Cane Corso dogs are a majestic breed with a lot of energy and emotions. If you are a proud owner of a Cane Corso, you may observe some curious behaviors of your lovely furry friend. One such behavior is scratching and digging, which may seem destructive at times. But before you get upset, let’s dive deeper and understand why they do that.
Cane Corso dogs have a unique history that goes back to ancient Rome, where they were loyal guards and fierce hunters. Although their role may have changed, their instincts and habits are still intact. Below are some reasons why Cane Corso scratch and dig and what you can do to manage them.
Table of Contents
1. Natural Instincts
Cane Corso dogs are natural hunters, and they have a strong urge to hunt prey. One of the ways they do that is by digging and scratching, which helps them find and catch their target. These instincts are deeply ingrained in their DNA and are difficult to control or eliminate.
To manage this behavior, give your Cane Corso plenty of exercises and activities to satisfy their hunting instincts. Take them for long walks, engage them in games like tug-of-war, and incorporate training routines that promote their physical and mental stimulation. These activities will not only help them expend their energy but also foster a stronger bond between you and your furry friend.
2. Marking Their Territory
In the wild, animals use their scent to mark their territory and warn other animals to stay away. Even though household Cane Corso dogs no longer live in the wild, they still have a strong urge to mark their territory with their scent. They do this by scratching and digging the ground, which releases their scent and marks the spot as “theirs.”
To minimize this behavior, designate a specific area in your yard where your Cane Corso can dig and scratch to their heart’s content. You can also discourage them from doing so in unwanted areas by using barriers, such as fences or hedges.
3. Boredom
Like humans, dogs get bored when they don’t have enough to do. And when Cane Corsos get bored, they tend to resort to destructive behaviors, such as scratching and digging. This behavior is not only tiresome, but it can also damage your furniture, carpet, and plants.
To keep your furry friend from getting bored, try to engage them in fun activities and provide them with plenty of toys to play with. You can also enroll them in training classes or hire a professional dog trainer to teach them new tricks and commands. This will help keep their mind and body stimulated and keep them from developing negative behaviors.
4. Anxiety and Stress
Cane Corso dogs are naturally protective and loyal, and they can quickly become anxious or stressed if they feel that their territory or family is in danger. This anxiety and stress can manifest as destructive behaviors, such as scratching and digging.
To prevent this from happening, you need to determine the root cause of their stress and anxiety. It could be due to travel, new surroundings, separation anxiety, or illness. If you suspect that your Cane Corso is experiencing anxiety or stress, seek help from your veterinarian or a professional dog trainer.
5. Temperature Regulation
Cane Corso dogs have a thick coat that helps them regulate their body temperature. However, during the hot summer months, they may become hot and uncomfortable. To cool down, they may resort to digging in the ground or finding a shady spot to lie down.
To help them regulate their body temperature, make sure that they have access to plenty of clean water and a cool, shady spot. You can also provide them with a kiddie pool or sprinkler to splash around in.
6. Attention-Seeking
Cane Corsos are intelligent and social dogs that crave attention and affection. If they feel that they are not getting enough attention, they may resort to destructive behaviors, such as scratching and digging, to get your attention.
To prevent this behavior, make sure that you spend quality time with your furry friend every day. Take them for walks, play games, and engage in activities that both of you enjoy. This will help reinforce your bond and keep them from developing negative behaviors to get your attention.
7. Why Does My Cane Corso Scratch Bed?
Bed-scratching is a natural behavior in dogs, and it can serve several purposes. One of the primary reasons for bed-scratching is to create a comfortable bedding surface. This behavior is ingrained in dogs from a young age, and they might do it unconsciously, as it’s an inherited behavior.
Dogs use their paws and nose to arrange and tuck in the coverings in their bed to create a comfortable place to sleep. They might also dig into their bed to fluff it up or move things around to get it just right. In doing so, they create a relaxed and comfortable space to rest and rejuvenate.
8. Cane Corso Scratching Bed And Crying?
Cane Corsos are highly social animals and might experience anxiety when separated from their owners. If your dog only scratches and cries when you are leaving, it might be suffering from separation anxiety. Separation anxiety can lead to other issues such as chewing furniture, excessive barking, and even depression. To help your Cane Corso cope with separation anxiety, try to make their alone time less stressful by leaving them with toys, treats, or puzzle games. Over time your dog should learn to associate your absence positively.
Crying and scratching the bed could indicate that your Cane Corso may be suffering from an underlying health condition that is causing discomfort. Several medical problems can be behind your furry friend’s discomfort, such as skin or ear infections, allergies or digestive disorders. These are best diagnosed by a qualified veterinary doctor who can conduct necessary tests and provide an appropriate treatment.
If you’ve noticed that your Cane Corso is crying and scratching the bed even when you are around, it could mean that they are fearful of something in their environment. It could be a loud noise, a new person, or another pet. Consider removing anything that your dog might perceive as a threat and providing a safe and happy space for your furry friend.
Conclusion
Cane Corso dogs are loyal, protective, and energetic breeds with unique behaviors and instincts. Scratching and digging are natural behaviors that stem from their natural instincts, marking their territory, boredom, anxiety, stress, temperature regulation, and attention-seeking. By understanding why they do this and implementing appropriate measures, you can manage and control their behavior and keep your furry friend happy and healthy.
Remember to give your furry friend plenty of exercise, mental stimulation, attention, and love, and they will reward you with loyalty, affection, and joy.
