I have decided that the ability to be "outgoing" in a Corgi has more to do with innate/inherited temperament and less to do with socialization. You can socialize a "shy" Corgi all you want , and it will still be shy...maybe not a quivering mass of Jello..but still shy. You can take an outgoing Corgi puppy, socialize it, and it will be even more outgoing and confident.

Socialization teaches a dog to be reasonably confident in "known" situations. When a "shy" SOCIALIZED dog is introduced to a NEW situation.....it will still be shy/nervous. A Corgi with an outgoing/confident temperament will perhaps be a little unsure of himself, but will adapt quickly and easily, without too much effort. Shyness should be frowned on in a Corgi.....they're supposed to have a "bold outlook"..... that sounds pretty confident,( even bordering on "cocky") to me.

Personally, I don't think that WHERE you raise your puppies, is as important as HOW MUCH attention and WHAT KIND of attention the puppies get.. ....

Our puppies are raised in our indoor/outdoor kennel. I work shiftwork-- I'm home a lot, but sometimes also gone for long hours, too. The kennel is the safest place for them to be. Also, the bitch doesn't have to wait to be let outside- she can go whenever she pleases.( when the puppies get older they can go out, too) The puppies are handled by my husband & I ( and no one else) from birth until they are at least 3 weeks old. They are cuddled, stroked and talked to at least 3 times a day.

When they are about 3 to 4 weeks old, we allow "select" visitors in to see and hold them, too. We do not stress our bitches by allowing strangers to see their young puppies. When the puppies start to walk, we start taking them out of the whelping area to see new things. They are brought into the kitchen for "housetime"-- we flush the toilet, run the vacuum, etc.They play with toys.They are introduced to a crate ( usually with a "buddy" for the first couple of times, so its not so scary and lonely). They learn to walk on linoleum floors and carpet ( VERY briefly ), and try a couple of stairs ( this is when they are about 5-6 weeks).

The puppies are let loose in the yard in a "pack" and taught the beginnings of "come": (hand-clapping, happy voice, and LOTS of treats). They are NEVER yelled at or whacked. Whenever they see humans, it is pleasant and FUN. Everybody gets pats and cuddles and tummy rubs. They also learn that its NOT the end of the world when the humans leave....they always come back! BY the time they are about 8 weeks old, and about ready for their new homes, they have been taught not to bite hands( some of them forget this VERY quickly in their new homes!) are well on their way to being housetrained ( they can go outside to potty- so they do) and have been taught to submit to being handled for grooming, etc. They have interacted with some of our adult dogs ( including a very big, very patient GSD male) and have been disciplined through the whole process by their ever present and doting mother.

All of this takes HOURS and HOURS of time, but its fun and rewarding when they go home as happy , confident little Corgis....ready to begin their new lives.

After saying ALL this......I STILL think that shyness is inherited, and the "bold " temperament should be bred for. Some of my dogs produce a much "stronger" temperament in their puppies. It's something to think about........

Karen Traa