What Cane Corso puppies look like: description of the breed and pet development. Basics of education: Attitude towards strangers, protection of the owner and home
The Cane Corso is intelligent and easy to train. The dog can be kept both in an apartment and in a private house. You can choose a Cane Corso puppy and monitor whether it is developing correctly based on its height and weight. This is what we will talk about in our article.
Height and weight are the most important indicators of how well a dog is developing. They are different for males and females. Below is a weight and height table showing the standards for Cane Corso puppies:
| Age, month | Height, cm | Weight, kg | ||
| For a male | For the bitch | For a male | For the bitch | |
| 2 | 44 | 32 | 9 | 8,8 |
| 3 | 49 | 42 | 13,5 | 12,5 |
| 4 | 56 | 47 | 16,5 | 18 |
| 5 | 62 | 55 | 24,5 | 22,5 |
| 6 | 64 | 57 | 31,5 | 28 |
| 7 | 65 | 58 | 37,5 | 33,5 |
| 8 | 65,5 | 59 | 40 | 36 |
| 9 | 66 | 59,5 | 42 | 38 |
| 10 | 66 | 60 | 44 | 40 |
| 11 | 67 | 61 | 45,5 | 41,5 |
| 12 | 67 | 63 | 47,5 | 43 |
| 24 | 68 | 64 | 50 | 45 |
It is worth noting that all values are conditional. A deviation of 2-3 cm is allowed in height. The permissible difference in Cane Corso weight by month depends on the age of the puppy and is individual. If the dog does not look thin or well-fed, then there is no need to measure its weight, everything is fine with it.
Puppies up to two weeks old
Newborn babies are still very tiny. They are born weighing 300-700 g. In the first 2 weeks, the puppy has only physiological needs: eating, sleeping. Now he is completely dependent on his mother.
On the 12th day, the baby’s eyes open, but his vision is still very poor. By the end of the second week, the puppy develops hearing - this is manifested by the fact that he already reacts to sharp sounds. The baby is already standing steadily on his paws.
Two to seven weeks
During this period, the dog’s character is formed and he is ready for simple training. It is already clear who will have the makings of a leader. Depending on this, the method of training for a given period is selected. It is recommended to “push” inactive children to move, and to simply observe and make sure that active children do not harm themselves or spoil valuable things. Under no circumstances should you punish them, otherwise they will grow up fearful or aggressive.
It is important that puppies can have contact with people, then they will treat them normally, and strangers in the house will not cause aggression or fear in the dog.
First 2-3 months
This is the ideal period to wean your baby from his mother. He can now fully feed himself. His diet should include meat, vegetables, cereals and dairy products.
At 2-3 months old, puppies are very inquisitive. They enjoy exploring the world around them, play a lot and have fun. During this period, they need love and affection more than ever.
You can actively start learning. After the puppy learns its name, you can start using the simplest commands (“Fu!”, “Come to me!”, “Place!”).
4-6 months
At 4 months, the dog has already reached a large size (height at the withers is 47 or 56 cm, depending on gender) and outwardly looks like an adult, but in behavior it is still a puppy who frolics and plays a lot.
Now the baby is not only trying to growl, but is also trying to establish a hierarchy in the family. It is very important to earn the dog’s respect and show that all family members, including children, must be obeyed. Otherwise, the dog will become uncontrollable and will feel like the mistress of the house.
Despite its large size, it is still a “child” who is often afraid even of familiar things. The owner must support the pet and show that the object or sound that frightened it is not dangerous.
First 4 years
The weight of an adult dog already reaches 45 kg for females and 55 kg for males.
As a rule, the first mating is carried out during this period. After it, the males again try to take leadership positions, but this time not within the family circle, but among other dogs. Thanks to their strength, Cane Corsos can cause great harm to other pets with whom they previously played during a walk. Under no circumstances should a dog be allowed to assert itself in this way.
The dog’s character can be adjusted up to three years of age, but the older he gets, the more difficult it is to do this.
Video “Features of the Cane Corso breed”
From this video you will learn about the character of a Cane Corso dog and how to care for a dog.
A large breed that has excellent watchdog and security skills and needs an experienced owner. Corsos are known for their strength, energy and willingness to take on any challenge. In Italy, the birthplace of the breed, you can still hear the saying “brave as a Corso.”
Main stages of development
from 3 to 8 weeks - a period of rapid growth
During this period, Corso puppies undergo primary socialization. They leave the nest on their own and explore the world around them. The lessons learned at this stage are critical.
Puppies that have been weaned too early tend to be more nervous and bark and bite more often. Often this happens only because these lessons that the puppy should have learned from the mother and from her litter were missed. Problems with training and further socialization can also often be attributed to puppies that are separated from the litter too early.
