Cane Corso dogs are powerful, confident, and independent breeds that require adequate space, exercise, and attentive training. However, sometimes these dogs can experience anxiety, which can cause behavioral problems, such as destructive chewing, digging, barking, and aggression.
As a responsible owner, it’s crucial to address your Cane Corso‘s anxiety issues to ensure their well-being and improve their quality of life. In this blog post, we will discuss various methods to calm your Cane Corso anxiety and help them become a happy and obedient companion.
Table of Contents
1. Understand The Causes Of Your Cane Corso’s Anxiety
The first step to calm your Cane Corso anxiety is to understand the cause of their distress. Several factors can trigger your dog’s anxiety, including environmental changes, separation anxiety, socialization issues, past traumas, health problems, and genetics.
For example, if you recently moved to a new home, your Cane Corso may feel anxious and stressed due to unfamiliar surroundings. On the other hand, if you leave your dog alone for long periods, they may develop separation anxiety and exhibit destructive behaviors. Read here how long can you leave a Cane Corso alone?
Therefore, it’s essential to identify the specific cause of your Cane Corso’s anxiety to address it effectively. You can observe your dog’s behavior and seek advice from a professional dog trainer, veterinarian, or canine behaviorist.
2. Provide A Safe Space For Your Cane Corso
A safe space is a designated area where your Cane Corso can retreat to when feeling anxious or stressed. A safe space can be a crate, a dog bed, or a corner of a room where your dog can feel secure and protected.
You can create a safe space by using comfortable bedding, placing toys or chews, and covering the area with blankets or curtains. You can also play calming music or use essential oils, such as lavender or chamomile, to promote relaxation and reduce anxiety.
It’s crucial to teach your Cane Corso to associate their safe space with positive experiences, such as treats, praise, and cuddles. Avoid using the safe space as a form of punishment, as this may cause more anxiety and fear.
3. Exercise and Mental Stimulation
Cane Corso dogs are energetic and intelligent, which means they need a lot of physical and mental stimulation to remain healthy and happy. Exercise and mental stimulation can help reduce anxiety, release pent-up energy, and promote relaxation.
You can take your Cane Corso on daily walks, runs, or hikes, depending on their age and health status. You can also engage in games, such as fetch, tug-of-war, or hide-and-seek, to stimulate their minds and promote bonding.
Another effective method of mental stimulation is to provide interactive toys or puzzles, such as treat-dispensing toys, puzzle feeders, or Kong toys filled with peanut butter or other treats. These toys can keep your Cane Corso engaged and focused, which can help reduce anxiety and boredom.
4. Socialization and Training
Socialization and training are essential for all dogs, including Cane Corso breeds. Socialization involves exposing your dog to different people, places, and situations to improve their confidence and reduce anxiety and fear.
Training involves teaching your dog basic obedience commands, such as sit, stay, come, and heel, which can help establish boundaries, build trust and respect, and promote self-control.
Both socialization and training can help improve your Cane Corso’s behavior and reduce anxiety, as they will learn to adapt to different environments and obey your commands. You can enroll your Cane Corso in obedience classes or hire a professional dog trainer to help with socialization and training.
5. Maintain a Consistent Routine
Cane Corso dogs thrive on routine, as it provides them with a sense of security and comfort. A consistent routine can help reduce anxiety and promote good behavior, as your Cane Corso will know what to expect and when.
Your Cane Corso’s routine should include regular feeding times, potty breaks, exercise, training, and socialization. You should also ensure that your dog gets enough rest and sleep, as lack of sleep can cause anxiety and behavioral problems.
It’s essential to maintain a consistent routine even when you’re away from home or traveling, as sudden changes can cause stress and anxiety.
6. Use Natural Remedies
Natural remedies can help calm your Cane Corso’s anxiety without the use of medication. Some natural remedies that can help reduce anxiety include:
– CBD oil: Cannabidiol oil derived from the hemp plant can promote relaxation, reduce anxiety, and induce sleep in dogs.
– Bach Flower Remedies: Bach Flower Remedies are plant-based essences that can help balance your dog’s emotions and reduce anxiety and stress.
– Chamomile: Chamomile is a natural herb that can aid in relaxation and reduce anxiety in dogs. You can give your dog chamomile tea or use chamomile essential oil in a diffuser or spray.
– Valerian root: Valerian root is a natural sedative that can help reduce anxiety and promote sleep in dogs.
– Lavender: Lavender is a natural scent that can promote relaxation and calmness in dogs. You can use lavender essential oil in a diffuser or spray.
However, it’s crucial to consult with your veterinarian before using any natural remedies, as some herbs and oils may interact with medication or cause adverse effects.
7. Medication
In severe cases of anxiety, your veterinarian may recommend medication to help calm your Cane Corso. Medication can help reduce anxiety symptoms and improve your dog’s behavior, but it should only be used under the supervision of a veterinarian.
Some common medications used to treat anxiety in dogs include benzodiazepines, antidepressants, and beta-blockers. These medications can cause side effects, such as drowsiness, lethargy, and loss of appetite.
It’s essential to follow your veterinarian’s instructions carefully and monitor your Cane Corso for any adverse effects.
Conclusion
Anxiety in Cane Corso dogs can be challenging to deal with, but with patience, dedication, and the right tools, you can help your dog become a happy and well-adjusted companion. Understanding the cause of your dog’s anxiety, providing a safe space, exercise and mental stimulation, socialization and training, maintaining a consistent routine, and using natural remedies or medication can all help calm your Cane Corso’s anxiety and improve their quality of life. Above all, remember to be patient and kind, as your Cane Corso will pick up on your energy, and your calmness will help calm their anxiety.
