Cane Corsos are strong dogs who don’t usually require their owners to carry them. But some injuries and other health issues can make even the strongest of them weak. So some situations call for carrying.
Bear in mind that your Cane Corso is not as light as a smaller dog. You’ll need a good amount of strength to carry him unless he’s still a puppy. If you’re strong enough to carry, take note of the proper way of doing it.
Wrap your arm around his chest and use the other arm to support his back and hind legs. Putting too much pressure or force on the front might hurt his joints. Make sure that the front and rear are both supported.
The help of another person or equipment is needed if your Cane Corso’s weight is too much for you. You can make use of a big dog stretcher that will support his full weight without so much pressure. The wheels and handle make moving or carrying a bit easier.
How Do You Lift a Cane Corso?
To lift your Cane Corso, you need to support the front and back of his body. Make sure that you have enough strength to lift him. But do not use too much force or pressure because doing so can hurt him. Wrap one arm around his chest and use the other arm to support his legs in the back.
He’d be in a slightly curved position but check on him if he’s comfortable. Avoid touching sensitive areas to avoid triggering anxious feelings. Use the strength of your legs to support your dog’s weight. You don’t need to make your hands and arms grip forcefully. A gentle yet firm holding technique is more than enough to provide support.
If you think that you’re too light to lift a big dog, it’s a good idea to ask for help. A bigger and stronger friend or relative can lift a heavy dog without issues. Just remind that person to avoid using a strong grip. Another thing to consider is your Cane Corso’s familiarity with the said person.
Cane Corso’s are generally friendly but getting carried by unfamiliar people is not always advised. See to it that the one who’s going to lift him is not a random person from somewhere. This is to avoid triggering his protective and dangerous side.
If no one else is available to do the heavy lifting, a stretcher is another option. This equipment helps in supporting your Cane Corso’s weight. And the wheels can lessen the issues with mobility.
How to Pick Up a Cane Corso Puppy
A Cane Corso puppy is smaller and lighter, so carrying won’t require a lot of strength. But due to a puppy’s delicate state, gentler handling is what you need to apply. To lift or pick one up, slip one hand into the front and middle of its body. Use the other hand to support the rear end.
Imagine carrying a baby but instead of facing you, the head and tummy face the other direction. Let one arm support the head and chest while letting the hind legs rest on the other. Carry your Cane Corso puppy slowly as swift movements can startle or hurt him. Giving him some gentle rubs on the head or tummy will give him a secure and comfortable feeling.
How to Pick Up a Cane Corso With Back Problems
Like puppies, Cane Corsos who have back pain or back problems also need gentle handling. Apply the same lifting method that you use on a perfectly healthy dog but do it more slowly and gently. Place your arms around his chest while placing the other arm below or behind his back legs for support.
To prevent pain, hold him against your chest to keep his spine aligned. Healthier dogs can rest comfortably in a curved position. While the ones who suffer from back problems need a slightly different and slanted position to feel better.
Make your arm and chest serve as a cushion, so you must avoid using a tight grip. If you have back and joint issues yourself, you can use a stretcher instead. Find a spacious stretcher with secure and comfortable straps so he won’t feel too confined.
How Do You Not Pick Up a Cane Corso?
It’s not right to grab your Cane Corso by his front legs. Doing that and placing your hands under the armpits and elbow joints can hurt him. The unbalanced weight distribution can strain the joints of the front legs. Put an equal amount of support on his back legs to avoid injuries.
Focusing on one end/side only puts a lot of pressure on the part that you are holding. A vertical position is not advised, so go for a horizontal or slanted position. So his body won’t feel discomfort and pressure because alignment is very important.
You have to keep your body’s ability to carry in check as well. If you have balancing issues, it’s better to ask for more stable support from someone else. Since Cane Corsos are big, a bigger person or equipment can do the heavy lifting.
Is It Bad to Pick Up a Cane Corso?
It’s bad to pick up your Cane Corso if you don’t have a good reason to do it. Healthy dogs can move around without their owners’ help. But if the situation calls for it, do it gently and properly.
The front and back should have a good amount of support. Grabbing your Cane Corso out of nowhere can scare or even injure him. Even if you just want to express love and playfulness, it’s better not to pick up your Cane Corso.
He might need it when he’s sick, aging, or injured. But don’t forget to use a gentle approach and the right position or alignment. Support both front and hind legs. Let him rest comfortably in your chest as you wrap your arms around him.
Why Does My Cane Corso Yelp When Picked Up?
