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Originally Posted by Elysia
I have just recently started contacting breeders in my area (Wisconsin).
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Just make sure you're working with a reputable breeder. They should be asking you questions too. And the parents should have health clearances.
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Originally Posted by Elysia
[1) How long is it OK to leave your Corgi at home for?
My job does require me to work 8 hours (sometimes 8-12/1-5, sometimes 8-12/5-9) but I would be able to come home (at least briefly) every 4 to 5 hours. We don't currently have any other pets, but would consider getting another dog 9-12 months after the first. Any thoughts on this as well?
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A puppy cannot hold it's bladder for 8 hours. Figure 1 hour per month of age +1. So a 2 mos. old puppy 2-3 hours tops.
If you get a puppy that's a bit older, then coming home half way would work.
IMO, wait till the first puppy is out of puppyhood before you get the second. That way each get's it own special time to be a puppy. And you can better concentrate on training.
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Originally Posted by Elysia
2) Are electric fences a safe and viable option?
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IMO, NO! An electric fence might keep your dog in but it does not keep other dogs or people out. And if a dog does run over the wire and gets shocked many won't come back. Won't risk getting shocked again.
I know of one dog that got shocked once and from that time on would only sit on the porch. So that defeated the purpose.
Use a physical fence. At least 4 feet high. It's much safer. Even if you can only fence in part of your lot. At least fence in a play area for the puppy.
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Originally Posted by Elysia
3) What would you estimate total average cost of buying and owning a Corgi to be? Were there any hidden or unexpected costs in your experience? (Just trying to plan for everything.) : )
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That's hard to say, since it varies from area to area. The typical cost in the US right now for a pet puppy on a spay/neuter contract is $700-900. Costs of owning, well, you need a crate, food, bowls, collar, leash, toys (including chew toys), treats, fence. The collar and some toys will need to be replaced over time. Food can vary depending on what you feed.
Vet costs for altering vary according to area. $100 is pretty reasonable. More can be usual. A reatained testicle will be more than a normal neuter. (If there is a retained testicle.) Same for vaccinations, depends on the vet and area.
And we can't say about unknown illnesses or vet costs.
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Originally Posted by Elysia
4) And, lastly, anything else I should know? Anything that caught you by surprise when you brought your first Corgi pup home?
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My first corgi puppy was not my first puppy, so well, not many surprises. They are very smart and like to test their limits.
Corgis are "easy keepers" meaning most love to eat. So you need to make sure they don't get fat.
They have big dog personalities and think they are much bigger than they really are.
THEY SHED!!! More than any other dog/breed I've ever owned, corgis can SHED!
Peggy