Senior Cane Corso: Time keeps on ticking

[Mag-Pie]

Hello everyone! It’s been a long time since I’ve been here, I see a lot has changed, since 2015… Back in the day, I use to be fairly active on this forum, and I remember many amazing dogs and very knowledgable / experienced owners. I wonder how many of them are still around?

My Cane Corso boy, Luther, is still around, he will be turning 10 years old in a few months. Over the years he’s been an amazing companion and protector. Definitely one of the best decisions of my life was deciding to rescue him, and give him a new fresh start. The initial training I’ve done with him, kept him active, safe, and stable, throughout the years. Thanks to all the helpful information I received on here, in the past, I was able to provide him with a good and healthy life.

Now, he’s a senior dog, and has slowed down a lot, especially in the past year… I’m aware that the time I have with him is limited, and so I’m curious to know how other senior CC's are doing, and how their wonderful owners are taking care of them. Specifically, in terms of special diets and health supplements, various necessary accommodations, and/or any other ways special care is given to your beloved dogs, to make them more comfortable and fulfilled, in the twilight years of their life.

Thank you in advance, and I welcome all insights, experiences and concerns in regards to our aging CC's, and the special care that they need and deserve.

 

[ozaudioman]

Hello everyone! It’s been a long time since I’ve been here, I see a lot has changed, since 2015… Back in the day, I use to be fairly active on this forum, and I remember many amazing dogs and very knowledgable / experienced owners. I wonder how many of them are still around?

My Cane Corso boy, Luther, is still around, he will be turning 10 years old in a few months. Over the years he’s been an amazing companion and protector. Definitely one of the best decisions of my life was deciding to rescue him, and give him a new fresh start. The initial training I’ve done with him, kept him active, safe, and stable, throughout the years. Thanks to all the helpful information I received on here, in the past, I was able to provide him with a good and healthy life.

Now, he’s a senior dog, and has slowed down a lot, especially in the past year… I’m aware that the time I have with him is limited, and so I’m curious to know how other senior CC's are doing, and how their wonderful owners are taking care of them. Specifically, in terms of special diets and health supplements, various necessary accommodations, and/or any other ways special care is given to your beloved dogs, to make them more comfortable and fulfilled, in the twilight years of their life.

Thank you in advance, and I welcome all insights, experiences and concerns in regards to our aging CC's, and the special care that they need and deserve.

So great to see your Corso has lived such a long and healthy life. Hopefully you have a few more years left. Always torture to watch them move on. How about some pics of the old boy. I'm a relatively new Corso owner but plan on adding to the family soon. Try not to be a stranger.

Cheers

 

[Mag-Pie]

Thank you, I very much hope we still have some more time with him. He’s in pretty good shape, never had any major health issues (as an adult), and his hips are pretty good - still is able to jump and walks very good, although not much of a runner. Of course I don’t encourage jumping nor running anymore, but if he feels like it he will. For the past couple of years I’ve had him on a K9 Level 5000 Glucosamine supplement. Also, a probiotic + prebiotic. He’s never been much of an eater, so he never carried extra weight, and he’s been always on a grain free-diet. Mostly Acana dry kibble, plus some raw and/or cooked meats (beef and chicken). Yes, I cook for him every week. LOL. He has a really nice orthopedic dog bed, but also his own armchair for looking out the window.

After his initial training, and all the work I did with him in the first year after I got him, he’s been great. Knows his commands, knows what’s expected of him and what’s allowed. It’s pretty easy going now, although the beginning was difficult. But, we learned as time went on. Experience is the best teacher, and success is the measure. Although, he never cared for strangers and other people much, and he still doesn’t. He’s all about his family, and that’s it. A few years back, I got him a companion dog, a pit-bull mix bitch that needed a home, and they get along great. Personally, I don’t really care for that type of dog breed (too hyper, not very good at guarding, and too much game) since I am all about the more stable, serious, willful and territorial CC, but it’s been good for him, and she is a good dog. Both are unaltered, both are trained, and keeping them separated when in heat is not that much work. I prefer to keep my dogs intact, I have a system, and it has worked for the past 5 years without any “accidents”. That's just my two cents, about that. Anyways, life with dogs is good, and I can’t imagine it any other way.

