8 Sure-Fire Ways to Calm Your Corgi’s Anxiety

iHeartDogs is reader-supported. When you buy via links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission at no extra cost to you.

How To Conquer Your Corgi’s Separation Anxiety, Sound Anxiety or Travel Anxiety

If your Corgi is experiencing anxiety, life can be miserable both for you and your pup. I myself spent 2 years battling extreme separation anxiety with my dog, and we successfully came out on the other side. In this article I’ll share some of the resources and strategies that worked for us.

There are many forms of anxiety that your corgi may be suffering from. Typical causes of anxiety in Corgi’s might be:

• Separation anxiety – Fear of being separated from their owner. This often manifests itself by your Corgi pacing, drooling, biting, or being destructive while you’re away.
• Sound anxiety – Fear of loud noises like thunder, fireworks, or a vacuum cleaner
• Travel anxiety – Fear of traveling in a moving vehicle, or fear of intimidating places like your vet’s office or a boarding kennel

1. Experiment with Hemp Oil for Your Corgi’s Anxiety

One of the tools I successfully used in treating my dog’s anxiety was hemp. While your results may vary, approximately 67% of the dog owners polled here claimed that Hemp was ‘extremely effective’ or ‘somewhat effective’ in helping their dog’s anxiety.

In my experience, hemp helped my dog calm down enough to respond positively to the other training methods I was using to treat her anxiety. When choosing a hemp oil, always look for a certificate of analysis showing a pure and safe product. I’d also recommend a product with 0% THC.

If you’d rather not give an hemp oil tincture to your dog, there are also great full spectrum hemp treat options available for dogs on Amazon. 

2. Desensitize Your Corgi to The Cause of Their Anxiety

A key strategy for treating your corgi’s anxiety is desensitizing them to the trigger of their fear. For example, my dog’s anxiety was triggered anytime I walked out the door to leave the house. For other dogs, the trigger might be you grabbing your keys or putting on your coat.

Begin by doing the trigger activity, but then immediately reversing it. For example, I would grab my keys and walk out the door. Then I’d come back 5 seconds later. I did this literally hundreds of times over a period of a week. Eventually, my dog was desensitized and bored by the behavior.

Related: Best Calming Treat for Dogs

3. For Sound Anxiety, Trying Isolating Your Corgi and Playing Loud Music

Many corgi’s that suffer from thunderstorm or fireworks anxiety experience relief in a smaller, more isolated room of the house where music can be played at a loud volume. A word of caution though, if your dog is also experiences separation anxiety leaving them alone in a room during may be counterproductive.

4. Try Using a Compression Wrap (Available in Many Sizes and Will Fit Your Corgi)

Many dogs are comforted by the feeling of compression across their body. One popular product many have found success with is the Thundershirt (available on Amazon and Chewy). The product applies gentle, calming pressure that is very reassuring to many pups. The company claims the product to be helpful for about 80% of the dogs who tried it. It can be used to help calm your Corgi during fireworks, thunder, separation, travel, or vet visits, with no training and no medication required.

5. Try an Herbal Supplement for Your Corgi with Calming Herbs Like Chamomile, Passion Flower, Ginger Root or Valerian Root

Many calming supplements exist for dogs that are palatable for dogs, easy-to-feed, and can help quickly relieve your Corgi’s stress and give a sense of safety and calm. Some supplements contain calming herbs like chamomile, passion flower, ginger root, and valerian root are a great option. 

6. Experiment with a Pheromone Diffuser for Your Corgi

Canine pheromone diffusers mimic the calming pheromone that a mother dog emits while nursing her puppies. The diffuser can help many dogs feel calmer and more comfortable in stressful situations. The same company that makes the Thundershirt above also makes a product called ThunderEase diffuser, which is also available on Amazon and Chewy.

7. Try an Anti-Anxiety Supplement Containing L-Tryptophan, L-Theanine or Melatonin

Other popular ingredients in anti-anxiety supplements include the amino acids L-Tryptophan and L-Theanine, both of which offer calming properties and increase the release of “feel good” serotonin in your dog’s body. In addition, some calming products for dogs contain a small amount of melatonin, which can help regulate and improve their sleep.

8. Experiment with Using Your Own Scent & Sound to Calm Your Corgi

In my experience, using your own scent and sound to help calm your dog is a powerful strategy in beating anxiety. I stumbled upon this one day with my own dog by accident.

Typically, if I left the home my dog would instantly enter a panic. But one day I needed to take a long phone call, and left my dog outside my bedroom door where I took the call. During the call, she calmly lied next to the door, where she could obviously smell and hear me. It occurred to me that I could possibly mimic this tactic while I wasn’t at home.

I recorded my voice on a CD player and then put it on loop. Then I placed a used t-shirt on the inside of the door where she could easily smell it underneath. To my surprise, I was able to leave the house for a short time. (I monitored her on a video camera). I slowly increased the length of time I left, and always found her calm and sincerely believing that I was just behind the door!

If you’d like to read the full story of how I cured my dog’s extreme separation anxiety, go here.

Lastly, another popular calming product is the heartbeat puppy toy. Traditionally, these have been used to help calm puppies who recently left their litter. The plush toys come with a warming features as well as a simulated heartbeat. While originally intended for puppies, many dog owners have found they can effectively calm dogs of all ages. This popular model is available on Amazon. 