Starting at 3 weeks of age, puppies learn:
- basic dog behavior patterns
- the meaning of a bite and what it feels like to be bitten
- the meanings of various positions and their effect on the mother and litter
- the meaning of barking and other sounds
- how to establish relationships and interact with other dogs
After 5 weeks, puppies begin to understand:
- the need to obey the leader of the pack
- complex behavior patterns, as well as the meaning of most sounds and postures
The mother of the puppies will growl and grab her puppies, thereby giving them clear signals about acceptable behavior. Soon after birth, a short glance or a subtle growl will be enough to control the mother's young puppy. The puppies in the litter will also learn to understand signals when communicating with each other.
From 7 to 12 weeks - the period of socialization
Dogs that are not properly socialized during this period often become unpredictable, fearful, or aggressive. It is during this time that the dog should gain positive experience interacting with new places, things and various objects.
Starting at 7 weeks, the puppy will begin to:
- transfer attention from the mother to his surroundings
- show individual traits
- any painful or frightening experience can have a lasting effect
During this period, the puppy needs:
- getting to know new objects, places and people
- positive nature of impressions (encouragement, praise, treats and treats)
- a comfortable place where the puppy will feel safe
- supervision of the litter and protection from overly active or strong puppies
- gradual adaptation to frightening situations, such as a car or a vacuum cleaner (don't push the puppy, let him get used to the situation)
During these few weeks, the puppy should see you as the main leader. Now only you should become the main focus and center of attention of your pet.
From 12 to 16 weeks - the period of social dominance
During these few weeks, the puppy will watch you and your family very closely. It selects appropriate human reactions and behavior. He also begins to study the hierarchy in his pack (family) and will try to figure out where he stands in this hierarchy. This is precisely what is associated with the sudden change in behavior of such a small and cute puppy.
The puppy will begin:
- question all authority
- try to dominate
- grab the leash
- growl periodically
If your puppy becomes agitated, aggressive, or growls, you should stop all activities with him. Also, do not leave children unattended with the puppy and try to enroll the puppy in training courses. Make sure that all family members understand the puppy's transition period and that your actions are coordinated - use a "united front strategy."
From 4 to 8 months - the period of the "escape" instinct
During this period, the puppy will decide that he is ready to live alone, so you should show him that he must stay close and come when his name is called.
What will happen:
- the puppy will become more independent
- he will go very far, often into risky situations
- the puppy will start running away from you
During this time in an unfenced area, you should keep the young dog on a leash at all times. Continue teaching basic commands and reinforce correct behavior with praise and treats. Use only positive teaching methods.
From 7 to 10 months - “teenager”
A puppy's teenage months are one of the most difficult times for pet owners. The puppy may become unruly and unpredictable, during which time many owners and families begin to question their dog ownership. Remember, you will get what you put into him now, spend time on him and teach him good habits, that is the only way you will get the dog you have been dreaming of.
What will happen:
- the puppy will become even more independent
- the puppy will be very energetic, often boisterous and enthusiastic
- he will be happy to meet new and interesting things
From 6 to 14 months - period of fear
Your energetic and rambunctious puppy will suddenly become afraid of even the usual sounds of a car or music. You may find that he suddenly refuses to take the usual stairs or gets shaken when riding in a car.
A puppy who was recently very confident will suddenly become resistant to new things. However, you should avoid extremes and be calm and consistent. Be patient and use positive methods - praise and treats - when your puppy makes even unsuccessful attempts.
1-3 years: mature dog
Your Corso puppy will pretty much be fully mature physically. However, mentally, the dog will still continue to develop and learn many details of the world around it. During this period Corso:
- may begin to greet strangers by barking
- can bark at anything he deems worthy of attention: noise on the street, birds, cars
- Playing with other dogs can turn into fighting
- same-sex confrontation with other dogs may occur
- Corso will again try to rise in the hierarchy of his pack
You should re-teach your dog how to welcome guests into the house. Teach Corso to ignore dogs he doesn't like. Do not allow her to be willful and always clearly indicate her place in your family. Take obedience classes and continue to use positive reinforcement methods.