Here's a couple of pics of my "old boy" from today, one outside on the back patio and one inside on his chair. Cheers!

 

[ozaudioman]

Sweet ol' boy. Good looking fella. Sounds like you've done everything right to keep him healthy and sharp. A super clean diet is what is probably what's keep him in physically great condition. I also mix a New Zealand kibble and raw and it's done wonders for my 4 legged friends. Intact is the way to go if you can keep unwanted litters from happening and Large Unaltered dogs seem to live much healthier lives. Joint and tendon issues are near as pronounced in the mastiff breeds if they've never been fixed.

All that early training has obviously payed off is spades. Training and socialization are SO important over that first year. These dogs must understand those boundaries and that we are the ones that make all the decisions. His stoic stability is the epitome of the Cane Corso. He sounds like he's come from very solid blood lines as he is exactly what the breed states it should be. Like you, I also love the temperament of the Corso. That's what gravitated me to them. That and their natural protection as I now live away from the city.

I have a young female (in my avatar) from excellent blood lines that's a little sassy right now. She's only 7 months old but is extremely confident and is already showing some signs of protection w/o any human aggressiveness. She hasn't become too leery of people yet but she's all about protecting her house and large fence line LOL. I know when she hits 12-16 months her personality will probably make a 180 and start looking at people with caution.

Anyway, Thanks for posting the pics! Cherish him and keep building those memories!

Here's my other pooch..."little" Leia Estrella. Estrella mean star in Spanish as she has a pronounced white star on her chest.

 

[Mag-Pie]

Sweet ol' boy. Good looking fella. Sounds like you've done everything right to keep him healthy and sharp. A super clean diet is what is probably what's keep him in physically great condition. I also mix a New Zealand kibble and raw and it's done wonders for my 4 legged friends. Intact is the way to go if you can keep unwanted litters from happening and Large Unaltered dogs seem to live much healthier lives. Joint and tendon issues are near as pronounced in the mastiff breeds if they've never been fixed.

All that early training has obviously payed off is spades. Training and socialization are SO important over that first year. These dogs must understand those boundaries and that we are the ones that make all the decisions. His stoic stability is the epitome of the Cane Corso. He sounds like he's come from very solid blood lines as he is exactly what the breed states it should be. Like you, I also love the temperament of the Corso. That's what gravitated me to them. That and their natural protection as I now live away from the city.

I have a young female (in my avatar) from excellent blood lines that's a little sassy right now. She's only 7 months old but is extremely confident and is already showing some signs of protection w/o any human aggressiveness. She hasn't become too leery of people yet but she's all about protecting her house and large fence line LOL. I know when she hits 12-16 months her personality will probably make a 180 and start looking at people with caution.

Anyway, Thanks for posting the pics! Cherish him and keep building those memories!

Here's my other pooch..."little" Leia Estrella. Estrella mean star in Spanish as she has a pronounced white star on her chest.
View attachment 63672

What a lovely girl, your Estella is. It’s such an exciting thing to have a new dog to train with and watch it grow into an adult. I wish you all the best.
I’m glad to see that you agree with me on the importance of lifelong training, super clean diet and keeping dogs intact. These topics can get heated when discussed on the internet. LOL. Not everything is for everyone, and when it comes to this breed, it’s also not for everyone. As I already shared on your post, the importance of consistent lifelong training cannot be overstated. These are working dogs, and in my experience they are always on, always observing and deciding on how to respond to everything. They need boundaries and guidance, they need to know what’s expected of them, and what’s allowed. If we don’t step up, they will, and once their mind is made up, they don’t easily back down. My boy was a difficult case, but with proper training he became manageable, and eventually stable over time. Plus, it was my job and responsibility to keep him safe, so having him under command became second nature, for me and him. As the years went on, he learned to anticipate what I expected of him, and I learned how to read him before he even had a chance to have a reaction.

