These are sensitive gentle giants. I am loathe to admit that for the first couple of outings I carried her everywhere. She met people but not other dogs, other than our Boston Terriers. She came with her tail done and her ears done (my choice) and we got her at 11 weeks. Since she was meant to be my service dog from the very beginning, I set up a little "nest" with a baby gate next to my side of the bed, so when she made noises I could monitor. I couldn't bear to crate her over night, and wanted to be sure to catch all her potty moments before they became accidents. I was awakened every morning by a little puppy whine and feet reaching up the side of the bed (our bed is ridiculously tall). Gotta tell ya, puppy breath is a wonderful wake up call!
I started working with her on the basic commands, and she learned very quickly. Look, sit,stay, over, leave it, come here (although we seem to forget that every once in awhile), crawl, heel, stop/sit, wait...be patient. I used the CGC test as a guide as to what she would HAVE to know to pass the test. She had the CGC test down pat at 5 months, but I waited to test her until she was older. Their little personalities change as you go along and I felt it was best to proof my training with an obedience class. She did beginning and intermediate level obedience almost perfectly.
The one thing to be aware of is Alpha status. If you issue a command, make sure you get performance. They learn really quickly but like all children they will push your limits. She would act up every once in awhile. Don't yell! I made that mistake once and only once; she practically withered before my very eyes. Your corso must acknowledge that you are Alpha and no one else. You set up the commands and the routine and everyone else has to follow your lead. They are quite astute at measuring people up as a breed. They will "test growl" at a person looking for your reaction so don't over react! If you have done your job properly your dog should look to you for guidance when they are unsure and their confidence builds exponentially when they get a grip on the fact that you are a team, but that you are their guide.
We go out every day to the park, through town, anywhere we want. She does wear a vest because she is my service dog (I have MS with balance and motion issues). We go into coffee shops, bakeries, restaurants, Walmart, Home Depot, Macys, Nordstrom, the movies, Albertsons; pretty much anywhere. I had a guy who I did not recognize roll down his truck window and yelled "Hi Sophie" while he was stopped at the traffic light. The master baker at the Danish bakery has learned out walking pattern, and generally takes his coffee al fresco with a treat for Sophie in his lap! There were issues at first, and I got great feedback from several owners on this forum and it was all the same idea; go slowly. She wore a service dog in training patch until she passed the CGC, and no one has even asked me.
I used to be a horse trainer, and then went to law school, then discoverd the MS and my new limitations. Scary stuff when you are used to being atheletic and independent. This lovely young corso gave me my confidence in myself back, knowing that I have someone with no agenda, no grudges held, nothing but love, obedience and a protective nature. She is also a good snuggler! She will "breathe my breath" every morning, ostensibly to ensure I am alright, which is really pretty cool!
My husband and son want to know why I put so much time into her, rain or shine, and my response is that if you do it properly and patiently the first time, you develop not just a good dog, but a constant companion who WANTS to please you, WANTS to be with you. Good luck and you should always feel free to use the wisdom of the corso owners on this message board.
