If you just got home with a new Cane Corso puppy, it’s time to start training them, which includes potty training. As Cane Corso dogs are strong-willed and often stubborn, teaching them how to go potty outside and/or in appropriate spots can be a real challenge.
In this article, we discuss why potty training a Cane Corso is hard and how long the process takes and provide you with seven expert tips on how to do it.
Is It Hard to Potty Train a Cane Corso?
Potty training a Cane Corso can often be tricky, especially for people who don’t have the experience and patience to go through the whole process. Cane Corso dogs are intelligent but stubborn, which is why their potty training can be tough.
A Cane Corso puppy is likely going to push your buttons and try to set themselves up as the boss around the house. You need to be firm but positive and ensure that your furry friend develops proper habits from a young age.
Another thing that makes potty training challenging is the fact that during this same period in your Cane Corso’s life, you’ll need to engage in other types of training, such as:
- Crate training
- Socialization
- Obedience training
- Leash skills
How Long Does Cane Corso Potty Training Typically Take?
Cane Corso potty training typically takes between a few weeks and a few months. The precise time frame will depend on various things, including your persistence during training and your dog’s willingness to cooperate.
However, you need to remember that you’re responsible for ensuring that your dog has enough proper training to adequately develop their potty skills.
The 7 Expert Tips for Cane Corso Potty Training
Here’s a list of seven expert tips to help you potty train your Cane Corso puppy.
1. Start Early
One of the most important things for potty training to turn out successfully is having the right timing. Cane Corso puppies should typically start their potty training between 8 and 16 weeks old. The earlier you start, the better; in this stage of life, your dog will start developing various other skills, so you should also promote healthy habits and teach them where to go potty.
Cane Corsi are often stubborn, so your puppy might try to boss you around. You need to be firm but positive and show your puppy that you are a confident leader.
2. Use a Crate
A crate can come in handy when training your Cane Corso puppy. You can place it in your bedroom/living area and encourage your pup to sleep inside. Although allowing your puppy to sleep on the couch or bed may seem cute, this behavior is unsuitable for a breed like the Cane Corso. It can make them feel superior and cause further behavioral problems.
Crate training will help your puppy understand their place in your home and respect the area where they sleep. Since your dog won’t want to go potty where they rest, they will likely hold their bladder until you take them outdoors.
However, it’s your responsibility to take your pup outside to go potty as soon as you let them out of the crate. Remember to reward positive behaviors with toys and treats. This way, your Cane Corso puppy will connect with you and learn where to go potty through positive reinforcement.
3. Take Your Cane Corso Puppy Outside Regularly
You need to take your Cane Corso puppy out regularly to ensure that they don’t go potty inside the house. Take your puppy outside after you wake up and before you go to bed. It’s also helpful to do it several times during the day until your pup gets used to the act.
By creating the habit of going outside frequently, your dog will eventually “ask” to go outside and won’t make a mess inside the home.
4. Find a Cue for Going Outside That Works for Your Dog
Most dogs react to cues well, especially if you constantly use a specific one for a specific activity. Find a cue for going outside that works for your canine. It can be audio or visual or both, such as:
- Say, “Let’s go outside.”
- Ask your dog, “Do you want to go outside?”
- Stand next to the door, open it, and call your dog.
Once you select a cue, remember to stick to it and use it every time that you and your pup go outside. It will help your dog be more consistent during training and therefore learn and adapt faster.
5. Be Consistent
Consistency is key to successful Cane Corso potty training. Once you establish a particular routine for your puppy, stick to it as much as possible. Puppies generally like consistency, but a strict routine is especially important when training a strong-willed breed like the Cane Corso.
If you are consistent, your puppy will know which activity comes at which part of the day, helping them easily adjust to potty times.
Consistency will create designated times for everything in your pup’s life, so after a while, your pup might be ready and waiting to go outside to potty before you even wake up.
6. Always Be Calm and Patient During Potty Training
Potty training a Cane Corso puppy can be exhausting, but you must always remain calm and patient. These dogs are stubborn by nature, so if they see you angry or impatient, they may provoke you further and simply disobey out of fun.
Be patient and relaxed during your potty training to show your pup that you can be a true leader. Also, by being both firm and gentle, you’ll develop good habits in your dog faster and easier, including where to go potty.
7. Try to Always Be Around Your Pup During This Period
Although it may be difficult to be around your puppy all the time, you should at least be nearby during the potty training period. Cane Corso dogs are mischievous and may misbehave to show their dominance; these canines will take any opportunity to make an accident.
If your Cane Corso puppy is out of your sight for a long time, you won’t be able to notice if your furry friend needs to go potty. Also, if they make a mess, you won’t see that and be able to instantly correct the behavior, which can lead to further troubles in potty training.
Keeping an eye on your Cane Corso puppy during this period is essential. Try to observe the signs of your dog needing to go potty, and always go outside together. If they go to the bathroom outside, reward the positive behavior.
Final Thoughts
Potty training a Cane Corso can often be challenging, but you must do your best to be the leader in the first months of your puppy’s life and teach them the necessary skills. Regardless of the mishaps that could happen, always treat your Cane Corso puppy with respect and patience to get them to cooperate during potty training sessions.
Your dog will easily learn if you stick to these tips. Support your Cane Corso puppy during developmental milestones like potty training, and you’ll have a well-trained dog for the rest of their life.
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Featured Image By: otsphoto, Shutterstock
Is It Hard to Potty Train a Cane Corso?
2 Responses
does my 9 week old cane corso need a parvo shot before he is able to go for walks .
Hello Eleanor,
thank you for your question and sorry for a bit of a delay. It is usually recommended to have your puppy vaccinated before allowing them to public and to meet other dogs.
If you would like to consult the necessary vaccinations and potential vaccination schedule with a veterinarian, you can always book a video-call appointment with one of our professionals from www.PangoVet.com.
Hope this helps.