They certainly are natural protectors, and can be very intimidating guard dogs. Guarding that fence line is a very serious business for them. Luther was very territorial, and aware of everything that was going on around the house, at all times. Besides doing obedience training with him, he also enjoyed doing some bite work, he was a natural at it, very confident, never fearful and always ready to engage. He learned quickly to give chase, engage, and release on command. He never showed avoidance, and would never ran away. From what I understand, not many dogs have that type of drive and focus, which depends on their own individual temperament. Also, he was very strong, with powerful jaws, and he knew it. In his prime he was a man-stopper, he had the courage and the physical strength. I’ve seen him in action a few times, and there is no doubt in my mind about what type of dog he was, and what he was capable of. Now, the old boy is retired, he knows that he doesn’t have the strength he once did, but once in a while you will see that old attitude come out.

Unlike your beautiful Estrella, my boy had issues with human aggression, in spite of all the professional training he received at 14 months (that’s when he came to live with me) he never fully respected anyone else besides me, since I was his primary handler and care giver. He would always obey command, but as soon as he would be released from command the attitude and pushing boundaries would resume. Hence wearing a muzzle in public situations was just another thing he learned to comply with. Plus, as I already mentioned (on your post), he came to me with a history of biting, so it was the most sensible solution when it came to going places with him where he would encounter strangers and large groups of people. Most people, in my opinion do not know how to properly behave around working dogs, or dogs that are natural guard dogs, and I didn’t feel like it was my job to educate them. I, myself, knew what was necessary, and I acted accordingly, and everything worked out fine. Anyways, there is a lot more I could say about him, but I think this will suffice. He is my dream dog, and my love for him is infinite.

 

[ozaudioman]

It's been great getting to know more about Luther. He's sound like an amazing companion!!

From your post, It doesn't sound like he had a lot of help with early socialization from his previous owner. That can be very tough, for these dogs in particular. Luther got so lucky to get you as an owner and leader when he did. In the wrong hands he could have turned out to be a menace in public with his human aggressiveness. Instead you worked with him consistently and he became that perfect companion you could trust. You very should be proud of yourself for not only working him into an incredible canine partner but also saving him from possible future crisis or tragedy.

I've had the "luxury" of getting Leia when she was 8 weeks old. So I've been able to socialize her since day one. Our breeder did an excellent job of early socialization too. When we go out we get a ton of people that want to come over and pet her, which she loves (for now). I know that that might change as she hits adulthood, as we know they are ultimately working dogs that don't love strangers. I hope to keep her at least cordial as she hits adulthood.

I also try to educate people we encounter out in pubic. Educate them on not only how great the Corso is, but just as importantly, I let them know how much work goes into raising one. They are sublime creatures to look at, but don't let that fool you. They are a tremendous amount of work too. The last thing I want is for an ill prepared person to go out and buy themselves one, without understanding the labor intense duty of lifelong training. I really try to get that across to everyone I meet.

I find these dog to be extremely sensitive. Patience is a virtue with them. Owners must understand as with any powerful dog, especially the Cane Corso, that being firm and being harsh are two totally different animals. You NEVER want a skittish or scared dog on your hands. Being overly harsh with these very sensitive animals could cause issue with fear....even though sometimes I'd like to rip her head off LOL.... I know that I must be consistent and calm. Saying this, I believe it takes the right person to own these fantastic dogs. They're definitely not for everyone. I understand why they say Corso's are not for 1st time dog owners.

Enough of my rambling...Take care of that ol' Boy.
I'll post more pics as L.E. matures.

Hope to chat again soon.

 

[Mag-Pie]

It's been great getting to know more about Luther. He's sound like an amazing companion!!

From your post, It doesn't sound like he had a lot of help with early socialization from his previous owner. That can be very tough, for these dogs in particular. Luther got so lucky to get you as an owner and leader when he did. In the wrong hands he could have turned out to be a menace in public with his human aggressiveness. Instead you worked with him consistently and he became that perfect companion you could trust. You very should be proud of yourself for not only working him into an incredible canine partner but also saving him from possible future crisis or tragedy.

