I know this is becoming a bit of a theme here—the Kenzie/Riley love fest. But in all my years of living with animals, I’ve never seen anything like it…
I keep thinking about how lucky they are. And then I think how lucky I am to get to witness this every day.
Karen, I just found your website as I am researching “adding a 3rd corgi to our family” and I really like your advice and stories. I would love for our 2 corgis to love each other and sleep in a dog bed together, like yours. How can I help that to happen? I have 2 4yr old boy and girl litter mates. They growl at each other all of the time yet they play well together when they’re in the mood. There’s a good chance we’ll be getting a 16wk female corgi in 5 weeks. What should I do to prepare my 4yr old corgis for this new addition?
Hi Lorie,
You’re starting out with a bit of a different situation. Having previously had an issue with siblings having mixed results getting along, I knew I didn’t want a sibling. I also knew that having 2 dogs that would bond with each other was a primary goal. I kept bringing Riley to meet potential dog buddies until we found the ONE. It took several meetings with several dogs. It was so instantly obvious with Kenzie, that she was the right one. At the other puppy meet-n-greets, either Riley or the other puppy wasn’t really interested. Kenzie wanted to play with Riley right away. And he also wanted to play with Kenzie right away. The play was sweet and fun with lots of puppy kisses. No brainer–done deal.
So, let’s look at your current dynamic with the 4-year-old littermates. It’s actually quite normal for siblings to have the kind of relationship you describe – playing well together but also showing some tension through growling. This is typical corgi behavior, as they can be quite vocal in their communications with each other. The fact that they can play well together when in the mood is a positive sign.
You don’t mention if you have the option of selecting the 3rd Corgi or not. If there is an option, if it’s possible to introduce each of your dogs separately to see how they do, would be a great help. Especially, you want your girl to be interested and “like” the new puppy. You also don’t mention if the new corgi is from the same or different parents. Ideally, you’d want different parents. That’s because 2 females from the same parents are more likely to eventually feel the need to fight out who’s going to get to be the boss.
As you prepare for the new 16-week-old female, there are several important steps you can take over the next five weeks. Start by ensuring each dog has their own personal space and belongings. This includes separate beds, food and water bowls, and toys. While your ultimate goal is to have them cuddle together, it’s essential to first establish that they each have their own safe space they can retreat to when needed.
To encourage more bonding between your current pair, try creating positive associations when they’re near each other. You might start by placing their beds closer together during quiet times, offering treats when they’re calm in each other’s presence, and praising peaceful interactions. However, never force them to share space – this should develop naturally.
When it comes to the actual introduction of your new puppy, plan to do this on neutral territory – perhaps a park or friend’s yard they’ve never visited. Keep all dogs leashed initially and allow short, positive interactions while supervising closely. Watch their body language and end the meeting on a positive note before anyone becomes overwhelmed.
Once home, introduce the new puppy gradually to your house and establish routines that give attention to your existing dogs first. This helps prevent jealousy and maintains their sense of security in the household. Continue supervising all interactions and maintain separate feeding areas to prevent any resource guarding.
Remember that while some corgis naturally become cuddle buddies, others prefer their personal space even when they get along well. The key is to create an environment where all three dogs feel secure and respected. This might mean having multiple dog beds available throughout the house and letting them choose their sleeping arrangements naturally.
If you notice any concerning behaviors during the integration process, don’t hesitate to seek help from a professional trainer who has experience with herding breeds. Corgis can be strong-willed, and having expert guidance can make the transition smoother for everyone involved.
The most important thing is to be patient. Building positive relationships between dogs takes time, and forcing interactions can backfire. Focus on creating a peaceful environment where all three corgis can thrive together while maintaining their individual personalities and needs.
Wishing you great good luck!