Table of weight and height of Cane Corso by month
Corso is a large breed with powerful muscles. Males reach a height of 64-70 cm and gain weight of 45-50 kg. Females reach a height of 60-66 cm and gain weight of 40-45 kg. The table shows the average weight of a Cane Corso, so your puppy's developmental schedule may not exactly coincide with these figures.
| Age, month | Female weight, kg | Male weight, kg |
| newborn | 0,5 | 0,5 |
| 15 days | 1,5 | 1,5 |
| 45 days | 6 | 6 |
| 2 months | 8,5 | 9 |
| 3 months | 12,5 | 13,5 |
| 4 months | 16,5 | 18 |
| 5 months | 22,5 | 24,5 |
| 6 months | 28 | 31,5 |
| 7 months | 33,5 | 37,5 |
| 8 months | 36 | 40 |
| 9 months | 38 | 42 |
| 10 months | 40 | 44 |
| 11 months | 41,5 | 45,5 |
| 1 year | 43 | 47,5 |
| 2 years | 45 | 50 |
The Cane Corso or Corsican dog is a very active animal, ready to move a lot. And if such a dog’s need is satisfied, then to maintain health and good shape it needs proper feeding.
What to feed a Cane Corso puppy and an adult dog? How to do this correctly and what should not be given to the animal? This will be discussed in this article. The choice of diet for each dog is determined by the conditions of its keeping, age and state of health.
Cane Corso is a late maturing breed and this is reflected in the feeding of the puppies. So they are fed up to six times a day until they are five months old. After and until the animal reaches full maturity at the age of one and a half years, the daily diet is divided into three parts.
Feeding Cane Corso with natural food
A Cane Corso puppy is gradually introduced to a normal feeding diet from the age of three weeks. It is best to feed your baby on a schedule, at regular intervals. It is better to place a bowl of food on a vertical stand at the level of the baby’s chest above.
Then he won't hunch his back while eating. The diet of both puppies and adult dogs should contain a balanced amount of proteins, carbohydrates, fats, vitamins and minerals.
At the same time, natural food should be quite varied, which determines the health and life expectancy of the animal. Sources of protein for dogs are:
- meat,
- fish,
- milk.
Until the age of 10 weeks, the meat for puppies is ground and scraped. It is better to give raw beef, boiled chicken and rabbit meat without bones, blood is also useful. Minced meat is less digestible by the dog’s body and it is better to limit its consumption.
From six months onwards, you can add offal to your puppy’s diet – more than once a week. Raw beef bones are given for gnawing, especially from 5 months, which promotes teeth change. Sea fish without bones begins to be given once a week from 4 months of age, without combining it with meat. The egg is given a raw yolk or a fully boiled egg. Dairy products are also needed:
- cottage cheese,
- kefir,
- milk,
- curdled milk,
It is useful to cook porridge with milk: buckwheat, oatmeal, rice. Valuable sources of fat for Cane Corso are sour cream and butter. Their lack in the diet can lead to inhibited development and growth of the puppy, skin diseases, disruption of normal coat pigmentation, and vitamin deficiencies. True, you can’t overfeed with fatty foods. This may cause digestive upset. For Cane Corso, the daily fat intake is 2.6-2.7 grams per 1 kg of body weight.
The Cane Corso also needs vegetables:
- cabbage,
- carrot,
- beet,
and the dog will also benefit from seedless fruits and berries:
- apples,
- raspberries,
- strawberry,
- cherry,
- cherries,
- apricot,
- watermelon.
There should be 15–16 g per kg of dog weight per day. They are given in the form of salads, seasoned with sour cream or vegetable oil. Along with meat food, it is recommended to feed the puppy rye bread soaked in low-fat broth.
Feeding Cane Corso dry food
The dog needs to choose the highest quality dry food that is most suitable for its health condition and age. An active adult Cane Corso needs approximately 700-800 grams of pellets per day. You can calculate the food depending on the weight of the animal: 20-40 grams per 1 kg of dog’s body weight.
For dogs that are used for service work, the rate should be slightly higher. Although in any case you need to carefully study the instructions of the food manufacturer. When switching a dog to a new food, for the first two months you need to carefully monitor its physical form.
Overfeeding with high-calorie foods can lead not only to the acquisition of very serious diseases: musculoskeletal disorders and diabetes. For old and inactive dogs due to illness, lighter food is selected and the daily portion is divided into two or three times.
Update: October 2017
Based on the totality of all its qualities, the Cane Corso can be called a universal dog. It belongs to those breeds that, despite fashion trends, remain at the peak of popularity. Breeders and owners note that she:
- retained the fighting spirit, unshakable perseverance and extraordinary strength of her ancestors;
- shows aggression only when necessary;
- perfectly “scans” and interprets gestures, facial expressions and behavior of others and reacts to them based on the complexity of the situation;
- has good security qualities;
- loves to fuss with the owners' children and tolerates their excessive display of affection;
- scares away intruders with one appearance;
- charming and sociable, doesn’t mind communicating with all family members;
- multifunctional - can be a watchman, a shepherd and a pleasant companion;
- easily trains, does everything that the owner requires of her;
- unpretentious in content.
