The Cane Corso can be traced back to Italy’s ancient times and shares ancestry with extinct mastiff-type dogs like Molossus. Initially serving as a skilled hunter, war dog, and guard dog, they are named after the Italian word for dog, “cane,” and the Latin word “cohors,” which means “protector” or “guardian.” Additionally, they were trained to hunt large game during their early history.
The cane corso breed suffered a major decrease due to both World Wars, although a few individuals remained. In the 1970s, devoted cane corso fans initiated a comeback for the breed. By 1988, the inaugural cane corso dogs had arrived in America. In 2007, the breed was included in the AKC miscellaneous category, and in 2010 it was officially recognized as part of the AKC working group.
Cane Corso Care
The primary focus for a cane corso is exercise and training, and fortunately, grooming needs are uncomplicated. A durable and tall fence is necessary for a cane corso whenever they are outside. Due to their tendency to hunt and harm small animals, including cats and dogs, the breed has a strong inclination towards prey and must be watched closely. With their territorial nature, they would frequently surveil the fence border and safeguard the area from intruders.
Exercise
Being a genuine working breed, the cane corso is energetic and motivated. Regular physical activity is vital to maintain the cane corso’s physical and mental wellbeing. To begin with, it is recommended to take your pet for a brisk walk or jog for at least a mile every day, for a minimum of 30 minutes. You may also opt for more extended walks or runs a few days a week, benefiting both you and your furry friend. Additionally, playing fetch with a ball or Frisbee can also be a great exercise source, keeping your dog engaged and entertained.
Should you fail to provide a task for your cane corso to undertake, it is likely to create one of its own, resulting in the digging of holes and the destructive chewing of your possessions. The adage “A tired dog is a good dog” is particularly applicable to this breed. If you reside on a farm, the dog can take charge of herding livestock. Alternatively, should you own a business, you can assign your dog to the role of customer greeter. However, if you are a conventional homeowner, it is recommendable to devote some amount of time each day to engaging in dog sports, teaching your dog tricks, or engrossing them in obedience training.
Grooming
The coat of the cane corso is short and rough. The thickness and length of the undercoat are determined by the climate the dog lives in, with canines in colder regions having thicker and longer undercoats. Similar to other breeds with double coats, the cane corso will shed moderately throughout the year, but will lose more hair in the spring. Nonetheless, grooming requirements for these dogs are straightforward, only needing weekly brushing and additional grooming during shedding season, with bathing only when necessary. There is no necessity for fancy haircuts or trims for this breed.
The nails of a cane corso, like those of most big dogs, may wear down naturally, particularly if they often walk on uneven or rough areas. Nevertheless, it may be essential to trim their nails from time to time. You should frequently inspect your dog’s nails to ensure they stay comfortable and are able to move around.
While cropping the ears of a cane corso into an equilateral triangle is a common practice, it is not mandatory based on the breed standard. However, the tail is usually docked at the fourth vertebra.
Training
Training and socialization are crucial for every dog, particularly for big breeds such as the cane corso. Initiate training at a tender age, during your puppy’s early stages. Make an effort to socialize your dog frequently with other dogs, cats (if you have them), kids, unacquainted persons, and family members. Be watchful while familiarizing your dog with new humans or animals, and secure it on a leash, allowing you to manage your dog in case of need.
To successfully train a cane corso, being consistent and diligent is crucial due to their innate aversion to strangers and territorial nature. It is essential to prioritize preventing jumping, leaning, and leash-pulling as this giant breed has the potential to easily knock someone over if they engage in these behaviors during a walk. Despite these challenges, the cane corso is intelligent and hard-working, making it easy for them to learn. Additionally, this breed has a deep desire to please their owner and responds well to positive reinforcement such as praise, attention, and affection.
Common Health Problems
Responsible breeders endeavor to uphold the topmost breed criteria set forth by organizations such as the AKC. Breeding dogs with these standards lessens the chances of hereditary health issues. Nonetheless, certain breed related health complications may arise. It is important to be cognizant of the following ailments:
- Hip Dysplasia : This is an inherited condition that can lead to lameness and arthritis. It’s especially common in large or giant breeds of dog.
- Gastric Dilatation-Volvulus : Bloating after eating and drinking too fast is possible. If the stomach twists, it can cut off the blood supply and create a medical emergency. This painful and potentially fatal condition is also most common in large breeds of dog like the cane corso.
- Ectropion : A common condition in which the eyelids roll inwards, causing the lashes to rub against the dog’s eyeball. This is painful and can damage the eye. Any dog can have the condition, but it is more common in giant breeds.
