Cane Corso puppy socialization class fear

[Ben Curtis]

I have a 12 week old Cane Corso puppy. We have been socializing him as much as we possibly can. He seems to love meeting new people. He submits to anyone new and just wants to lick them as much as possible. He is very shy around new dogs, but his confidence builds quickly and does fine when it is one on one, but in our puppy obedience class it is very different. The first 10 minutes of class we have free time. The other dogs (mostly labs and goldens) run around a play, but my Cane just wants to hide behind me. I move to the other side of the room and he just follows me. He even has nipped at some of the other dogs if they get too close.

In his litter he was the puppy that was fine on his own. While the others played, he seemed to be more interested in exploring the room and meeting the new people who just came into the room It is almost like he is just not interested in puppy play.

We have only had one class so far, but this behavior worries me a bit at this point, because I don't want it happening when he is full grown. What would you recommend I do if anything different?

After the free time he was by far the most advanced student. Mostly because he is more interested in what I have to say than anything the other dogs are doing.

Ben

 

[DennasMom]

Sounds like a great pup! Hold on to that "more interested in what I have to say" time as long as you can!

During puppy play time, just ignore him and keep moving like you're doing... walk closer to the action, but ignore your puppy until he deems it fit to engage with the others at his own pace. Maybe see if some of the class participants (with or without the trainer) can spend some time before/after class in a one-on-one group so he can gain some confidence there, too. Maybe if he learns to enjoy one of the puppies there, that puppy can introduce him to the larger group.

Our trainer had a separate puppy play group, beyond the class - just for puppies to socialize. It was very, very helpful - more than the obedience stuff, for us. Maybe you can find a play group, too?

 

[BlackShadowCaneCorso]

I wouldn't worry too much about your puppy not wanting to be social with the other dogs as long as your puppy isn't acting aggressively. Keeping in mind that this is the first class and it is a lot to throw at a puppy and he could completely change, corsi tend to bond more with their people and outside of their pack generally don't care for others, dogs or people (there are exceptions to this rule though) so if he never shows any interest in playing with the other dogs or leaving your side that wouldn't really upset me as long as your dog in non-reactive to things that are not a threat then I actually prefer a dog that sticks close and doesn't have to run all over when we are in class. Corsi are smart and our generally know all the basics before getting to class but we still take them as we use them as a tool to teach them how to behave with other dogs and how to work with and through distractions.

I would take your cues from your puppy and as long as he isn't attacking other dogs then don't force the issue. Let him decide if he wants a buddy to play with and if not then work on distractions while doing his commands while the other dogs are doing play time

 

[moonglow]

The first few classes when I took my CC puppy to puppy class he had no interest in playing with the other dogs and would sit at my feet when they had socialization time. After about the third or fourth class he started to play with the other puppies and by the end of the 8 week class he was one of the most outgoing puppies who always wanted to play with the other dogs. I pretty much did what the others said and ignored him, I didn't move around much or try to get him to play with the other puppies. The only time I really moved was the few times he growled if a puppy got to close and interested. I just let him watch the others play from a safe place and he eventually realized the other puppies were having a blast so he joined in. I often wish he wasn't quite so social but its better than having a dog that shows aggression towards other dogs.

 

[masteneo]

Dont draw your pups attention to this behaviour. Like blackshadow and dennasmom said just draw the pup into the action like its the normal thing to do .

 

[Cody]

As said I wouldn't be too concerned about it. Don't allow any aggression, but just ignore him and let him be comfortable.
To be honest my dogs don't have a whole lot of interest with othe dogs outside of their pack. The few times I go to Dog Parks, Aurora may (or may not) sniff other dogs, but she has 0 interest in playing with them. They are insignificant in Auroralandia Now with eachother they play HARD. Literally wall smashing hard... Weekend plans is repair the holes in the basement walls from Raw and Lenny's WWF smack down
Corso are family oriented, their people are their priority. Personally I prefer it that way.
And yes, they at always the puppy class stars! Love pleasing their peeps!

 

[Ben Curtis]

Thank you all. It's good to hear it from other Corso owners. I am so happy I picked a Corso. Leo is such a great dog.

 

[Sadies Mom]

Leo is a cutie. Love his jacket!!!

 

[Ben Curtis]

Walmart $5, should fit him for a week or so.

 

[dragoluv]

Leo is absolutely adorable!