The breed has thicker skin than other Molossians. The thick-skinned Corso loves to roll in a puddle, dig in the ground, and swim in the river. She doesn't mind putting her paws in a bowl of water. Of course, she can be weaned off this. It is more difficult to cope with excessive salivation, night snoring, daytime grunting and sniffling. If these sounds irritate you, this breed is not for you.
Brief characteristics of the Cane Corso dog breed
How difficult is the Cane Corso breed to maintain and care for? |
Representatives of the Italian Cane Corso dog breed are easy to care for. She does not require exhausting loads, is clean, and, with proper upbringing, is non-aggressive. Can be both a companion and a working dog. |
Do you feel comfortable in an apartment or prefer a country house? Do you need an aviary? |
Despite its large size, it is suitable for apartments and country houses. But the enclosure is not suitable for her. The breed requires constant contact with humans. In addition, people from warm Italy do not tolerate our winters well. If you decide on an enclosure, make a warm booth in it. |
How often should you bathe? |
If the pet does not participate in exhibitions, it is washed as needed, usually 2-4 times a year. A healthy dog has sebaceous glands that create a protective film on the coat. From frequent washing, the protection is washed away, and the glands hypertrophy. As a result, the coat becomes faded and greasy. |
Grooming. How often is it brushed? |
This is a short-haired breed. But she still sheds. If you want to reduce the frequency of house cleaning, brush your Cane Corso regularly, especially during periods of heavy shedding. |
Is it suitable for a child? |
The breed is well suited for families even with the smallest children. The pet patiently endures all the pranks of the kids. However, it requires firmness in education. It can be used by children aged 12–14 years. |
Frequency and duration of walks |
The animal will be healthy and cheerful if you take it out for a walk for 1.5–2 hours every day. This is a powerful dog that needs exercise. In winter, she will happily take the children on sledding rides; in summer, she will play with a ball and run after fetch items. |
The playfulness of the Cane Corso |
The breed is playful and pet friendly. |
Attitude towards family members, strangers, other animals |
The owner for her is a king and a god rolled into one. The dog is friendly towards all family members. Be wary of strangers. Gets along well with other animals. |
Advantages and positive assessment when choosing this breed
- The Cane Corso is an excellent watchdog. The pet will protect property and owners from uninvited guests.
- The dog is smart and disciplined, easy to train. She quickly grasps what her owner requires of her and tries to quickly carry out commands.
- Easy to train.
- The breed looks impressive and intimidating. With such a companion it is not scary to walk even in the most disadvantaged area.
- Corso is affectionate and obedient to its own people, distrustful of strangers, and poses a serious threat to them.
- Grooming for representatives of the breed is minimal: combing the coat during shedding, active walking and feeding.
- The animal becomes strongly attached to one owner.
Disadvantages of the breed
- Requires active walking. A leisurely half-hour walk on a leash will not be enough for her. A young individual can damage things in the house if left alone for a long time.
- This is a large breed, in the education of which relaxation is unacceptable. You need to train your puppy from an early age.
- Puppies require early socialization. Representatives of the breed are naturally distrustful of strangers. If you don't want to lock your dog up every time guests, a plumber or a mechanic comes, start training it as early as possible.
- An animal makes various sounds in its sleep (snoring, sniffling), which can be unpleasant if kept in an apartment.
- High price. Not everyone can afford to buy a purebred puppy. And crossbreeds and puppies from unplanned matings can have health problems.
Cane Corso: dog character
According to the description of the Cane Corso breed, it has a typical Molosser character. It has the following features:
- mental balance– predictable, she does not have sudden outbursts of aggression, she knows how to wait for a command;
- boundless devotion to the owner– with proper upbringing, even a three-year-old child can command a huge dog;
- strong guard qualities– genetically embedded in the character is the desire to protect the perimeter of a house, apartment, or yard, and reacts severely to the appearance of strangers, however, a well-trained dog always lets go of the victim if it stops moving or the owner’s command is heard;
- a combination of external equanimity and playful temperament– actively involved in the game, young Corsos may not even hear the owner’s commands, but adult dogs behave sedately, their endurance can be envied;
- dependence of character on color– breeders note that gray individuals are more aggressive, just like representatives of the brindle breed. They have a more domineering character.
Behavior at home
He gets along with all the inhabitants in the house. She usually gets along with children and other pets. This trait has deep roots. She was adopted back when Corsos were herding dogs. Since then they have been trying to establish contact with other representatives of the fauna. Even if the older pet shows aggression, the Corso will patiently wait for a reason to make friends with him.
The owners note that the Corso can be a nanny for small children. However, such a teacher should not be left unattended with the baby. And don’t forget to teach your children how to behave around a dog.
