Should I buy a CC ?

[irina]

I am glad you reconsidered getting a cc. However, make sure you are going into it with the right attitude. Whatever breed you decide on, training it should never be considered a waste of time. It concerns me when you say you don't mind wasting 30 min to an hour a day on dog training. It's an investment, not a waste of time.

 

[DennasMom]

One curious thing is that everyone who owns a certain breed tells me not to get that breed lol.
On the shepperd forum they told me that they are too energetic and need a good training, on the mastiff forum you guys told me they are not good for beginners, on the terrier forums they told me i shouldn't get one because they chase everything, need tons of exercise and can be dangerous.
I'm kinda stuck here and beginning to think everyone overestimate their dogs

I think the issue is that you only have time at 6am and 7pm... the dog will be with your mom most of the day, not you, and at 19, there are LOTS of other changes expected in your life very soon, that make having a puppy around difficult...

I would recommend you visit local shelters and see what dog "speaks" to you. There are many dogs that need homes (everywhere), and can be great companions that may not come with as many pre-conceived notions of required exercise and training - although some level of both is required for any and all dogs.

The people operating the shelter can be a great resource to help you find a dog that matches the energy level in your home, too. Most dogs end up in shelters due to items outside their control (most often in the states, it's due to a move to a new home where pets are not allowed) - so don't think of them as "bad" or "damaged"... just down on their luck.

There may be some mastiff-type dogs in the shelters, too, so don't rule that out... but you may also find a mixed breed that melts your heart... that happens around here frequently!

 

[DennasMom]

I am glad you reconsidered getting a cc. However, make sure you are going into it with the right attitude. Whatever breed you decide on, training it should never be considered a waste of time. It concerns me when you say you don't mind wasting 30 min to an hour a day on dog training. It's an investment, not a waste of time.

I'm assuming that "wasting" is a translation issue... I read that as "spending"...

 

[alpoimvc]

yes i meant spending.
And when i say i'm able to go at 6am and 7pm i may be able to go more, depending on my school Schedule but i'll prob have some free afternoon's where i can spend a lot of time with the dog

 

[Liz_M]

Are you talking about getting a puppy, specifically? Or an adult dog?
Because a puppy will need extensive training and attention. Not just 2-3 sessions per day, but throughout every day, for months. Not discrete sessions, but an integral part of every day, is what I am saying. Not just a couple of times per day depending on your schedule.

I definitely commend you for thinking this through. For perspective, I grew up with working herding dogs and had Rottweilers for 30 years. I am no stranger to high energy working/guardian breeds. I think your average CC is more intense than your average Rottweiler. I am older and work full-time and realize I do not have the considerable time and energy required to raise another Rottweiler puppy (and raising big strong dogs takes a year or two at least.)

 

[Distaff]

Please just take into account that EVERYONE in the house will be involved, wether they want to be, or not. Everyone has to agree on the same rules for boundaries and discipline, and everyone must be willing and capable of leadership with dog. The dog is to be at the bottom rung of the pack. For example, if your sister is the only one home, and a guest or repairman comes over, SHE must be capable of keeping the dog in check.

 

[Ginurse]

No, no and NO. A giant breed isn't a good first dog, period. Just looking at the possible money you need to have to take care of a giant breed, is prohibitive. I couldn't have covered even the maintenance of my EM at your age, and the training required is also something you need to take into account. It isn't just about walking the pup twice a day, it is about having some training experience and a strong set of boundaries.

I hate to sound so negative, but the CC needs a very strong, experienced owner. You aren't there right now, and in the end, the dog will probably suffer. It isn't about getting the best, or toughest looking dog, it's about getting one you can train, and take care of adequately. There are too many mastiffs in rescue situations, because people got them as a status symbol.

I am not trying to insult you, just trying to let you know that this breed needs an experienced owner.

 

[Lisa P]

My first dog as an adult was a Great Pyrenees, then a Newfie mix, sheltie followed by 4 Rottweilers of varying temperments, I can honestly say that Norman (a Cane Corso) has been the most difficult to train and most expensive heathwise, since we got him at 8 weeks (he is now 15 months) we have spent thousands at the Vet and he requires constant training! We love him to death but he is a very high maintenance dog!

 

[teodora]

well I guess in the end it depends on how much you WANT a CC and how much you're willing to fight for your dream of having this dog. CCs are awesome. They're "high maintenance" though: expensive training (and yes, you need it: youtube videos are not enough, especially for a new owner...), velcro dogs (they need TIME, all your time or possible more), my dog is a one-owner type: no matter how many people in the family, he wants ME, and he wants one to one with me ALL the time. They're intelligent so don't expect them to obey easily: they make their own decisions that don't necessarily correspond with your decisions. And they're strong: incredible strong for their size: a 50 kg CC will be 50 kg of pure strength and muscle: no man can hold him when he's going ballistic, so you have to make damn sure he'll not gonna be started and/or you can stop him at any time using commands. You can't use force. You won't have enough force to stop your dog.
In the end, it's you to make a decision whether you're ready of not: just don't get into something you can't handle (yet).