Those who don’t know corgis are often surprised at how much strength and energy is packed into such a small package. Corgi owners know. Corgis have often been called big dogs on short legs for good reason.
Bred as working dogs to herd cattle and other livestock, corgis were born to take charge. Their high energy combined with their innate herding sense means they need a lot of exercise and mental stimulation to keep them happy and healthy.
But if you don’t live on a working cattle ranch, finding ways to keep your corgi constructively busy between play sessions may be a challenge. If that’s the case, here are four dog toys you might want to add to your corgi’s toy box.
Puzzle games
No doubt you’ve already discovered that your corgi enjoys a good challenge. That’s what makes puzzle games like this Trixie Activity Flip Board so rewarding. Here’s why we love it so much:
- It keeps him occupied. And when your corgi is occupied, he isn’t engaging in destructive behavior like chewing on furniture or barking mindlessly.
- It’s durable. A nonslip rubber ring keeps the toy in place so it can’t be upended.
- It’s washable. Just a bit of warm, soapy water keeps it clean between uses.
Hide-and-seek
Just in case you don’t already know, your dog learns a lot through his sense of smell. Every sniff he takes on your daily walks or in the backyard delivers a boatload of information about everything in his doggie world. So, if your highly active corgi enjoys a good sniff, consider investing in a snuffle mat.
We like this one by Miaporrs, and this is why:
- It rewards your dog’s natural instinct for foraging. Simply place some kibble in the soft felt material and let your dog’s nose work to find it.
- It’s a great stress reliever for high-energy dogs like corgis. The activity gives them a mental challenge as well as a sweet reward.
- It’s adjustable. With a simple pull on the drawstring, you can determine how hard your corgi has to work for his reward.
- It’s machine washable! Seriously, need we say more?
Motion-activated toys
Your corgi was bred to herd livestock, so he’ll love playing with a toy that makes animal sounds. This one by Pet Qwerks checks all the right boxes for us:
- It comes in different sizes, so you can find one that’s right for your dog.
- It makes 20 different animal sounds, ranging from jungle animals to those your dog would hear in the barnyard.
- It doubles as a chew toy, which keeps your dog from chewing on other things he shouldn’t.
- It turns on and off automatically. The ball turns on when your dog walks past or breathes on it, then automatically turns off when he is finished playing.
Cool things to chase
If your corgi likes playing chase with friends (and who doesn’t?), a motion-activated animal tail will keep him happy between playdates. We like the Hyper Pet Doggie Tail for these reasons:
- You can purchase replaceable covers. So, your corgi can have a new friend when he’s showered the original with too much love.
- It wiggles, vibrates, and barks, just like his friends at the dog park.
- It automatically stops moving after 10 seconds of inactivity to save on battery life (3 AAA included).
We all know play is a dog’s work. Not only is the exercise good for their heart, joints, and coordination, but it’s also good for their mental health. Yet, no matter how much you love your dog, you just can’t play with him every minute of the day. That’s why finding interactive, challenging toys that can keep your corgi entertained and stimulated between play sessions is so important.
Think of playtime as a supplement to the love and attention you already provide. Investing in the right toys for your dog’s size, breed, and personality will pay you dividends in his good health and longevity.
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