Puppies

Pleasantstone Breeding: A Promise of Excellence

The breeding of Pembroke Welsh Corgis is a serious responsibility. The Breed Standard is used by conscientious and knowledgeable breeders to
evaluate how closely they approach the ideal in producing quality Corgis. If the individual Corgi deviates to some extent from the standard - in appearance, size, action, temperament, (or having known hereditary defects), we at Pleasantstone would never use the dog for breeding purposes.
We breed our Corgis especially for good movement, which includes a free and smooth gait. We key on the individuals who still possess the "herding instinct", and still believe that the Corgi is a good choice for
small farm work. Our Corgis can work cattle, sheep, goats, pigs, ducks or poultry in smaller pastures and paddock areas. Corgi dogs, like other breeds, can be trained with correction only; however, the best results are seen by correction and REWARD, and above all, consistency. They thrive on reward and praise from their master. The best trained Corgis are fond of their masters as well as respectful of them. Many disobedient dogs are afraid of their masters. Many of them, which are not afraid, are disobedient because they lack respect. You need to take the time to ‘explain’ to your Corgi what you want out of him! An intelligent dog can sometimes be a deficit without proper training. That goes for any of the "smart" breeds.

 Problems/Corrections

If you catch the Corgi puppy chasing the cat (assuming you want to teach the puppy not to chase the cat) and as you shake that puppy gently but
firmly (usually holding onto the scruff of the neck) - you say, "NO!!" in a very angry tone of voice, this pup should then associate the word as well as
the tone of voice itself, with correction. The following time you and your Corgi puppy walk by that ofttimes provoking feline - and the puppy does not
chase - you remark with fondness, "GOOOOD puppy!" The puppy soon learns what
"praise" sounds like, versus "reprimand." The puppy wants to be praised, so in a short time he learns not to chase the kitty.
You must be consistent with your reward (tone of voice) and your punishment. Do not let the puppy out by the kitty unless you are to be within reach of the disobedient pup. A stern "No!’" or hearty praise (‘GOOOOD puppy!!') is training enough for the intelligent breed. Keep the pup at your side always, for these early trainings will quickly and thoroughly qualify him to be a good and obedient dog. To praise your Corgi by fussing and petting him when he has done something right goes a long way in encouraging him to do it right the next time, be it how to behave around the family cat or going potty on the lawn versus the living room rug. You must be there to offer the lawn to the new puppy when he needs it. If you are not there consistently, you will wait a long time for a house trained dog to appear. (A "Potty Training Clue": When the pup wakes up from a nap or
just finishes eating his meals, it is time to carry the pup outside to do "his duty.") In my opinion, it is too little correction - not too much praise - which spoils the dog.

More on Herding

If you want to teach your Corgi how to help bring in the goats, you must encourage the herding instinct as well as be able to tell the Corgi when to stop chasing the goats through the fence and biting at them. The herding instinct is of course the instinct to "chase and kill." Since it is a herding dog's instinct to "herd" and "chase", they get much enjoyment from
herding goats on the family farm. When we work with teaching a dog to herd and head livestock, it would be best to understand that the dog's instinct to herd is a reversal of his instinct to hunt and kill his prey. The instinct to head off the game is the foundation on which the herding is built. We can and do divert and strengthen this natural ability or instinct of the dog and enable him to work for us as a valuable servant and loyal companion, be it herding the sheep or chasing and killing the rodents.
When training your Corgi, it is most important to be aware of
expression and tone of voice when correcting and rewarding your Corgi. They are extremely alert to your body language and voice as you train. The dog
associates the way you look at him or speak to him with him doing the right thing or the wrong thing. Most Corgis are willing and anxious to have you
tell them what to do. The ability to apply both correction and reward at the right time and in the right amount is the key to training your Corgi. If the Corgi does not clearly understand why he is being punished he will not learn, and you are only causing needless suffering. If the Corgi is after that kitty he is not supposed to chase and you are too far from him to catch
him and shake him with a stern ‘NO’ scolding - it might be a good idea for you to carry a small stick or riding crop you can throw and hit him with
WHEN he is chasing that kitty. As stated previously, when he quits chasing the kitty you can call him over to your side and say, "What a GOOOOOD doggy you are", in that tone of voice the puppy recognizes as a "pleased" tone of voice.
As with any breed, timing is the key and is essential to the pup's efficient training. You should not scold the puppy after he has come back to
you upon command. It is only "while the pup commits the crime" (in our example, it is during the chasing of the kitty) that you can scold a pup. Elstwise, the confused puppy will not understand what you are scolding him about. The puppy is chasing the kitty because of his own instincts so he will not understand being punished for that if, for instance, the punishment does not happen at the beginning of the chase. If you scold the puppy after he has already run the haggard feline up a tree, he will have no idea what he has done wrong and he will most likely be ruined and suffer needlessly because of confusing training techniques. In training a Corgi, as with any dog, you must be able to ‘read’ or anticipate what that Corgi is going to do and be able to punish (correct) or
praise (reward) him for that action ‘as’ he is doing that action. I must compare that to the competent horseman who can see ahead to the time when his horse will "shy", versus the rider who suddenly falls to the ground when his horse does shy (because he was not expecting the occurrence.) Indeed, the good dog trainer can be compared to the horseman that is able to help
the stumbling horse by giving him his head to balance with, instead of pulling on the reins and making it more difficult for the horse, ultimately contributing to the ‘fall’.