Behavior on the street
The herding past left another imprint on the character of the Cane Corso: she loves to patronize. If the family decides to go on a picnic, the pet will do everything possible to ensure that no one gets lost. He will always keep his “herd” under control. At the same time, he has no jealousy or selfishness, which is rare for Molossians.
Attitude towards strangers, protection of the owner and home
Well-trained adults react calmly to passers-by, strange dogs and other animals. This breed has retained the ability to evaluate the slightest changes in the behavior of others. If they begin to behave aggressively, the Corso turns from an easy-going companion into an angry protector.
Usually, if the owner is friendly to the stranger, she also behaves calmly. Her usual position is between the owner and the stranger. She watches every move, not letting anyone forget about herself.
However, poorly behaved dogs may not allow strangers near their owner and may attack cyclists, runners, and passers-by. Pets with whom they don’t walk a lot can behave the same way. A bored animal becomes irritable. Your pet will find something to do without you, but you are unlikely to like it.
Photo of horse car
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The existing characteristics of the Cane Corso breed and reviews from experienced dog breeders allow us to conclude that with proper walking, the Corso will feel good in any living space. Year-round keeping outside is not recommended. If the animal is in an enclosure in winter, it needs to be provided with a warm place to sleep. This is a short-haired breed. She has a small undercoat, but it will not keep her warm in cold weather. The Corso is also not suitable for the role of a chain dog. He has too great a desire to communicate with people and a very freedom-loving character.
Grooming
The dog does not need haircuts. From time to time it is simply combed out with a special brush. Wool does not have an unpleasant specific odor. The pet does not create discomfort for the inhabitants of the house. It is washed several times a year. The rest of the time, the coat is cared for by wiping it with a rubber brush or a damp towel.
Nail care
An actively walking dog does not need to have its nails trimmed. She wears them down during walks. It is enough to keep them clean by wiping their paws with a damp cloth after going outside. But if you hear a characteristic clicking sound on the floor, you will have to give her a pedicure using special tweezers.
Eyes and ears
According to the standard, the lower eyelid should not be too saggy. If your pet's eyes are excessively moist, you need to make sure that there are no discharge or crusts in the corners of the eyes. Healthy ears do not smell and are always clean.
According to the breed standard, dropped and cropped ears are allowed. In our country, docking is allowed. It is better to do this before 4–5 months of age. Please note that in most countries this operation is prohibited, and dogs with cropped ears cannot participate in international exhibitions held in their territory.
Teeth
Vaccinations
The vaccination schedule must be drawn up by a veterinarian. As a rule, puppies are vaccinated at least 2 times a year; adults only need to receive a polyvalent vaccine once a year.
What to feed
The Cane Corso's diet should be tailored to the pet's activity and age. It must be balanced. This is achieved in different ways. Typically, owners opt for either natural feeding or buy ready-made food.
It is important that the bowl of food is placed at chest height, and that the pet does not bend over while eating. You cannot leave food in the bowl after eating; from puppyhood, the animal must be taught to order.
Puppy diet
Starting from 3 weeks of age, the puppy is accustomed to a normal feeding diet. You need to create a feeding schedule for your puppy. Babies are given food 3–6 times a day, gradually transferring puppies to the 2 meals a day diet of an adult dog. The portion is determined individually by observing behavior. If the puppy eats everything and calmly goes to his place, then the amount of food is suitable for him. If after feeding the puppy's stomach is swollen and lethargic, it means he has overeaten.
Protein food
Suitable protein sources:
- lean meat (veal, beef, chicken, rabbit);
- fish (preferably sea fish, river fish may contain helminth eggs);
- cottage cheese;
- eggs;
- milk.
Until 10 weeks of age, food is crushed. Raw beef or veal meat is scraped, boiled chicken and rabbit are ground in a blender. It is useful to give puppies the blood of slaughter animals (from 2–3 months). Meat products are introduced into the diet from 5–6 months of age. When changing teeth, young dogs are given beef bones. Meat is added at every feeding. It is combined with vegetables and cereals.
Fish should be given carefully. No need to mix it with meat. It is better to alternate meat meals with fish. To do this, all the bones are removed from the fish, the river species are boiled, the sea species can be given raw, everything is crushed. It is given 1-2 times a week to puppies from 4 months.
Raw eggs are given to puppies along with other food, while protein is completely excluded from the diet. The yolk can also be given boiled. Milk is good for puppies. It is given raw or porridge is cooked on it. From time to time, milk can be replaced with curdled milk. It is useful to give non-acidic cottage cheese.
Sources of fats
Cane Corso puppies need animal and plant fats. Their sources may be:
- milk, sour cream;
- butter;
- vegetable oils;
- beef fat.
