis Bark
Barking is normal behavior for a Corgi.
But, there is a fine line between what can be expected of one of these dogs and excessive barking.
A dog that barks non-stop could be showing you that it is in some type of distress, but it could also mean something different.
Below is a list of the most common explanation for excessive barking in the Corgis.
Stress
Stress-based barking is surprisingly common.
For some dogs, it could be the only way they know to release that tension.
A Corgi can get stressed when you are in a bad mood, if you are packing your bags to go on vacation or if new people are coming in and out of the house, but it could also be due to a long list of other reasons.
If you suspect your dog’s barking could be stress-related, the first step is determining the cause.
Separation Anxiety
Separation anxiety is a very common cause of excessive barking.
Corgis are usually quite independent, but if not properly trained to be alone, separation anxiety could be what is making your dog bark so much every time you leave the house.
Perhaps your neighbors have complained about non-stop barking, yet you rarely hear your pup bark when you’re home?
Separation anxiety could be the explanation.
Excitement
Let’s face it, Corgis are very happy dogs, and sometimes their excitement can get the best of them.
Analyze when your furry friend tends to bark the most. Is it when you come home from work or when you are getting dog food ready?
If so, you might be dealing with excitement-related barking.
If this is the case, consider teaching a ‘Bark’ command.
It may seem a little backward, but once you teach your dog to bark when told, you can also teach a command for being quiet.
Boredom
Boredom can be extremely frustrated for a working dog breed like the Corgi.
If your dog spends hours home alone or cooped up in the house while you watch TV, chances are it’ll develop some bad and undesirable habits.
Excessive barking can be a sign of under-stimulation and frustration, and can only be resolved by introducing additional physical exercise and mental stimulation such as canine enrichment games.
Fear
Fear-based barking is a problem that needs to be dealt with as quickly as possible.
Excessive fear could be preventing your dog from enjoying life to the fullest, and you can recognize this if your Corgi appears to bark more when feeling insecure.
The solution here is to work on your dog’s self-confidence and may require assistance from a professional trainer.
Aggression
An experienced dog owner will be able to detect aggressive barking almost instantly.
It stands out from the other types of barking you’re likely to experience with a Corgi, and there is often snarling and growling mixed in with the barks.
Corgis are not necessarily known to be aggressive, but any dog breed can develop aggression due to trauma, lack of socialization, bad experiences and more.
Aggression-based barking should be dealt with right away for the safety and comfort of your dog, as well as that of you and your family members.
Attention
Corgis are clowns, and if you’ve ever owned one, you know what we are talking about.
Corgis love attention and to be the life of the party, and in extreme cases, some dogs may have learned that barking gets them your much-desired attention.
To resolve this, make sure your dog isn’t bored and that there are sufficient activities (mental and physical) provided throughout the day.
Just for Fun
A yappy Corgi is nothing new, and sometimes there isn’t really a reason for the barking other than that the dog enjoys it.
Some Corgis almost seem to love the sound of their own bark. It comes down to deciding when it’s fine for your dog to bark and when it isn’t, and teaching both a ‘Bark’ and a ‘Quiet’ command.
How to Stop Your Corgi from Barking
Dogs bark, that’s the most important thing to remember, and some breeds (like the Corgi) may bark more than others.
This is not a question about eliminating barking completely, as it would be unnatural for a Corgi to be quiet all the time.
Instead, the goal is to help the dog understand when it is okay to bark and how much barking you allow.
Here are three steps to successfully reducing barking in your Corgi household:
- Determine the Cause
- Provide Suitable Distraction
- Be Patient, Calm and Consistent
Never punish your Corgi for barking, as this will only send the wrong message.
Instead, set time aside to work on a command that instructs your dog to bark, and one that clearly communicates when it is time to stop.
This comes secondary to determining why your Corgi barks and if there is something that is causing the excessive barking, beyond just being a dog.
Final Thoughts
Corgis love barking, but it doesn’t mean you have to put up with those yaps 24/7.
Constant barking can be stressful for a dog and it is crucial to find a middle ground, where your four-legged friend gets to express its emotions in the most natural way, while also understanding when enough is enough.
It comes down to training, which automatically becomes your responsibility as an owner.
Start by determining the cause of your dog’s excessive barking, and adjust your training techniques based on what you find.
All training should be fun and engaging for you and your dog, and that is why we always recommend positive reinforcement training methods to help strengthen your bond.
Living with a dog comes down to mutual understanding and respect.