Corgis are 'Thinkers'

A Corgi must think it is to his advantage to obey, for he is a very intelligent dog. He must be allowed to think and never be punished unless necessary and then quickly, and let it be finished. Encourage him when he is right and allow him the time and space to learn properly. Be patient and give the puppy your undivided attention and you will see how quickly he can learn. When I say to my first time Corgi owners, "most Corgi puppies
housebreak in a couple of days if you are consistent with your training and you are there for them ", I have no idea what they think, but I have had many come back to me and say, " You won’t believe this but my "Corky" has
never had an accident in the house", or "my beloved Benji only piddled once by the door when I did not let him out in time." I usually answer, "Is that right? How wonderful!", for I still stand amazed at how quickly a Corgi will learn if only given a chance.
It is very important to remember that if you cannot be there and have the time to spare you should never ask your puppy to do something. Always be there to see that the puppy does your bidding during a training session of any kind. I stress, you must follow through and be consistent!
We think that developing and maintaining the working ability of Corgis is of great importance. We encourage all Corgi owners to develop those working instincts and skills, be it obedience, herding, agility, general watchdog, farm guardian, and even tracking ability.

 Tracking/Farm 'Doggery'

Tracking is a sport in which dogs are taught to recognize and follow
the scent of a human being. Corgis tend to be focused dogs who can concentrate on the task at hand. Thus, they make excellent tracking dogs.
"Tracking" is an inherent dog instinct, for the way he tracked (using "scent", primarily) eventually tracked his very meals. Tracking is useful for the farmer’s dog and a clever Corgi can become a very good tracker with
a little time and some effort in training. As a herding dog the Corgi can and does assist man with various domestic livestock in a variety of ways. The Corgi in Britain was primarily a drover of the Welsh cattle. However, let not the breed's main use be neglected: he guarded, quite aptly, against invasion by any type of rodent. Then, and now, this trait is a valuable skill in any family or farm doggy. The breed has also been known to have helped "round up" the different types of poultry fowl- from chickens to geese. With poultry wandering freely around the farmyard, there was always a risk of predators. An ever-alert Corgi helped protect the stock, as ours do this very day. Corgis were and
are still also quite useful in gathering the flock so it could be housed for the night. Taking the stock to market was quite a chore. The only way to get a
flock of two hundred or more of these large fowl to market was to drive them along the roads to town. Corgis were unsurpassed in this task and when working the Corgis along roads, the farmer knew these smart dogs could
anticipate any moves for escape the flock would be sure to make. Corgis were strong willed enough to control any goose that strayed off the path to town and would quickly and efficiently send the misguided goose back on track.

Some of Pleasantstone Farm Corgi breeding goals:

First we do our best to determine that every Pembroke Welsh Corgi
which we raise will be healthy and free of genetically based problems. This means checking eyes and hips on potential breeding stock, and careful pedigree research. We happily back this with a written contract and health guarantee on puppies that we sell. We offer a Corgi owner questionnaire to help us place the puppies in good homes with the right puppy for the right
family and lifestyle. We carefully raise our puppies and they are all lovingly handled. As they get older they go out on long walks and swims in our ponds and creek. Most Corgis are right at home in the water and are great swimmers. Although we have never had a "bad" Corgi, we value temperament. Indeed, we strive for an intelligent and happy spirited Corgi who loves children - as well as all of the horses, ponies and livestock here on the farm. As before stated, we especially key on the Corgis who have a herding and working ability for our breeding program. Our puppies are well adjusted and do well in the transition to whatever life may offer in their new good homes.

