We will be right up front with you. The Cane Corso can be a very hard dog to own. They can be a very pushy, dominant, destructive, and unruly breed. They can also be the most rewarding dog you will ever own; a truly loyal and understanding companion, an unflinching guardian, a fun-loving, goofy, entertainer, and most of all , a loving, caring best-friend whom you will never, ever forget. You will have to apply effort, love, and patience. And you must be a strong and willful owner because the Cane Corso is a strong and willful dog. These are very well rounded dogs and they will make you a very happy owner if you take the time to respect their needs and show them the way.

Is the Cane Corso a good choice for the first-time dog owner?
     No. There are much easier-to-raise dogs than the Corso and these dogs in many cases can push experienced dog owners. The Cane Corso is a dominant minded breed whom needs to be shown its role. We demand that our clients train their new family additions in a professional setting for the happiness of all involved.

     The Cane Corso is not, however, necessarily a bad choice for the first-time dog owner. A committed individual willing to learn and apply his or herself to the mutual happiness of the relationship can most definitely succeed.

How is the Cane Corso around kids?
     It is our experience that the Cane Corso inherently loves children. This is in no way implying that a Cane Corso can be turned loose with kids, just like that! The Corso must be shown its role in the hierarchy of the family, the bottom. Children old enough to understand the commands which the dog knows must participate in reinforcing the families pack order by commanding the dog successfully under the direction of the parents.

     The Cane Corso must be shown to respect the kids and the kids must be shown to respect the Cane Corso. Children must be instructed to NEVER strike the dog. Dogs don't understand this coming from anyone, much less a toddler whacking away at it with a toy. We do not recommend unsupervised interaction between the Corso and the kids. While most cases would undoubtedly be fine, things happen. Children and dogs do tend to misbehave once in a while. Just remember, Corsos are large, strong, and have teeth and kids are loud, spastic, and punchy. However, through mutual respect, they should have a blast together!

Will a Cane Corso get along with my other pets?
     The short answer is they can. If the Cane Corso is raised with the existing pets of the home, then the chances are good that the Corso will always get along well. Some specimens of certain temperament will never accept other animals in the home. Some specimens will get along with other animals for a while and upon maturity then decide that they have had enough of them. This is why we will be discussing with you the type of temperament your family will require in your Cane Corso.

     Much of the answer also lies in the attitude of the other animals. If you have a dominant male dog already existing in the home, then it probably wouldn't be a good idea to purchase a Cane Corso of the same temperament, whether male or female. If a dog of lesser temperament already exists in the home, then chances are good that the Corso will be fine with it. Guidance on your part also plays a role in their relationship. Not paying less attention to the older dog upon the new arrival will foster good will between the dogs. Dogs do get jealous and constant jealousy can cause problems between them.

     With cats it is all an exercise in controlling the Corso's prey drive with "it's" cats. Trained to not chase the household cats from the very beginning and with constant reinforcement, this is generally not a problem. Of course, if you have a mean old Siamese, for example, who likes to attack dogs, then don't expect any Corso to put up with it forever!

How do I train my Corso?
     Nothing cuts the struggle with your new puppy and growing dog than the intervention of someone who knows what they are doing and who can teach you to live with your dog well. Good professional trainers can be expensive but, if you shop your common sense around the local crop of them, then you shouldn't find it too hard to employ one that knows what they're talking about without wasting your money. Ask your vet. Think of the professional dog trainer as getting oil changes on your car. It's worth the money to keep things running smoothly, right? If you let it go, let it go, let it go…BANG, you've got a problem! Play it smart. Once you are done with the trainer, you should be good to go through life with your Corso. And if any problems arise, most will oblige at least an evaluation of the problem, if not honor a complete correcting regimen outright. Just make sure that you employ a trainer who is going to train YOU to train your dog. A trainer who trains your dog for you is ridiculous. You must know how to control and command your dog. You must be adept at the hand signals and the verbal commands, as must everyone else in your home, from your spouse to your children. This is how you will communicate efficiently with your pooch. This is the key. If you and your dog understand one another, things will always be good between your dog and you.

     A link to our trainer is provided for you on the Links page of our site. We feel the content on his site will be very informative and helpful for you.

     Once you and your Corso understand one another, you will find that life with a Cane Corso is something for others to be jealous about! These dogs are absolutely awesome and you will never be without one once you have had your first!

     Above we have laid out the honest reality of Cane Corso ownership. We will assist you with your Cane Corso for the life of the dog through advice and references if possible. We want to make sure everyone, including the dogs we produce live long and in happy homes.

     As I finish this page of text, I look to the floor and find two Cane Corsos slumbering peacefully by my side.

      All I can think is, "I love my dogs." I wish you the same.