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Training your Cane Corso:
Please note: All dogs as well as people are different, so one training method doesn't always fit everyone's situation.
Cane Corsos require a lot of socialization and training, so incorporate obedience classes into training to meet their socialization needs. We recommend the following:
Enroll in a puppy kindergarten class between 8 to 16 weeks old with a free play period so puppies can interact with each other. Make sure you like the classes training methods by viewing a class before enrolling.
Enroll in a basic obedience class after puppy kindergarten. It is recommended this be done prior before 12 months of age). Some of the basic commands that should be taught to your Corso before adolescence are: Sit, Heal, Down, Come, Stay (sit/stay, down/stay, etc), Stop & Leave-it
The best time to do something fun with your CC is at the onset of adolescence. Try enrolling in activities such as agility, fly ball, herding, etc. This will help release excessive energy, prevent boredom & the battle of the teenage wills!
Temperament:
The following is a description of the Cane Corso Behavior & Temperament according the breed standard set by the country of origin - FCI Standard No. 343:
"The Cane Corso is "intelligent, active and even-minded. He is an unequaled watch and protection dog. Docile and affectionate with the owner, loving with children and with the family. If necessary he becomes a terrible and brave protector of people, house and property. He is easily trained."
Due to their protective instincts, the Cane Corso has a very discerning nature that can lend them to be wary of strangers but they should never be aggressive. Wary is defined as - marked by keen caution, cunning, and watchful prudence especially in detecting and escaping danger. Wariness does not include any form of aggression. An aggressive, unfriendly, unapproachable Corso is incorrect according to the breed standard. With proper selection when breeding and socialization at an early age, the Cane
Corso should be a functional member of society and be able to accompany its family in any public location without incident. The standard describes a well rounded, stable dog that, when necessary, will take on the role of protector. The Cane Corso often possesses a dominant behavior. Both sexes may challenge for the role of leader among their human family and canine
pack.
These are strong, dominant dogs and the role of leadership by the owner needs to be established early on. They are best suited for the experienced dog owner. Contrary to information provided by many breeders and aspiring breeders, these dogs should not possess the aggressive nature they advocate. The true Corso should not have Fila like temperament. Equally they are not Labradors and do not have the naturally friendly, outgoing nature that a Labrador should possess. They should be indifferent when approached and should only react when a real threat is present. The Corso is a working breed and due to its history of boar hunting, guardian of people & farms and butcher's dog, they are required to function under high levels of stress. A Corso that cannot maintain its dictated temperament under stressful situations is one with incorrect temperament for the breed and should not be used for breeding.
Their desire is to be with the family and do best living indoors as long as sufficient exercise is provided. Though they are tolerable of most weather conditions, they cannot tolerate solitude. Isolating the Cane Corso can lead to nuisance barking, destructive behavior and other temperament problems.
Developmental Stages
0 to 7 Weeks Neonatal, Transition, Awareness, and Canine Socialization
Puppy is with mother and litter mates. During this period, puppy learns about social interaction, play, and inhibiting aggression* from mother and litter mates. Puppies must stay with their mother and litter mates during this critical period. Puppies learn the most important lesson in their lives--they learn to accept discipline. *Note: Some lines of dogs don't begin to get incisors until about 7 weeks, so this time period may last two additional weeks in those dogs--one can't learn to inhibit his bite if he has no teeth.
7 to 12 Weeks Human Socialization Period
Puppy is with mother and litter mates. During this period, puppy learns about social interaction, play, and inhibiting aggression* from mother and litter mates. Puppies must stay with their mother and litter mates during this critical period. Puppies learn the most important lesson in their lives--they learn to accept discipline. *Note: Some lines of dogs don't begin to get incisors until about 7 weeks, so this time period may last two additional weeks in those dogs--one can't learn to inhibit his bite if he has no teeth.
8 to 11 Weeks Fear Imprint Period
Avoid frightening the puppy during this period. Any traumatic, frightening or painful experience will have a more lasting effect on the puppy than if it occurred at any other time in its life. Avoid any elective surgery* at this time. *Note: This is the time period during which ears are usually cropped on a Cane Corso. We find that the fear period usually occurs in our dogs around 7-8 weeks, so we generally have ears cropped a bit after this time.
13 to 16 Weeks Seniority Classification Period or The Age of Cutting
Puppy cuts teeth and apron strings! Puppy begins testing who is going to be pack leader. You must discourage* any and all biting because such biting is a sign of dominance! It is important that you are a strong and consistent leader. Formal training must begin. Such training will help you establish your leadership. *Note: A quick pinch of the puppy's lip while staring him in the eye and hollering in his face works well in most puppies.
4 to 8 Months Play Instinct Period/Flight Instinct Period
Puppy may wander and ignore you. It is very important that you keep the puppy on a leash at this time! The way that you handle the puppy at this time determines if the puppy will come to you when called. At about 4-1/2 months, the puppy loses his milk teeth and gets his adult teeth. That's when puppy begins serious chewing! A dog's teeth don't set in his jaw until between 6 and 10 months. During this time, the puppy has a physical need to exercise his mouth by chewing.
6 to 14 Months Second Fear Imprint Period or Fear of New Situations Period
Dog again shows fear of new situations and even familiar situations. Dog may be reluctant to approach someone or something new. It is important that you are patient and act very matter of fact in these situations. Never force the dog to face the situation. DO NOT pet the frightened puppy or talk in soothing tones. The puppy will interpret such responses as praise for being frightened. Training will help improve the dog's confidence. Neuter or spay the dog now.
1 to 4 Years Maturity Period
You may encounter increased aggression and renewed testing for dominance. Continue to train your dog during this period.