WE ADHERE TO THE PEMBROKE WELSH CORGI CLUB OF AMERICA CODE OF ETHICS.
Here are their guidelines:
1. - All Pembroke Welsh Corgi Club Of America (PWCCA) members and affiliate clubs shall be dedicated to the preservation and welfare of the Pembroke Welsh Corgi breed.
2. - All PWCCA members and affiliate clubs must ensure their actions are in the best interest of the breed, this club and its members.
3. - The prime objective for breeding the Pembroke Welsh Corgi is to produce animals of exceptional quality.
A. - Only dogs and bitches of sound temperament and structure, good health and characteristic type as described in the American Kennel Club's
(AKC) approved Official Standard for the Pembroke Welsh Corgi should be used for breeding.
B. - Dogs and bitches should not be used for further breeding if they have, in two litters, produced offspring with the same serious genetic defect such as: blindness, deafness, lameness, impairment of vital functions
which prevent these offspring from living a normal, healthy life without major surgical or significant medical intervention.
C. - Bitches to be bred must be in robust health. Eyes and hips should be checked and found to be within normal limits. A bitch is not to be bred prior to one year of age or older than eight years, nor should she produce more than six litters in her lifetime. A bitch should not be bred more than
two out of three consecutive heat seasons.
D. - Stud service should be offered only to bitches whose owners adhere to the above guidelines.
E. - A male should not be used at stud unless his hips and eyes are checked and found to be within normal limits.
F. - Members should not consider breeding a litter unless they are
prepared to keep the resultant puppies for as long as it takes to suitably place each puppy. Members offering stud service should request the above
assurance from the owners of the bitches.
G. - Members should take lifetime responsibility to ensure that Pembrokes of their breeding are cared for in a safe and healthy environment.
H. - The breeder of a rescued Pembroke, who is a member of PWCCA shall, upon notification, provide for the Corgi's care.
4. - The selling of puppies and adult Pembrokes must be accomplished in a manner that reflects the PWCCA member's care, concern and integrity.
A. - All puppies and adults shall be maintained and/or sold in a clean and healthy condition.
B. - Puppies are to be a minimum of 8 weeks old, have received the
appropriate vaccination and worming, and should be examined by a veterinarian prior to the sale.
C. - A spay/neuter contract shall be used in the sale of a puppy or
adult showing a very serious fault as described in the Standard or other faults such as monorchidism or cryptorchidism. Members are encouraged to use
the limited registration option offered by the American Kennel Club.
D. - Written agreements are recommended to specify details of the sale including health guarantees, and the breeder's lifetime responsibility. The
purchaser shall be provided with accurate and valid documentation of the Pembroke's AKC registration and pedigree.
E. - There must be no wholesaling of litters or selling of breeding stock to pet dealers, commercial retailers or distributors or to any party
for the purpose of resale. No member should be associated with an auction, lottery or raffle involving dogs as the prize.
5. - Good sportsmanship is essential for all PWCCA members.
A. - All Members shall conduct themselves in a manner that reflects credit on the Pembroke Welsh Corgi breed and the PWCCA.
B. - Members should not engage in false or misleading advertising or other misrepresentations of their Pembroke(s).
C. - Members should not make false or misleading statements regarding their competitors' person, Pembroke or breeding practices.
D. - Members shall be accountable for the actions of an employed handler as they pertain to the PWCCA code of ethics.

Summary:
PLEASANTSTONE raises Pembroke Welsh Corgis. This dog was bred originally for driving cattle, guarding homesteads, helping in the hunt and being a loyal companion to its owners.
These are an amazing dog with quick intelligence. An ability to learn easily is a Corgi trait. Being self reliant, they are able to think for themselves in an emergency. Their characteristics - intelligence, determination and agility serve them well as the Corgi performs a variety of
tasks around the homestead. Many are the skeptics whose hearts are won over to a hearty respect for their abilities.
The Corgi has an extremely keen ear and a remarkable sense of smell as well as a vigilance to protect family and livestock. Their compact size
makes them at home in a farming operation as a working member of the farm, or in a cozy apartment in the city suburbs. These easy keepers are hardy and are not subject to any particular ailments. Their life span ranges from 12 - 15 years, with some living up to 18 years. Our family has been raising the delightful companions for over 30 years. These bright, attractive characters are a wonderful friend for families or single folks, young or older. The Corgis love children and are full of life - but are happy to enjoy the quiet moments of companionship, too.
Corgis come in a variety of colors. Tri colored (black with tan & white on face and legs). Red or fawn - with white markings on legs and head, as well as neck (pictured at top of page) Sables - tan (with black flecks throughout coat) - white markings on head & legs. Bluies, Mismarks such as high white or a spot out of place as well as fluff Corgis make wonderful pets and working companions too and they are
unique. Once in a while we get an overbite (like a child with buck teeth) but this has never interfered with the Corgis health, companionship or trainability!...All these colors and small defects do not change the fact that the Corgi is still a special pet and these things are in every Corgi gene pool. Don't let the 'know it all breeders' try to tell you anything
different...! We try hard to breed the best Corgi we can... but I have never heard of any breeder designing the Corgi puppy in the womb. Their trainability has attracted obedience fans to the breed and these dogs are often used as a partner for the hearing impaired and their special needs. We find we have a superb working cattle or sheepdog, a great ground squirreler, "ratter", guardian and clever companion, all in one. Just to look at a Corgi's face is to sense his bright mind and loving spirit. We would love to serve your particular needs for a Corgi pup. E-mail us if you have any questions.

Thank you for your visit to our PLEASANTSTONE Website; If you would like to contact us please feel free to email us info@pleasantstonewelsh.org, call us (541) 840-6345 or write us at our home address:
The Mahoney Family
P. O. Box 1483
Jacksonville, Oregon 97530