Yelping is a common sign of an unpleasant feeling like pain. When your Cane Corso yelps each time you pick him up, you’ve touched a sensitive or painful spot. You may be picking him up the wrong way.
Don’t use a quick and tight grip when lifting or picking up your dog. Avoid picking him up if it’s not necessary. If you suspect that some kind of pain is bothering him, consult your vet for medical help.
Your Cane Corso is possibly having issues with his muscles or bones. Inflammation and injuries can put him in a very serious state so keep an eye on him. If he refuses to eat and shows weakness, don’t delay your visit to the nearest clinic.
What Size Cage Does a Cane Corso Need?
A full-grown Cane Corso can fit into a 48 by 33 inches (1219.2 by 838.2 mm) cage or crate. You can also pick a crate that is a few inches larger for some extra space and comfort. But the previously mentioned size is usually good enough to accommodate your Cane Corso.
Cages and crates are very similar with minor differences. Cages are usually larger, stationary, and made of heavier and stronger materials. Crates, on the other hand, are smaller and made of lighter materials. Because of those things, crates are also used for transport.
If you’re looking for a cage, pick something bigger than the standard crate size. But if you want to get a crate, the standard crate size for Cane Corsos can serve the same purpose. It wouldn’t hurt to get a larger crate, though, if you want to provide some wiggle room for your dog.
What Size Crate Should I Get for a Cane Corso?
The standard and recommended crate size for a Cane Corso is 48 by 33 inches (1219.2 by 838.2 mm) or bigger. Some allowance is okay so you can go a size bigger. But the standard size for this dog breed is good enough to accommodate the size.
Whether you’re using a cage or crate for your Cane Corso, keep things clean. It doesn’t have to be immaculately clean, but for safety, wash and wipe surfaces decently to get rid of dirt and harmful organisms. An unsanitary environment can lead to different health issues, so keep an eye on that.
If your Cane Corso is bigger than usual, pick a bigger crate size. Also, let your vet know about this because your dog is probably having weight problems. Before splurging on different items out there, it’s best to ask for the opinion of a professional.
Dogs have different personalities and needs. As an owner, you should familiarize yourself with those things. So you can provide the items that suit his lifestyle and health condition.
How Do You Crate Train a Cane Corso?
You can’t just put your Cane Corso in a crate and expect him to be okay with it. Especially when he did not have prior experience. The first attempt to convince him to stay inside a crate is a struggle in itself.
Start crate training in short periods, and gradually increase his time inside the crate. A treat is useful here because you can use treats to entice him to get inside the crate. Once he’s inside the crate, sit near him for a few minutes.
Let him out for a while, and let him go inside the crate once again. Do the same routine until he gets used to it.
After practicing it for a while, you can begin leaving him there for a few hours. Pay attention to his body language because he’ll get restless when he needs food or a bathroom break.
After some time, you don’t have to sit near the crate anymore. An hour or two inside the crate is bearable if he’s well-fed and stimulated.
If he’s uncooperative, you can ask a trainer to help you in your Cane Corso’s crate training.
A dog who is suffering from anxiety might need a longer time to learn and adjust. But with patience and reassurance, his crate training will become successful. Aside from a trainer’s advice, your vet’s guidance is equally important.
How Long Does It Take to Crate Train a Cane Corso?
It’ll take a few days or weeks to complete your Cane Corso’s crate training. The duration depends on several factors like age, personality, and health. But with consistent practice, it won’t take a month or two.
Remember that Cane Corsos are intelligent dogs. They can still show some stubbornness, but your unwavering role as pack leader will sink in. He might reluctantly obey on some occasions but his desire to please will ultimately prevail.
Don’t hesitate to reward him with treats and praises when he’s cooperating. Your supervision, consistency, and patience will pay off after a few days or weeks. So don’t give up because of minor mistakes here and there as mistakes are normal when it comes to learning.
How Long Can a Cane Corso Stay in a Crate
Given that your Cane Corso has already completed crate training, he can stay inside it for 1 to 2 hours. Even though he’s one tough dog, leaving him inside a crate for too long is harmful. A crate is still not a very natural space for a big dog like the Cane Corso.
He can hold his pee and poo longer than 2 hours, but a long stay in a confining crate is not as bearable. Leaving him in a crate for so long can trigger anxiety, aggression, and some physical issues. Crates can somehow make dogs feel trapped regardless of crate training experience.
Staying in his crate for 2 hours is no big deal, but his stay shouldn’t be longer than that. Let him come out of his crate every couple of hours so he can move around and stretch. Avoid complications by paying attention to his behavior inside the crate. Please don’t try to push his limits.