The daily fat intake for puppies up to one year is 2.6–2.7 g per 1 kg of animal weight. Fats are added to cereals, vegetables, and mixed with lean meat. With a lack of fat, puppies are stunted in growth. Excessive consumption of fatty foods can lead to disruption of certain functions, causing the animal to become inactive and lethargic.
Carbohydrate foods and vitamins
For normal development, puppies need sugar, fiber, and starch. These substances are contained in:
- cereals (pearl barley, wheat, buckwheat, oatmeal, semolina, barley, corn, rice);
- bread, bran;
- vegetables (carrots, beets, cabbage);
- fruits and vegetables;
- honey
The puppy's daily diet should include 15–16 g of carbohydrates per 1 kg of the puppy's weight. To feed Cane Corso puppies 2 months old, cereals are crushed and brewed with hot milk. After cooling, feed it to the puppies. Starting from 4 months, Corso puppies are given cut. Whole grains are suitable for dogs aged 6 months and older.
You need to be careful with oatmeal. It is given once a week. Addiction to this product provokes inflammation of the anal glands. Legumes are not suitable for them either. They are poorly digestible by both puppies and adults. The exception is soy; it can be added in crushed form to porridge and vegetable salads.
Adult dog diet
The diet of an adult dog is not very different from the diet of a puppy. It's all about the amount of food. An adult Cane Corso requires 20–40 g of dry food per day (depending on body condition) and 30–60 g of liquid food with a significant water content.
The diet largely depends on how the dog is used. Service dogs need more energy, which means they will also need more proteins/fat/carbohydrates.
An animal weighing 50 kg should consume daily:
- 220–230 g proteins;
- 60–70 g fat;
- 460–470 g carbohydrates;
- 35–40 g fiber;
- 1 liter of water;
- 30 g of mineral mixtures.
You cannot give:
- fresh bread;
- pork;
- lentils, peas, beans;
- spicy and salty foods;
- smoked meats;
- dishes from your table.
Training and education
The formation of a dog occurs in the first 3 months. During this period, the puppy needs communication more than ever. Provide for him or he will have behavior problems. He must understand from the first days that you are a teacher, and he is a student. But keep in mind that each puppy is an individual.
The Cane Corso is easy to train. The success of your puppy following commands depends entirely on your desire and determination. At least 20 minutes a day should be devoted to exercising with your pet. It is not at all necessary to teach your puppy the typical commands “fu”, “near”, etc. You can use your own words: “go”, “spit it out”, “give”.
The little Corso learns them well during play. But any abilities can be either developed or suppressed. If you do not have experience raising dogs, contact instructors. They will teach you how to properly handle this breed.
It is not reasonable to expect your baby Corso to behave like an adult dog. And this breed is characterized by slow maturation. Character is established only by the age of two. And do not confuse training with education. Raising a puppy begins from the moment it appears in the house, and Cane Corso training is done only with an older and stronger dog (usually from 5 months), since some techniques involve harsh influence on the pet.
Health, tendency to disease
Like all large breeds, the Cane Corso often suffers from hip dysplasia. Such individuals are discarded and do not participate in breeding. However, in pursuit of profit, some unscrupulous breeders do not follow this.
Bitches often suffer from inflammation of the mammary glands. The disease can develop into oncology. Males rarely suffer from cancer.
Choosing and caring for a puppy
Before you buy a Cane Corso puppy, you need to ask the breeder for x-rays of the baby’s parents confirming the absence of dysplasia from the producers.
The selected puppy must be:
- moderately curious;
- playful;
- have shiny fur and clear eyes;
- have the correct bite.
The gender of the puppy is an important aspect of choice. Bitches have a more flexible character, they are easier to train, and are more suitable for women. Males have a more quarrelsome character.
Preparing for the arrival of a puppy in the house
First you need to decide on a nursery. Then set up a place for the puppy, buy a bed, a bowl, and food. Set aside a quiet place for the new member of your family. He should feel safe there, but don't separate him from his family. The puppy must see what is happening around.
Immediately show him his territory and explain what he is allowed to do. Do it calmly, without hysterics. If the puppy does something wrong, punish him; if he did everything right, praise him and give him a treat.
Teach your baby to hygiene from the first days. He shouldn't leave puddles all over the house. A small Cane Corso can wear diapers. But don't prolong this period. Try to take your puppy outside immediately after sleep. After he does all his work, praise him. And soon he himself will ask to go outside.
