The powerful and intelligent Cane Corso is a proud member of the working dog breeds. Like all working dogs, they thrive on having a “job” to do. But should they be trained to be a service dog?
Let’s take a closer look below.
The Cane Corso, like other working K9 breeds, already serves their humans through specific “jobs” thanks to their natural, incredible (and desirable) genetic traits discussed in a previous blog post.
But should the Cane Corso be trained to be a service dog or therapy dog?
(Note: While therapy and emotional support dogs play an invaluable role, only service dogs are legally recognized and protected by the Federal ADA Act as dogs able to perform a specific task related to a person’s disability.)
The Cane Corso Service Dog: Pros
Being an effective service dog depends upon the right canine traits and personality and the ability to handle extensive training (approximately one to two years).
Typically, K9 breeds formally trained as service dogs include the:
- Labrador and Golden Retrievers.
- German Shepherds.
- Poodles.
But, when considering the disabled individual and their needs, larger breeds like the Cane Corso, Great Dane and Mastiff may offer a better alternative; especially for people who are:
- Wheelchair-bound.
- Struggling with balance or mobility issues.
- Challenged with psychiatric issues.
The Cane Corso naturally possesses all the unique and desired traits required for a service dog, particularly:
- Extreme loyalty.
- Strong bonds with their owner.
- Natural protectors.
- Calm and friendly.
- Eager to please.
- Highly intelligent and confident.
- Dedicated focus without being reactive, distracted or unpredictable.
But a Cane Corso may not be the right service dog breed for every disabled person or situation. Keep reading to learn why.
The Cane Corso Service Dog: 4 Things to Consider First
- The Corso requires certain traits from their owners. They do best with a strong, confident leader they can trust and respect. For many, the Cane Corso is a formidable canine. Any fear or hesitancy on the part of the handler can negatively affect their overall bond, training and overall effectiveness as working as a team.
- A Thick Skin. When out in public, many people may react negatively to a Cane Corso service dog because they are fearful or intimidated by such a giant, powerful dog. In these cases, a handler must be able to remain calm and unaffected by their perception or judgment to keep their Corso service dog calm and focused on its job.
- The Corsi is high energy, so handlers will need to ensure their Cane Corso gets enough daily physical exercise and mental stimulation when not working to help them remain well-balanced and content.
- Be realistic. Even with the best training, 50-70% of dogs won’t pass the final training tests to become a service dog. The best service dog teams are where both ends of the leash are happy and giving 100%!
The Final Word
While the Italian Mastiff (or Corso) is not commonly a breed trained as a service dog, its personality, natural traits and ability to be a fast learner make it a great choice for the right handler (especially for disabled individuals dealing with mobility and balance issues) with the proper training!
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