I've had the "luxury" of getting Leia when she was 8 weeks old. So I've been able to socialize her since day one. Our breeder did an excellent job of early socialization too. When we go out we get a ton of people that want to come over and pet her, which she loves (for now). I know that that might change as she hits adulthood, as we know they are ultimately working dogs that don't love strangers. I hope to keep her at least cordial as she hits adulthood.

I also try to educate people we encounter out in pubic. Educate them on not only how great the Corso is, but just as importantly, I let them know how much work goes into raising one. They are sublime creatures to look at, but don't let that fool you. They are a tremendous amount of work too. The last thing I want is for an ill prepared person to go out and buy themselves one, without understanding the labor intense duty of lifelong training. I really try to get that across to everyone I meet.

I find these dog to be extremely sensitive. Patience is a virtue with them. Owners must understand as with any powerful dog, especially the Cane Corso, that being firm and being harsh are two totally different animals. You NEVER want a skittish or scared dog on your hands. Being overly harsh with these very sensitive animals could cause issue with fear....even though sometimes I'd like to rip her head off LOL.... I know that I must be consistent and calm. Saying this, I believe it takes the right person to own these fantastic dogs. They're definitely not for everyone. I understand why they say Corso's are not for 1st time dog owners.

Enough of my rambling...Take care of that ol' Boy.
I'll post more pics as L.E. matures.

Hope to chat again soon.

Thank you, kindly. I did as much as I could with Luther, to get him to not be a menace to society. Indeed, I was very proud of the work we did together. Sadly, Luther is no longer with us. But such is life, and these beautiful beasts don’t stay with us long enough. I feel lucky that I had the pleasure of sharing my time with him for over 8 years. In the end, it was his brain that got him, something neurological which resulted in seizures and loss of mobility. All blood tests came back normal, but within two weeks he declined rapidly and was gone. It was very unexpected, a shock, and completely gutted me.


Everything that you’ve mentioned above is true, and should be considered when deciding to get a Cane Corso. Early training and socialization sets the foundation for them to developing into stable adult dogs. It is a tremendous amount of work, but necessary. And, it must continue throughout the duration of their life. Genetics is also a big factor, and finding a good breeder who understands the breed and knows what they’re doing is paramount.

 

[glen]

Thank you, kindly. I did as much as I could with Luther, to get him to not be a menace to society. Indeed, I was very proud of the work we did together. Sadly, Luther is no longer with us. But such is life, and these beautiful beasts don’t stay with us long enough. I feel lucky that I had the pleasure of sharing my time with him for over 8 years. In the end, it was his brain that got him, something neurological which resulted in seizures and loss of mobility. All blood tests came back normal, but within two weeks he declined rapidly and was gone. It was very unexpected, a shock, and completely gutted me.


Everything that you’ve mentioned above is true, and should be considered when deciding to get a Cane Corso. Early training and socialization sets the foundation for them to developing into stable adult dogs. It is a tremendous amount of work, but necessary. And, it must continue throughout the duration of their life. Genetics is also a big factor, and finding a good breeder who understands the breed and knows what they’re doing is paramount.

So sorry for the loss of your boy, they leave a big hole, iv lost 2 in the last year. I agree they arent here long enough.

 

[Mag-Pie]

So sorry for the loss of your boy, they leave a big hole, iv lost 2 in the last year. I agree they arent here long enough.

Thank you Glen. It was one of the worst things that I’ve experienced in my life… The love I had for that dog is indescribable. And, I was completely heartbroken, when it happened. He was my first Cane Corso, and will forever be in my heart and thoughts. I’m also very sorry to hear about your loss… I remember Gandalf and Budcuss from back in the day, when I was active on this forum. Looks like many of the old members lost their beloved dogs in the past couple of years… Time marches on.

 

[glen]

Thank you Glen. It was one of the worst things that I’ve experienced in my life… The love I had for that dog is indescribable. And, I was completely heartbroken, when it happened. He was my first Cane Corso, and will forever be in my heart and thoughts. I’m also very sorry to hear about your loss… I remember Gandalf and Budcuss from back in the day, when I was active on this forum. Looks like many of the old members lost their beloved dogs in the past couple of years… Time marches on.