Breed standards
A thorough description of the dog's behavior and characteristics of the Cane Corso breed was compiled at the beginning of the 16th century and published in a treatise on zoology by the Swiss Gesner Conrad, the author of the first modern treatise on zoology.
| Usage | Guard, protection, police and herding dog. |
| Appearance | A large animal with a strong, powerful and elegant body. She has clearly defined, sculpted muscles. |
| Temperament, behavior | A security guard with a balanced character. In the past it was used for grazing livestock and hunting big game. |
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| Wool |
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Origin story
The ancestors of the breed are Molossian dogs. In ancient times, Cane Corsos served as guards, took part in battles and military operations, and tended herds. As time passed, firearms began to be used in battles, and the need for military dogs disappeared. Already at the beginning of World War II, the number of animals decreased significantly.
Today Italians call the Cane Corso their pride. However, despite its cultural and historical significance, the breed was on the verge of extinction even in Italy. It was preserved by a group of enthusiasts who went in the 70s of the last century to look for preserved individuals to where the breed originated - to Locatia, Puria, Sicily.
They managed to preserve the ancient beauty. The breed was officially recognized by the Italian Canine Association in 1994, and in 1996 by the international organization FCI. In 1999, the Association of Italian Cane Corsos was founded. The standard was adjusted and came into force in 2003. It is still used today by the International Cane Corso Federation.
So, you have adopted a puppy into your family. In addition to the fact that you now have a certain amount of hassle in caring for this “child,” the responsibility for raising this baby also falls on your shoulders.
What are the basics of good manners for a dog? Let's list them:
1. A well-trained dog is walked only in designated places (on the street or in a litter box).
2. A well-mannered dog responds to its name and knows how to walk on a leash.
3. A well-mannered dog does not encroach on the owner’s furniture and things.
4. A properly trained dog obeys the instructions of its owner.
Now let's look at each point in more detail.
How to toilet train a puppy
We hope you understand that now that you have a puppy, 3-4 walks with him should fit into your daily routine.
Firstly, they are not yet able to endure as long as an adult dog. Secondly, if you take your puppy for a walk every 3 hours, you will actually give him no chance to do his business on the floor of your home. This way your little pet will get used to the fact that you only need to walk outside.
If your puppy is not toilet trained and craps in the house, it is entirely your fault.
With the right amount of walks, explaining to the dog that the house is not intended for the management of natural needs is not particularly difficult. Usually those dogs continue to crap in the house whose owners were too lazy to get up early for a morning walk or were too tired in the evening after work to still go for an evening exercise with their pet.
If you are so careless, then your dog will not feel obligated to endure it until he goes outside (if only because he does not know how long he will have to endure it).
Dog behavior while walking
Puppy's reaction to the name
Your puppy should respond to his name.
Usually, the very first steps towards this are taken during feeding - you call the little puppy to the bowl using his name. In the future, you must teach your dog to come to you when you call him. Actually, the puppy first reacts to its name by coming up to you - after all, in its mind there is a direct relationship between the name and feeding.
If the puppy comes to you responding to your name, praise him and pet him. For the first few months, carry a treat with you when going for walks. All puppies run away during walks at first. And with the help of tidbits you can easily call him over. Do not punish the puppy when he finally comes to you after a long time of disobedience. All you will achieve is that the dog will ignore your call next time, associating its nickname with punishment.
Never call your dog by name to punish him! This is precisely what leads to the fact that the puppy stops responding to his name.
Puppy respect for the leash
Usually dogs love a leash and collar as permanent attributes of a walk.
Never hit your dog with the leash if you want to punish him. Don't let your dog play with the leash, grab it with his teeth, or chew it.
You must teach your puppy to walk calmly on a leash while he is still physically weaker than you. Never run after a puppy. On the contrary, restrain his attempts to jerk the leash - both in word and in deed. Gradually, the puppy gets used to the fact that he should walk quietly on a leash; he won’t be able to run away anywhere.
Dog behavior at home
The puppy should not chew the owner's things - buy him toys
When your puppy starts teething, he will try to chew on absolutely everything he sees. These could be your slippers, combs, bags, a corner of the sofa or bedside tables - sometimes even the most unexpected objects.
Your puppy chews things out of instinct, not to annoy you.
How to deal with this? Very simple. The puppy should have his own toys.
Buy several different ones - rubber, wooden, plastic, rag, pet stores now have a large selection. Perhaps it will just be one of the things you don’t need around the house - a plastic bottle, an old ball, a wooden stick. Among this variety, the puppy will definitely choose several favorite toys.
Next, you need to explain to the puppy that chewing your toys is good, but chewing your “toys” is bad. To do this, whenever you try to chew on one of your things, stop the puppy by shouting “no!”, “fu!”. If that doesn't work, slap him with a rolled-up newspaper.
It is very important - you must catch your pet “at the crime scene”! Don't punish after the fact! Your anger about damaged things is understandable, but you shouldn’t take it out on your dog. Even if, a couple of hours after the incident, you poke the “criminal” with his nose into his chewed sofa or slippers, he still will not be able to understand what you mean. This misunderstanding can lead to various consequences - from phobias and wrong habits to serious neuroses.
