How to Train a Cane Corso to Hunt

What is a Cane Corso? If you are the proud owner of a Cane Corso you may be getting tired of hearing that!  This large, powerfully built dog was developed in Italy and is a very old dog breed, reputedly used as a war dog by Roman Legions centuries ago. Cane Corsos have been traditionally used as guard dogs, livestock protection dogs, and hunting dogs.  Their attributes make them great hunting dogs, but they do need an experienced trainer and a suitable outlet for their talents.

Using a Cane Corso to hunt, which is one of the main reasons this breed was developed, and ensuring that his skills are controlled and directed, provides a good outlet for this dog's abilities and high energy. Working as a team with your Cane Corso is very important, as this dog bonds with his family, and having a job to do with you will help your Cane Corso develop a healthy attitude. Plus, hunting will keep this muscular, high energy dog in good shape by providing plenty of exercise.

Cane Corsos are natural hunting dogs. Their scenting ability, strength, stamina, and general fearlessness, as well as high pain tolerance, has made them ideal for hunting large, dangerous, game, such as wild boars, bears, lions, badgers and coyotes. Because of their strong prey drive, they can also be used to hunt small animals, including rabbits and birds. It is important to train your Cane Corso to be sociable and obedient, as his strength gives him the potential to do extreme harm to other pets or people. Although they tend to bond well with their family, these dogs tend to not to be friendly with unfamiliar people, or people outside their family. For this reason, having a well trained Cane Corso that has been given an appropriate activity for his high energy is important. This is not a breed or activity recommended for people who are new to training and hunting with dogs. Cane Corsos need firm direction to channel their natural prey drive and direct them to appropriate hunting targets in controlled environments.

Cane Corsos should be started in training as young as possible when they are manageable and when you can form a strong relationship with this dog. Teach your Cane Corso to perform obedience commands or activities to earn meals and play. This is a working dog and as such is geared to work for a living. Teaching your dog that “nothing is for free” and that he needs to perform to get food, affection, and play will help you in directing and training your Cane Corso to do more complex tasks like hunting.  Socializing your Cane Corso early is advisable to prevent issues later between large, mature dogs that can result in injury.  Make sure your dog is in in good physical condition for hunting large game.