Thankyou, there isnt a day we dont mention them, we got a pup mac while we still had budcuss, we knew we were loosing bud, the mum is bud and gandalfs neice, i feel hes a part of them.
Are you thinking of having abother.

 

[Mag-Pie]

Thankyou, there isnt a day we dont mention them, we got a pup mac while we still had budcuss, we knew we were loosing bud, the mum is bud and gandalfs neice, i feel hes a part of them.
Are you thinking of having abother.

Glen, that’s so awesome you have a new puppy that’s related to your other dogs. Since my boy was rehomed with me, I didn’t know his breeder nor where exactly he came from. Either way, to answer your question, yes. I can’t imagine my life without a Cane Corso. There will always be one or two with me, till the day I drop dead.


Looks like I’ve missed some drama above… One reason why I’m not on here anymore, too much B.S. And, whatever Bolushi said, fuck that retarded motherfucker. I’ve seen his shit around here on other people’s post. Someone should put him out of his misery.

 

[Boxergirl]

Glen, that’s so awesome you have a new puppy that’s related to your other dogs. Since my boy was rehomed with me, I didn’t know his breeder nor where exactly he came from. Either way, to answer your question, yes. I can’t imagine my life without a Cane Corso. There will always be one or two with me, till the day I drop dead.


Looks like I’ve missed some drama above… One reason why I’m not on here anymore, too much B.S. And, whatever Bolushi said, fuck that retarded motherfucker. I’ve seen his shit around here on other people’s post. Someone should put him out of his misery.

I'm sorry. There are a lot of good people here and really just the two that aren't. I suspect you aren't the only one that stays away because of this kind of stuff. I remember you and your boy. I'm so sorry for your loss. So many of our older members have lost their mastiffs, myself included. I wish more of them would still post. There's so much knowledge that could be helpful to other owners. Kids like Packhunter and Bolushi win if we lose good members due to their antics. I hope we still see you occasionally.

 

[glen]

Glen, that’s so awesome you have a new puppy that’s related to your other dogs. Since my boy was rehomed with me, I didn’t know his breeder nor where exactly he came from. Either way, to answer your question, yes. I can’t imagine my life without a Cane Corso. There will always be one or two with me, till the day I drop dead.


Looks like I’ve missed some drama above… One reason why I’m not on here anymore, too much B.S. And, whatever Bolushi said, fuck that retarded motherfucker. I’ve seen his shit around here on other people’s post. Someone should put him out of his misery.

Please atay with us, there judt a couple pf ignorant kids that think there clever. Im enjoying the delete button. One day they will get what they deserve.
Please post pics when you can.

 

[Mag-Pie]

I'm sorry. There are a lot of good people here and really just the two that aren't. I suspect you aren't the only one that stays away because of this kind of stuff. I remember you and your boy. I'm so sorry for your loss. So many of our older members have lost their mastiffs, myself included. I wish more of them would still post. There's so much knowledge that could be helpful to other owners. Kids like Packhunter and Bolushi win if we lose good members due to their antics. I hope we still see you occasionally.

Boxergirl, I appreciate your response. I remember you too, and I’m sorry for your loss, as well… The time we have with our precious mastiffs is limited, and the loss is incredibly painful. Therefore we should cherish every moment that we have them share our life.


If it’s only two, then there should be a way to eliminate them… weed out the problem before it attracts more of its kind. I’ve seen Bolushi post all kinds of nonsense on other posts, and Packhunter posted the same message on 20 different posts just today… Mental illness is running rampant everywhere these days, it seems. This use to be a great place, knowledge filled and full of very helpful intelligent individuals. I’m sure there are still some of those around. But, things change, sometimes for the better, and sometimes for the worse.

 

[Mag-Pie]

Please atay with us, there judt a couple pf ignorant kids that think there clever. Im enjoying the delete button. One day they will get what they deserve.
Please post pics when you can.

