If you are considering adding a Cane Corso to your life, there are important guidelines and requirements you need to possess. While these requirements seem strict or a nuisance to some remember not every Breed of Dog nor the Cane Corso is the breed for you. 

1.) Cane Corso is a dominant breed and is not for the first-time dog owner, not to say some first-time owner cannot handle them but it is a lifestyle of training, socialization and not treating this breed as a lap dog with no manners. Cane Corso need a confident, assertive owner that understands pack hierarchy. This breed can exhibit a bossy, stubborn, even aggressive behavior at times when growing up, Owner would need to understand how to read and correct this behavior with positive reinforcement, as well a “Stern” correction at some point drawing lines to set boundaries and make these corrections without hesitation. “Bad Behavior is Not Cute, Dogs become larger/Stronger turning cute bad behavior into something Worst.” 

2.) Corso needs outdoor play time with proper secure 6-foot-high, heavy duty fenced in barrier area for containment that is not accessible to anyone out of the family. Corso should not be left outside unsupervised in a non-contained area Corso are guardian breed “Electric fences Do Not Work”, this protects the dog from accidental contact or unpleasant incidences. This breed is not made for apartment or small confinement living, leaving a Corso crated in the house all day creates health and temperament problems and should be avoided. Whoever a puppy should be crated to avoid destructive behavior, assist Potty training, etc. 

3.) Corso require a tremendous amount of socialization, training, desensitization, potential owners must be able to dedicate taking the puppy out with them to train and social two or three times a week. Puppies should be able to be touched and around small children, different animals, “AVOID DOG PARKS”, Corso will still be able to guard homes being social dogs that are not properly raised can and will become fearful. 

4.) Family involvement with up close and personal to build a solid bond with their family, “This breed is not a Lone wolf breed needs and desires to have contact with their family”. If the owner is gone more than 10- hours a day for work, most of the week the Corso is probably not the right breed for you. 

5.) Corso are indoor dogs, Corso should not be isolated. They earned the name velcro dog!

6.) Corso should be raised one puppy at a time to build relationship with their owners, and not the other fur sibling in the house, Older dogs in the house is fine. When Corso is too independent and bonds with another puppy and not the owner’s, the situation is disastrous, they become less obedient and complaint to their owners. (Should be a minimum of 8 months between ages, and never more than 2 dogs loose together unsupervised, nor have an intact female with two males loose in the home unsupervised. 

7.) Anyone considering adding a Corso in their family needs to commit to a life-long commitment to ownership (If you are moving and cannot take the dog move somewhere else, your dog is a part of your family! I highly doubt you would leave a child behind for any situation), Corso are extremely devoted to their owners and do not transfer well they can become depressed causing an unstable place in their life. If you are in the military and have a chance to be deployed, please wait to buy a puppy until you return without a chance to be deployed. 

8.) Corsos should never be purchased based on Color!!! It does not play a factor in determining what puppy best suits your family. 

9.) You should never leave Children unsupervised in the home with your Corso, Clients with children need to set boundaries starting when at an early age of life throughout. Owner must be willing to spend the time and be consistent to ensure the relationship between puppy and children are correct. 

10.) Training is a MUST!!! start off early puppy kindergarten (You cannot recreate smells, sounds, people, or other enviroments in your home puppy training should be enforced at all time but it is essential to go out and train as well). Corso should be under control at all times this is a large powerful breed. Owner needs to be able to set aside time to personally take puppy to classes for socialization and training. Boarding training are not ideal for a Corso due to the bond that needs to be made with owner, Corso need to learn to obey and bond with you not your trainer. 

11.) Corsos Are Not Cheap!!! Anyone considering purchasing a Corso should realize that it is not inexpensive to buy top quality food, supplements, vet care, medication is higher due to weight, secure containment either fencing or secure crates, training for your dog. Buyer should be financially stable with sufficient disposable income before considering this breed.

1. They are the most loving dogs you will ever encounter. They will love you and your family until the end of time. They may lack personal space at times and lean their giant bodies against your leg but they crave your love and attention.  

2. They are naturally protective. If trained properly this is one of the best characteristics of this breed. They will guard your home, you, and your loved ones. 

3. They are highly intelligent. They are so quick to learn and eager to work. This makes it fun to train your dog and builds a strong connection.  

4. They excel in almost every category of agility, tracking, protection, obedience, etc. From a personal experience with having two corsos involved in all of these areas, they are absolutely amazing and multidimensional. One thing to note about this breed (any breed really) is that temperament, confidence, and connections all vary. Training, socialization, leadership, guidance, love and care are all so important.

For those considering a Corso who have never owned one before, here are some reasons why you should NOT get a Cane Corso : 

1. Drool- yes, they drool, all the time, everywhere- your clothing, furniture, etc. We have towels by every door, a hand towel by our couch, and couch coverings (our boy is not allowed on the furniture but still drools on it because he's taller than the couch and he can). If you are a neat freak or cannot otherwise tolerate this, look at other breeds.

 2. Personal space - if you enjoy your personal space, this is not the breed for you. They will follow you into the kitchen, the bathroom, the bedroom, step on your heels when you're walking, etc. When they are not next to you or following you, you will find them watching you from under a table, behind furniture, from the top of the staircase, etc.

 3. If you work all day and are gone for hours, look to another breed. You cannot leave a Corso alone for long periods, revert back to #2 for reasons as they want to be with their people all the time. Our boy is a year old and leaving for an hour or 2 to run errands or get a bite to eat has been acceptable for him , this may vary with different people and Corsos. 

4. Lack of time to spend with your dog- these big beautiful beasts are highly intelligent and need activities to keep them busy to avoid destructive behavior. They need alot of play time, training,training, training, and opportunities for socialization.

 If you don't have a few hours a day to spend with your dog, this is not the breed for you. 

I've been reading on how many Corsos are surrendered to shelters as people do not educate themselves on this breed and it's sad for the dogs moreso than the owners. 

Please do not get a Corso because they look cool, you want to scare/impress people, purely for protection, etc. This is a beautiful, majestic breed that deserves loving , responsible, educated owners.