Defeating your Corgi’s anxiety is absolutely possible—though every dog’s path to calm will be unique. The tools and strategies above can help you get started, but sometimes our pups need an extra layer of support. That’s why at iHeartDogs, we trust gentle, vet-formulated supplements designed to ease stress without harsh medications.

For best results, you can pair the Cannanine Ultra-Premium Broad Spectrum hemp Oil with our Cannanine Bacon-Flavored hemp Calming Chews. Together, these two supplements deliver 10 active, naturally calming ingredients—including hemp, melatonin, and valerian root—to promote relaxation and support emotional balance. Whether it’s fireworks, separation stress, or everyday anxiety, this powerful duo can help your dog feel safe, secure, and comforted.

Frequently Asked Questions About Corgis Anxiety

1. Why do Corgis experience anxiety?

Corgis are intelligent and social dogs that thrive on companionship. They may develop anxiety due to separation from their owners, lack of stimulation, changes in routine, or unfamiliar environments. Their herding instincts can also make them more alert and sensitive to triggers.

2. What are the common signs of anxiety in Corgis?

Signs of anxiety in Corgis include excessive barking or whining, destructive behavior, pacing, panting, shaking, restlessness, and hiding. Some Corgis may also show aggression when stressed or anxious.

3. Are Corgis more prone to separation anxiety?

Yes, Corgis are prone to separation anxiety because of their strong bond with their families. They dislike being left alone for long periods and may become restless, destructive, or vocal when separated from their owners.

4. How can exercise help calm my anxious Corgi?

Exercise helps reduce anxiety in Corgis by burning off excess energy, stimulating their mind, and promoting relaxation. Regular walks, playtime, and herding-style games can prevent stress and keep your Corgi balanced.

Related: Top Pet Insurance Plans for Corgis

5. Can training reduce anxiety in Corgis?

Yes, consistent training builds confidence and teaches your Corgi how to respond to stressful situations. Positive reinforcement methods and socialization are key to helping them handle anxiety triggers better.

6. Are calming supplements safe for Corgis?

Most calming supplements, such as those with natural herbs, melatonin, or CBD oil, are safe for Corgis when recommended by a veterinarian. Always consult your vet before introducing any supplement to ensure it suits your dog’s needs.

7. Can music or white noise help calm an anxious Corgi?

Yes, calming music or white noise can soothe an anxious Corgi by masking outside noises that might trigger stress. Many owners use calming playlists, classical music, or sound machines to comfort their dogs.

8. How do changes in routine affect my Corgi’s anxiety?

Corgis thrive on consistency. Sudden changes in their daily routine, such as feeding times, exercise schedules, or sleeping arrangements, can increase anxiety. Keeping a predictable schedule helps them feel secure.

9. Can crate training help reduce anxiety in Corgis?

When done properly, crate training provides Corgis with a safe and secure space where they can retreat when feeling anxious. A comfortable crate with soft bedding can give them a sense of security during stressful times.

10. Do Corgis get anxious around strangers or new environments?

Yes, some Corgis can become anxious around unfamiliar people, animals, or environments. Early socialization helps them adapt to new situations with confidence, reducing anxiety in these scenarios.

11. How can interactive toys help my Corgi’s anxiety?

Interactive toys keep your Corgi mentally engaged, which reduces boredom and anxiety. Puzzle toys, treat-dispensing balls, and chew toys provide stimulation and comfort, especially when left alone.

12. Are Corgis sensitive to their owner’s emotions?

Corgis are highly sensitive and can pick up on their owner’s emotions. If you are stressed or anxious, your Corgi may mirror those feelings. Staying calm and reassuring helps your dog feel more secure.

13. Can professional training or behaviorists help with Corgi anxiety?

Yes, if your Corgi’s anxiety is severe, working with a professional trainer or canine behaviorist can provide customized strategies to manage their stress. They may also help address any underlying behavioral issues.

14. Do calming aids like jackets or pheromone diffusers work for Corgis?

Calming aids such as thunder shirts, pheromone collars, or diffusers can help reduce anxiety in Corgis. These tools provide gentle pressure or calming scents that soothe stressed dogs.

15. When should I see a vet about my Corgi’s anxiety?

If your Corgi’s anxiety leads to destructive behavior, aggression, or health issues, consult your veterinarian. They can rule out medical causes and may recommend supplements, medication, or specialized therapies for your dog.

Last but not least, ensure your puppy has something to do while you are gone so it does not have time to worry. Corgis need to be actively engaged in games, walks, and other physical activities to prevent them from being bored. Take them to their vet if they do not learn to cope and cannot handle spending time alone. You may need to consider a doggy day care too so they get to socialize or at least not be alone.

Helping Your Corgi Find Calm

Anxiety can feel overwhelming, for both you and your Corgi, but it doesn’t have to define your dog’s life. With patience, consistency, and the right tools, most Corgis can overcome separation stress, noise phobias, or travel worries and return to their naturally happy, confident selves. Remember, every dog’s journey to calm will look different, so don’t be discouraged if progress feels slow. Even small steps forward are signs of healing. When combined with training and a loving routine, these solutions can make a world of difference in helping your Corgi feel secure, relaxed, and ready to enjoy life by your side.