Glen, the problem with ignorant kids is that they are chaotic and deaf to reason… besides, words don’t teach, only experience does. And, once life kicks some sense into them, it’s usually too late to make a difference. Too bad ignorance isn’t painful, we’d all be better for it. I’m glad that you have the ability to use the delete button. Thank you.


I’ll be around. Not sure if I want to post photos of my new boy, but I assure you he is a showstopper. Top of the line breeder, imported champion bloodlines, very impressive pedigree and amazing temperament. This time around I didn’t want to fix someone else’s mistakes, but enjoy my own puppy from start to finish. I’m more than happy with what I got, and the best part is that I can see my old boy in the new puppy’s attitude, and mannerism.

 

[glen]

Glen, the problem with ignorant kids is that they are chaotic and deaf to reason… besides, words don’t teach, only experience does. And, once life kicks some sense into them, it’s usually too late to make a difference. Too bad ignorance isn’t painful, we’d all be better for it. I’m glad that you have the ability to use the delete button. Thank you.


I’ll be around. Not sure if I want to post photos of my new boy, but I assure you he is a showstopper. Top of the line breeder, imported champion bloodlines, very impressive pedigree and amazing temperament. This time around I didn’t want to fix someone else’s mistakes, but enjoy my own puppy from start to finish. I’m more than happy with what I got, and the best part is that I can see my old boy in the new puppy’s attitude, and mannerism.

I can imagine your boys amazing, the cane corso is a magnificent breed, and with the right owner they are so loyal,loving and protective. I always say you dont teach these to gaurd you teach them how to stand down when they are, and certainly how to leave it.
Macs a year old this month, i can also see my old boys attitude in him, there memory lives on him. Hes still very much a puppy in some ways, just a big one, hes 27 inches to shoulder, no idea on weight, he was 48kg at 8 months, he will be going for his vet check later this month.
I hope you stay around, you keep enjoying you boy.
And i will keep deleting the arsewipes lol

 

[Mag-Pie]

I can imagine your boys amazing, the cane corso is a magnificent breed, and with the right owner they are so loyal,loving and protective. I always say you dont teach these to gaurd you teach them how to stand down when they are, and certainly how to leave it.
Macs a year old this month, i can also see my old boys attitude in him, there memory lives on him. Hes still very much a puppy in some ways, just a big one, hes 27 inches to shoulder, no idea on weight, he was 48kg at 8 months, he will be going for his vet check later this month.
I hope you stay around, you keep enjoying you boy.
And i will keep deleting the arsewipes lol

Thank you, most definitely. You’re absolutely right, no need to teach a Cane Corso to guard, but to stand down is extremely important. Indeed, the memory of our past dogs lives on in the new generation of this magnificent breed.


Wow, your boy Macs is a big boy. Happy birthday to him! Mine will also be big, he has thick bones, and at 16 weeks old weighs 55 lbs (25 kg), so he’s going to end up much bigger than my old boy. One of his 2x great grandfathers was called Brutus The Giant.

 

[glen]

Thank you, most definitely. You’re absolutely right, no need to teach a Cane Corso to guard, but to stand down is extremely important. Indeed, the memory of our past dogs lives on in the new generation of this magnificent breed.


Wow, your boy Macs is a big boy. Happy birthday to him! Mine will also be big, he has thick bones, and at 16 weeks old weighs 55 lbs (25 kg), so he’s going to end up much bigger than my old boy. One of his 2x great grandfathers was called Brutus The Giant.

You pups a good weight, id say hes the next brutus the giant, it amazes me how quick they grow, you going to be having a lot of fun,

 

[Mag-Pie]

You pups a good weight, id say hes the next brutus the giant, it amazes me how quick they grow, you going to be having a lot of fun,

Thanks. We’re having a lot of fun, watching him grow and teaching him how to behave. If you’re ever on Instagram, you can check him out at Kazan.The.Corso

 

[glen]

Thanks. We’re having a lot of fun, watching him grow and teaching him how to behave. If you’re ever on Instagram, you can check him out at Kazan.The.Corso

Ok. Ill have a look. Thankyou.