Puppy class

[Ben Curtis]

Leo, my 14 week old CC, has been having some issues in puppy class that I wanted to run by all of you.

- His first class he was terrified by all the other dogs and hid behind anything or anyone to get away from all the other dogs. We were recommended to leave him and walk away when he follows to get him to interact with the other dogs. He would nip at any dogs that got too close to him, especially if he felt backed into a corner.

- His next class he was much more willing to go out with the other dogs. Still quite shy, and would nip like before if he got cornered.

- His 3rd class was even more willing to play, but a lab jumped on his back twice and he nipped at the dog when it happened. We were told to keep him on a leash next time during free play. Not because he was not being good, but to keep him with dogs that are less "rude."

- His 4th class, I kept him on the leash as instructed. Leo was much more playful, but it seemed to encourage the other dogs to be more playful and he would get himself cornered between dogs, and would revert back to his nipping.

I asked what I should do about this. Leo is great when he is 1 on 1 with another dog, but if you get him into an uncomfortable situation, he has started to learn that nipping is a way out of those situations, and I do not want that to continue. When he is full grown that will be unacceptable.

I was told to train him to walk away or retreat. Next time in class I was told to keep his attention when the other dogs are around. Have him practice his commands and ignore the other dogs. To teach him that the other dogs are not a threat and he does not have to deal with them. This does seem to fit with his, and the breeds personality. Indifferent to non threats. He is very social with people, and dogs 1 on 1, so the two biggest concerns with socialization have been accomplished so far. He just is not interested in puppy play or running with the pack. He would rather hang with people, and it sounds like this recommend will enforce his natural wants.

My question, does this sound like a good plan? Is there anything else you'd all recommend?

Ben

 

[BlackShadowCaneCorso]

I tend to agree with your latest plan. My crew are not forced to have play time with other dogs. They go to classes and are not overtly aggressive to any dogs but they also have no interest in any outside of our pack. During the free time we had in class was when I worked on my sit and down stay. Retreating in this breed is generally not an option, they won't start the fight but you can be certain they will finish it or at least attempt to.

If he is happiest with you and your family and would rather work with you than worry about puppy play time I would say you have a corso that is as he should be. As long as he isn't outrightly aggressively attacking other dogs (unless they are coming at him aggressively and then he is going to defend himself) then allow him to do as he wishes and work with him instead of the play time. It will be good for teaching him to work through distractions.

 

[Ben Curtis]

Mary,
That is just about what I thought. He excels in the class. Part of me wants him to play and get used to the other dogs, but then I remember that I chose this breed for very much the opposite reason. I wanted a dog that was not interested in running off after a person walking down the street, but more interested in staying put just in case there is a real need at home. Love my choice in a Corso!

 

[DennasMom]

I'll share my experience with Denna and her puppy play group - but, she's a silly social EM, not a CC... so... take it for what it's worth.

In Denna's puppy play group - 75 minutes of free-play with other puppies, all <5 months of age - there were some shy dogs. They were allowed to tell the other dogs to "back-off". Nipping was ignored (unless it became aggressive). If the other puppies did NOT back-off, THEY were corrected with a squirt of water (or vinegar/water solution) to the nose. The intent was to (1) help the dominant puppies learn self-control and practice 'listening' to other puppies and (2) allow the 'nippers' to gain self-confidence at their own speed. If the 'nippers' wanted to hang out under the owner's feet, they were allowed to do that too. This was just social fun time, and watching other puppies play was plenty for some of the shy dogs. After a few weeks even the shyest was bounding around in the middle of the pack - and the most dominant (Denna and a golden girl lab puppy) had learned at least a few manners. LOL.