Cane Corso are bred as watchdogs and guardians, so it’s natural for them to be protective of their families. If you have a Cane Corso that growls at you, it could be because they see you as a threat.
If your Cane Corso is growling at you, it’s important to figure out why. Once you know the reason, you can start taking steps to correct the behavior.
If you’re unsure of why your dog is growling, or if the growling is accompanied by other aggressive behaviors, it’s best to consult with a professional trainer or behaviorist. They’ll be able to help you figure out what’s causing the problem and how to fix it.
In this article, we are going to talk about the most common reasons why your Cane Corso might growl at you.
A Cane Corso may growl at you when they are afraid of something, when they are in pain, when they are trying to protect something or someone, or simply because they are a type of breed that is very territorial.
Why Does My Cane Corso Growl At Me?
There are several reasons why your Cane Corso might growl at you:
1. They’re afraid of something
A Cane Corso might growl at you if they are afraid. If your Cane Corso is growling because they’re afraid of something, it’s important to help them feel more comfortable and secure. Try desensitizing them to the things that scare them, and make sure they always have a safe place to retreat to when they’re feeling overwhelmed.
Cane Corsos growl when they are afraid to show their teeth and intimidate the person or animal they perceive as a threat. This behavior is instinctive and can be seen in wild dogs who use growling as a way to communicate with each other. Growling is also a form of self-defense for Cane Corsos, as it allows them to warn off potential attackers without resorting to violence.
While growling can be a sign of aggression, it can also be simply an expression of fear or anxiety. Cane Corsos that are afraid of loud noises, unfamiliar people, or new environments may all exhibit growling behaviors.
It is important to remember that growling is not always a bad thing, and should not be automatically punished. Instead, try to understand what is causing your dog to feel afraid or anxious, and work on addressing those issues. With patience and training, you can help your Cane Corso overcome their fears and learn to trust the world around them.
2. They’re in pain
Cane Corsos growl for many reasons, but one of the most common reasons is that they are in pain. If your Cane Corso is growling and seems to be in discomfort, it’s important to take them to the vet to rule out any medical issues.
Dogs can’t tell us when they’re hurt, so it’s up to us to be aware of the signs. Typically, a hurt Cane Corso will come up to you and will growl or even whine a little bit. If they hurt themselves on their paw or somewhere, you would be able to see it by visually inspecting the dog.
However, sometimes they might have tummy aches or something else might be going on with them which is not visible to the eye. In that case, monitor their behavior and see if they continue to eat normally. If something is off, take your Cane Corso to the vet.
3. They’re trying to protect something
If your Cane Corso is growling because they’re trying to protect something, it’s important to make sure that whatever they’re protecting is safe. For example, if your dog is growling because they don’t want you to take their toy away, make sure the toy is sturdy and won’t fall apart easily.
Cane Corsos growl to communicate their feelings and intentions, especially when they feel threatened or want to protect something.
Growling is a warning sign that lets others know that they should back off. It’s also a way for dogs to assert themselves and show dominance. If you think your Cane Corso is growling too much, it’s important to consult with a trainer or behaviorist to help you understand why your dog is growling and how you can stop it.
4. They’re being territorial
If your Cane Corso is growling because they’re being territorial, it’s important to make sure that you’re not encouraging the behavior. Cane Corsos that feel like they have to protect their territory are often anxious and stressed, so it’s important to give them plenty of space and not force them into situations that make them uncomfortable.
There are many reasons why Cane Corsos growl when they are territorial. One reason may be to show other animals that they are in charge and to keep them away from their food or toys. Another reason may be to protect their territory from humans or other animals.
Sometimes, Cane Corsos may also growl as a warning to people or animals who are getting too close to their owners or property.
Whatever the reason, it is important to remember that dog growling is usually a sign of stress or anxiety and should not be ignored. If your dog is growling excessively, you should consult with a veterinarian or animal behaviorist to find out the underlying cause and how best to address it.
How can I help my Cane Corso with possession aggression?
Possession aggression in Cane Corsos can be a difficult behavior to manage. However, there are a few things you can do to help your dog.
1. Recognizing the possession aggression
A Cane Corso, like any other dog, can show signs of possession aggression. Usually, there is a specific thing that your dog wants and is not letting you take it away from it. It could be their favorite toy, a sock, or whatnot. The first key to fixing the possession aggression in your Cane Corso is by recognizing the root cause of the aggression so you can further fix it.
2. Prevent the behavior
Ideally, you would want to prevent this behavior from happening early on. This is for Cane Corso puppies that are already showing possession aggression towards certain toys or treats. If you notice that early on while they are still pup, it is best to prevent it from happening in the future by fixing the problem.
3. Give them a treat in exchange for their favorite item
A Cane Corso might be in love with their toy, but they will certainly love food more. So, this goes the same for both puppies and adults. When your Cane Corso is with their favorite toy and you try to take it away and they start growling, approach them with a treat in your hand. Make sure that your Cane Corso sees the treat.
Next, tell them that you want the toy and move the hand with the treat towards the Cane Corso and the other hand towards their toy. When you see that they are focused on the treat, snatch the toy out of their possession and award them with the treat.
4. Decline them access to the item that makes them aggressive
Many experienced dog behaviorists suggest that if your Cane Corso is aggressive towards one thing, like a toy, you should avoid the conflict and simply don’t give them that toy anymore. However, there are some Cane Corso that will show possession aggression toward food. You surely can not decline them access to food.
Cane Corso is known to be a territorial and a great guard dog. Some Corso’s might show signs of aggression when they are eating and you can’t get anywhere near them. So, what do you do in this case?
Well, the only thing that you can do is allow them access to the item that is making them aggressive in a controlled space. In this case, if it’s food, only feed them in a separate room or their kennel. This way they’re not gonna be causing you any harm and it’s in a much more controlled way.
5. Teach them the ”drop it” command
If you haven’t taught your Cane Corso the ”drop it” command, now you will have to do it. I encourage all pet parents to go throw all of the commands in the obedience training. However, some might forget this command. Anyways, when your Cane Corso is possessive of some certain toy, give them the toy and then tell them to drop it. Point a finger down and use a firm voice. Each time they drop it, give them a treat.
However, in some cases, the Cane Corso might have adopted this aggressive behavior, and some slightly positive reinforcement or a treat will not make them drop their toy. In this case, I would encourage you to seek help from a professional behaviorist. They will probably discuss going on a process of desensitization encounter conditioning that can last for weeks.
Do Cane Corsos turn on owners?
Do Cane Corsos turn on owners? No, Cane Corsos do not turn on their owners. However, if you don’t establish a relationship where you are the ultimate leader of the pack and the Cane Corso is your follower, they will simply not respect you and will not follow your commands.
Cane Corso was bred to guard homes, families, and livestock, and the alert protective manner of their progenitors remains today. They are suspicious of strangers by nature and will bark to alert owners of their approach.
A Cane Corso needs a leader who can guide them with firmness and consistency without using force or cruelty. Cane Corso loves his family but he’s not demonstrative about it. He will want to be near you, but he’s not demanding in terms of attention or physical touch.
The chances of a Cane Corso turning on owners is pretty low unless he is feeling that one of the owners is abusive towards the remaining family members.
