Is the Cane Corso right for me?
So you're considering the possibility of bringing home a Cane Corso! You probably already know about some of the exceptional qualities that the Cane Corso possesses:
Intelligence
Unwavering loyalty
Majestic demeanor
Incredible versatility
However, it's even more important to acknowledge that the Cane Corso may not be the ideal breed for every individual or family. If a tiny, cute pomeranian has the capability to ruin one’s life, do NOT underestimate the effect of owning a bulldozer on four legs!
In this blogpost I'll delve into the character of a Cane Corso, their energy levels, historical background, methods to engage and work with them, and training needs to help you decide whether this is the right breed for you.
To be able to nurture a Cane Corso puppy into a well-rounded, obedient, and stable companion, you will need experience with:
Dogs!
More specifically, puppies!
Even more specifically, working breed puppies!
So from the start, you should know the Cane Corso is not for you if you are a first time dog owner, especially if you were attracted to this breed predominantly for its looks or some other superficial reason.
What Were They Bred For?
To truly comprehend your Cane Corso, it's vital to delve into their roots. These majestic dogs originate from Italy, where they served as Italian mastiffs. Their primary roles included guarding property and assisting in hunting large game. This heritage helps explain their natural instincts, such as protecting their family and displaying unwavering loyalty.
Understanding their historical significance enables you to appreciate their need for proper training and provides insights into their protective nature. They are not just pets; they are guardians by lineage.
A good Cane Corso owner is dedicated to:
Training! Constantly and consistently! That includes socialization, obedience, desensitization, impulse control, and boundaries. Setting house rules is a must.
Providing leadership! Dogs need structure. Failure to do so will give the dog the opportunity to do however they please, and trust me, that NEVER suits your life.
Providing them with a job! This dog thrives on both physical exercise and mental challenges. A job is very important.
You should also understand that Cane Corsos:
Are very social and always crave the company and attention of their family (velcro dogs), so giving them alone is something that needs to be practiced from day one! Leaving them for extended periods is not ideal.
Form deep attachments to their families and can be overly protective of them (which is a bad trait when not TRAINED PROFESSIONALLY for protection). It is a very bad idea to let a dog appoint itself as a protection dog!!
Make a mess. Like all dogs, they create some mess, such as when they drink or shed. But the Cane Corso goes a step further with their drool and slobber that can put some people off. Owners should be tolerant of that aspect.
Require loads of regular exercise. It is vital to their health and happiness.
Are very intelligent. But intelligent minds have needs: loads of mental stimulation. I already said that they need a job but it’s important enough to repeat! Owners should commit to providing mental stimulation and enrichment to keep their giant happy and fulfilled.
Need supervision and control. Just like with any other dog, they should not be allowed to roam freely as puppies and before they learn all the rules well! Due to their huge size, energy, and intelligence, they will cause more damage than other dogs (to things and to themselves) if left unsupervised.
Can be expensive to maintain. They eat enormous quantities, need frequent vet checks, might need professional training, and often need dietary supplements. Not to mention, their deworming, de-fleaing, vaccinations, anesthesia (in case of surgery), and other medical care will all cost more than other dogs due to their size and weight.
Have a lifespan of about 10 to 12 years (not the longest, but owners must still be prepared for a long-term commitment to this dog).
Training for Obedience and a Balanced Nature:
Training is the cornerstone of a well-behaved Cane Corso. Their intelligence makes them quick learners, but it also means they will not be happy or confident without structure and training.
Start training your Cane Corso from day 1, the moment you bring them home. Early socialization and desensitization is crucial to ensure they grow into well-adjusted and confident adults.
Use positive reinforcement methods. Set them up for success and reward good behavior. This motivates them and builds a strong bond with you based on trust.
Establish yourself as a calm leader. This breed responds well to strong, confident leadership and structure. Being a leader of a powerful dog does not mean you need to use harsh punishment as I have proven time and time again with my training!
Before diving into training sessions, make sure your Cane Corso has had some physical activity to expend excess energy.
Remember that training is an ongoing process. Never stop training. Patience and consistency will go a long way in helping your Cane Corso become a well-behaved and happy companion.
How to Work a Cane Corso Physically and Mentally:
Giving a Cane Corso a job involves providing them with tasks or challenging activities that engage their physical and mental capabilities to keep them content and fulfilled.
This is important because Cane Corsos are working dogs by nature, and they thrive when they have a purpose. Here are some ways to give a Cane Corso a job:
Search and Rescue
Advanced Obedience
Agility: This not only provides exercise but also challenges their problem-solving skills.
Nosework: Engage your Cane Corso's exceptional sense of smell by participating in nosework activities. Scent detection is a fun and engaging activity for both dog and owner.
Protection: Has to be done under the guidance of a professional trainer to ensure safety, control, and mitigation of the risks. If done correctly, this can provide your Cane Corso with a job suited to their protective nature.
Guarding: Not suitable for everyone, but if you live in an area where protection is needed, this job will provide a sense of fulfillment to a Cane Corso as it aligns with their protective instincts. It requires professional guidance and responsible ownership.
When a job is not provided, a Cane Corso is considered underworked and can become bored, restless, unhappy, reactive, or destructive. Do not punish your dog for undesirable behaviors. They are not done out of spite! Instead, recognize that your dog has needs and give them just that.
Consider your dog’s individual temperament, character, and interests when choosing a job for them. Different dogs will excel in different activities. Let me know if you're unsure about the best job for your Cane Corso.
Conclusion:
If you've considered all of the above information and factors and are still interested in the Cane Corso breed, then they can indeed be wonderful companions and bonding with them is extremely rewarding. However, it's crucial to find a responsible, humane breeder so you can have peace of mind that the dog has good genetics and good environment growing up before going to its forever home.
