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Cane Corso Training Guide – Crate, Toilet & More Tips!

Dr Julia Brassel
Reviewed by:
Dr. Julia Brassel
Veterinarian

Cane Corso dogs are easy to train. They love pleasing their owners and are highly intelligent. Knowing how to train them and what methods to use is essential for moulding a well-behaved dog.

If your puppy bites, don’t put it down to ‘puppy stuff’; instead, read on for our top Cane Corso dog training tips.

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Should I Train My Cane Corso?

Training a Cane Corso is essential. Your little puppy will soon grow into a big dog with a dominant and strong-willed nature. The earlier you establish dominance and control, the better.
 

Are Cane Corsos Easy To Train?

Yes, they are. Dog training always has its challenges. But training a Cane Corso from an early age is relatively easy. They have a good attention span, are smart, and are eager to please. A Cane Corso usually retains information effectively once he has mastered it.
 

What Kind Of Training Does A Cane Corso Need?

When training a Cane Corso, you need to be confident and consistent. You should start with obedience training as soon as possible and teach them basic commands. Use positive reinforcement with an adult dog and a puppy.

Cane Corsos need to be socialized to get used to other people and animals. And give them a treat when they have listened and done something correctly.
 

Toilet Training A Cane Corso Puppy

When to start toilet training your Cane Corso puppy

Start potty training them from the earliest age possible. As soon as you bring them home, take them to the spot where you would like them to use the toilet.

How to toilet train your Cane Corso puppy

  • Step 1: Stock up on yummy treats!
  • Step 2: Keep your eyes on your pup as much as you possibly can. As soon as you notice him suggesting that he needs to go to the bathroom, firmly but not angrily exclaim, “NO!”
  • Step 3: Pick him up and take him outside to the designated bathroom area in the yard. Start utilizing your cue, such as “Let’s go outside” or a phrase to that effect. This way, the puppy will associate the cue and the action.
  • Step 4: Be patient; it could take your pup some time to do their “business”. When he finally does, give him a treat and praise him. Then go back to the house.
  • Step 5: Consistency and repetition. Work with your puppy; he will get to a point where he can wait for you or tell you that he needs the toilet.

Crate Training Your Cane Corso

Cane Corso puppies should be crate-trained. Your puppy will likely start to cry when you put it in the crate; do not give in to their cute little cries. I know you want to, but don’t!

Why is it important to crate train your Cane Corso puppy?

Crate training is crucial for your lovable little puppy; it gives the puppy a sense of security and safety, and it teaches them to sleep through the whole night.

When to start crate training your Cane Corso puppy

Start crate training your pup anytime between 8-16 weeks. The earlier, the better. This stage of their life is crucial for learning as they retain much of it.

How to crate train your Cane Corso puppy

Crate training is not a cruel method of trying to keep your dog in a small area, but it actually provides them with the confidence of having their own space to go to when they are feeling overwhelmed.

Step 1: Introduce the puppy to its crate.

Place the crate in a room where you spend loads of time. Place a cosy blanket or dog bed into the crate to make it feel comfortable and inviting.

Step 2: Allow the dog to explore the crate at their own pace.

Some dogs will be curious by nature and immediately begin to sleep in the crate. Drop some treats near the crate, then just inside the door, and lastly, inside the crate to encourage the puppy to enter. Don’t push them if they refuse; it is okay – you need to do this slowly.

Try placing a favourite toy in the crate if they aren’t interested in rewards or treats. This process could take a few minutes or several days.

Step 3: Feed them their meals next to the crate.

This way, they can associate the crate with something pleasant. If your dog keenly enters by this step, place their food bowl at the back of the crate.

If they are still hesitant, put the food as far in as your pup is willing to go and then place the bowl further back each time they are fed.

Step 4: Gradually close the door.

When your dog is comfortable enough to eat and spend some time in the crate, you can then try closing the door. Don’t do this for long periods or if your dog is visibly upset. Once again, this process should not be rushed, or it could have adverse effects.

Open the door as soon as they’ve finished their meal the first time. Each time, leave the door closed for a couple more minutes until your puppy can happily stay there for ten minutes or so after they have eaten.

Step 5: Leave them in for longer periods.

Once they are more comfortable in the crate, you can leave them there for longer periods while in the house. Give them a vocal cue, like “crate,” to enter. Pointing to the crate’s interior while holding a treat will entice them.

Praise your pup once they have entered and shut the door. Spend five to ten minutes sitting quietly near the crate before leaving the room. Sit quietly for a bit when you get back before letting them out.

Step 6: Repeat.

The more you repeat this process, the more your dog will get used to being in the crate. Slowly lengthen their crate time and the time you spend in another room.

You can start putting your dog in the crate when you’re gone for brief periods and let them sleep there in the evening once they can stay calmly in the crate for around 30 minutes with you, mostly out of sight. This could take a few days or even weeks.

Pros and cons of crate training

While crate training can be a bit of a tedious process, many benefits come with it. But to make an informed decision as to if this training is right for you and your dog, you need to know both the pros and the cons.

Pros

  • It helps your pup deal with anxiety and self-soothe
  • It keeps them safe while you can’t supervise them
  • It also aids in toilet training them.

Cons

  • The pup might whine when left in the crate
  • It could elevate separation anxiety.

Can I Train My Cane Corso To Do Tricks?

Yes, you can. Be sure to reward them with treats, though – this is what a professional dog trainer would do. You can train them to give you a paw, a high-five, and leap through a hoop.
 

Tips For Training Your Cane Corso

Cane Corso’s are highly easy to train, but they still require you, as the owner, to put in the effort during this process. Here are some of our best tips for Cane Corso training.

Be consistent

Consistency is key. Keep your verbal and non-verbal cues consistent; this will be much more effective. If you change it up, the dog will get confused.

Positive reinforcement is key

Positive reinforcement is one of your most effective tools for moulding or altering your dog’s behaviour, as they are more likely to repeat certain behaviours if they get rewarded for it.

Avoid over-using treats

Treats make your dog gain weight and lead to various tummy issues. A good balance between treats and vocal/physical praise is needed.

Consider clicker training

This is a great positive reinforcement method to dog train your dog. It is easy and gets your pup to focus fully!
 

Final Thoughts on Training A Cane Corso

Cane Corso training is essential. Without it, you will end up with a difficult and problematic doggo. It doesn’t sound so great now, does it? Your Cane Corso will easily take charge if he is not taught who the boss is. Luckily, they are easy to train, and there are loads of techniques puppy owners can use!

Learn more about: Cane Corso Dog Breed Information

Other helpful information

  • Dog Breed Guides
  • Cat Breed Guides

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Common Cane Corso Health Issues

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Cane Corso Grooming Tips & Styles

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Cane Corso Colours

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