Don't forget to praise your puppy when he chews on his toys. If he shows little attention to them, try to involve him in playing with them. As soon as they are in his mouth, he will immediately understand what's what.
Calm behavior of a dog in an apartment and a dog crate
If your puppy is running around the apartment, knocking down furniture, jumping, playing - in fact, this means that you do not walk with him much. If a dog has the opportunity to run and play outside for an hour or two a day, then he usually sleeps at home.
In any case, you should crate train your puppy from childhood. You will need this both at home (for example, if you have guests who do not tolerate dogs) and when transporting your dog or traveling. The puppy must love his crate and consider it a “house”.
Many dog owners consider it cruel to lock their dog in a crate, but it is known that dogs accustomed to it prefer it for sleeping even more than their own bedding. Having trained your puppy to a crate, you can lock him in it when you are not at home - so that he does not get mischievous in the apartment.
Do not lock your puppy if he is still afraid of the crate! In this case, he will hate her. Then further travel with a dog will become a big problem for you.
If the puppy is being naughty - carrying your things, jumping on your bed and lying on it, going into rooms that he is forbidden to enter, it will be easier for you to be smart than to punish the naughty dog for each such prank.
For example, place a pyramid of pillows on the bed (to sprinkle on your puppy) or cover it with foil (makes a loud sound). In such cases, frightening the puppy from the unexpected consequences of his actions is your best assistant. Don’t be afraid, if your idea does not cause pain to the puppy, it will not give rise to phobias in him, but will simply fix a “beacon” in his mind in relation to such an action - “this is unpleasant.”
Your puppy strives to do what is pleasant and will never repeat what is unpleasant to him.
Good tone in greeting
Do not allow a dog, especially a large one, to jump on you or place its front paws on you as a sign of greeting. Moreover, this should be excluded when greeting your guests with a dog! There are two fairly simple techniques for weaning your dog of this habit.
1. When the dog jumps on you, lightly but noticeably hit him in the chest with your knee. If everyone at home, without exception, does this, then literally in 2-3 days the incident will be over.
2. When the dog puts its front paws on you, step on its back paw - also not with all your strength, but still noticeably. After a few times, the dog will understand that you need to greet you differently.
You should also teach your dog to “grab” the hand of a person entering the apartment as a sign of greeting. Prolonged barking is also undesirable.
The dog should greet you with its tail, posture, and facial expression. Be sure to greet the dog too, talk to it kindly, pet it.
Dog friendly behavior towards children
Your task is to prevent the puppy from acting aggressively towards the child.
Of course, first of all, you must explain to your child that you should not hurt the puppy. If the child is 3 years old or younger, then it will be almost impossible to explain this to him, so do not leave him alone with the dog.
The puppy should be prohibited from biting the child and carrying his toys. This should be punished.
However, make sure that the punishments remain fair - it will be difficult for the puppy to understand the reason for the punishment if the child himself provokes him into aggression - teases and squeezes him.
The owner is king and god
Any aggression, any willfulness of the puppy towards the owner must be stopped immediately.
Do not hit the puppy with your hand - he will become afraid of your hands. You can only caress with your hands.
If you need to punish or spank, then use a rolled up newspaper. While the puppy is still small, another method is more effective - lift the puppy by the scruff of the neck and shake it lightly to make him whine. If you are outraged by the “barbarity” of this method, keep in mind that this is how puppies are punished by their mother, and this is the most understandable method of punishment for a puppy.
From the very beginning, teach your puppy that you are the boss of the house. You give food, but you can also take it away. The puppy should not object if you take a piece from his bowl, or even take the entire bowl while eating. If the puppy resists this, growls and bares his teeth, then punish him, take the food away and don’t give it back. If he reacts calmly, return the bowl to him.
The dog should calmly allow the owner to cut and wash it, treat its teeth, eyes and ears, and cut its nails. If you avoid these procedures because your puppy whines or bites, then think about how you will do something similar when the puppy gets older and becomes physically stronger?
Do not feel sorry for the puppy, do not turn a blind eye to his misdeeds. If you miss the moment, it will be much more difficult to train an adult dog.
The result may not only be the dog’s annoying habits of going to the toilet on your carpet or stealing meat from your kitchen. Everything could be much more serious. If a dog considers itself the “leader of the pack,” then it will be the dog that will set its own rules. And, by the way, it is she who will monitor their compliance. How do you like the prospect of not being allowed into the refrigerator, for example? Or the inability to sleep in your own bed? Unfortunately, such cases also happen.
So don't waste time and effort on raising your puppy. Then he will bring only joy and love to you and your entire family.