Diet and Nutrition
To properly nourish an adult cane corso, it is recommended to give them 4 to 5 cups of dry dog food daily, or a combination of canned food and kibble. Splitting their meals into two servings can minimize the risk of stomach problems. It’s important to monitor your dog’s weight and adjust their feeding routine, food quantity, type, and exercise regimen with the guidance of a vet if they show signs of gaining weight. Although treats can serve as rewards, they shouldn’t make up a significant portion of your dog’s total calorie consumption.
Bonus: How to Train a Dog That Is Not Food Motivated
Canine trainers and proprietors frequently utilize dog food and treats to instruct and incentivize dogs, which is a type of affirmative reinforcement that is simple to administer and typically results in prompt improvement.
According to animal behaviorists and dog trainers, the most effective method to train a dog is positive reinforcement, and it is not necessary to reward them with food. Affectionate gestures and verbal commendation can also be used to induce the desired behavior in your pet.
Food rewards are commonly utilized by the majority of dog owners for its effectiveness. But what should be done if your dog presents disinterest towards food treats?
How to Train a Dog Who’s Not Interested in Food Rewards
In case your dog is unresponsive to food/treats during positive reinforcement training, there are various steps you can take. Here are some alternatives to consider.
Try Different Foods
The initial step is to experiment with various types of food. Utilize food that your dog favors as a means of motivation. Dogs, like people, have varying preferences and may enjoy certain foods while disliking others.
You can try out various food rewards to determine what is most effective. This will serve as your dog’s high-value treat, which can aid in his training. Additionally, it may be worthwhile to test out foods that your dog isn’t accustomed to consuming.
You can use small amounts of safe and delicious foods, such as peanut butter and hot dogs, that are not usually given to your dog, as a way to reward them. It is essential to offer them in tiny quantities or pieces and avoid using brands that contain xylitol in their ingredients.
Make Sure Your Dog has Plenty of Water
Your dog may not dislike the treat, but it is possible that he is just feeling thirsty. You might have noticed that when you’re feeling thirsty, eating something can worsen the dryness in your mouth.
Make sure your dog has water or offer him some, and then, you can try again with the food motivation training.
Make Sure Your Dog Isn’t Distracted
Your dog could get easily sidetracked, like when you bring him to a training session and he can get caught up greeting fellow canines and humans. Consequently, he may fail to acknowledge the food-based incentives due to his lack of focus.
A possible rephrased version would be: A good approach could be having him sit apart from others, and instead of providing incentives, allow him to socialize with other canines and humans. This option can work well as a substitute for reward-based training.
When it’s mealtime, your dog might be easily sidetracked, therefore it’s important to avoid conducting training sessions during that time.
Praise Your Dog Too
Besides offering a food reward to your dog for good behavior, don’t forget to provide verbal praise as well. Giving praise plays a significant role in positive reinforcement training and holds an equal amount of importance as the treat.
It’s crucial to give your dog ample praise, regardless of whether or not you offer a food incentive. Praising your dog is a significant aspect of their existence, and it serves as an excellent non-food technique for your dog to establish favorable connections with the expected demeanor.
It May Be Time to Stop
Observing your dog’s behavior for indicators like scratching, yawning, or sneezing, along with rejection of food can tell you when your dog is exhausted and needs a break from the training session.
Giving your dog a break when he asks for one is crucial as failing to do so may lead to a negative perception of his training sessions.
Use Alternatives to Food for Positive Reinforcement
Consider using options other than food as a way of acknowledging good behavior. Some individuals choose clicker training in conjunction with a form of validation that isn’t food-related, such as commendation or engaging in a brief play session with the dog’s favorite toy, to teach their pet new skills.
The purpose of a clicker is to indicate when your dog has successfully completed a command, and promptly after, you provide a reward. Although clicker training can involve food incentives, it is not limited to them, as non-food motivators can be more advantageous.
The Thing About Food Training
Let me make a quick mention about animal training for shows. Years ago, during one summer, I was employed by Marine World/Africa USA. At that time, it was well-known for permitting visitors to interact with the animals in the park and putting on multiple performances with trained exotic animals. I am uncertain about their current operations.
Their primary source of recognition was their utilization of affection as a technique for animal training. A crucial aspect of this approach was their rejection of food-based training. They contended that rewarding animals with food would elicit a response merely for the sake of obtaining sustenance, rather than fostering a connection with their trainer as a key motivator. Essentially, their ultimate goal was to establish a positive and robust bond between trainer and animal, which would drive the animal to perform tasks as desired.
Admittedly, since the animals were untamed, offering them food could possibly engender violent reactions towards the trainer. Nevertheless, a few individuals maintain that food-based training should be avoided for all animals. They contend that reliance on the food reward detracts from the animal-human bond, which should be the driving force behind the training.
It’s important to ensure that your dog receives your affection and commendation as part of the reward, regardless of whether you choose to use food or not. This makes your praise an equally valuable incentive, meaning that even if you don’t have food, your dog will still be encouraged to obey your commands.
