Can Cane Corsos Swim?
Cane Corsos are known for being very large and powerful dogs. However, they are also very athletic and agile. Potentially, this makes them great swimmers. In fact, many Cane Corsos enjoy swimming and it is a great way for them to get exercise.
So, can we answer the question: 'Can Cane Corsos Swim?' Yes, Cane Corsos can swim. In fact, many Cane Corsos enjoy swimming. If you're thinking of taking your Cane Corso swimming, be sure to introduce them to the water gradually and start with shallow water.
But Cane Corsos are not in the elite league when it comes to swimming.
Some breeds, like the Newfoundland and the Labrador are used by rescue services due to their tremendous swimming abilities, and their willingness to work in the water. Others, like the whole gundog class, are pre-disposed to be completely at home in the water, and their working life requires them to run into water to fetch.
The Cane Corso is not in this class when it comes to swimming, but the breed did originate as a working breed, and an outdoor life, includng contact with water, is in their nature.
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So, where do Cane Corsos fit in the hierarchy of swimming dogs? Most dogs can swim, to some degree. Cane Corsos are better than most — they are typically above average in their ability and willingness to swim.
If you're swimming in a large body of water, like a lake, or the sea, you'll also want to have a life jacket for your Cane Corso. Also, make sure you have a good grip on your dog's leash in case they get too excited and try to swim too far out.
Do Cane Corsos Like To Swim?
Each individual dog will have their own preference. However, in general, Cane Corsos are known to be good swimmers and generally enjoy spending time in water. Many owners report that their dogs love to swim and will eagerly jump in any chance they get.
I always smile at the memory of one our dogs who wasn't quite as enthusiastic about the water as he might have been. We used to take him for a walk on the beach in the late afternoon and, almost invariably we would end up trying to encourage him to come for a swim.
So, I would get in the water and bring him in with his lead. He was fine as long as he could stand, but not so keen when he got out of his depth. He could swim just fine, he just wasn't very keen.
So I would swim out a little way with him, guiding him out, and trying to coax him to go a little further every day.
And every day, the second I would let go of his lead, he would instantly start a wide U-turn to go back toward the beach.
It all paid off in the end, however. And he became quite at home in the water and would happily go in on his own.
Are Cane Corsos Good Swimmers?
The majority opinion is that Cane Corsos are natural swimmers and make excellent companions for swimming activities. However, some owners say that they don’t swim well.
It really depends on the individual dog and its abilities. Some Cane Corsos are naturally better swimmers than others, so it really varies. But most Cane Corsos can be encouraged to enjoy being in the water and to look forward to swimming.
If the Cane Corso is not naturally inclined to enjoy swimming, it is really up to the owner to decide whether or not to help them get used to swimming and come to enjoy it.
Can You Teach A Cane Corso To Like Water?
With some Cane Corsos, it may take some time and effort, but it is possible.
It will help if you can get them to play in the water.
With patience and persistence, you should be able to teach your Cane Corso to enjoy the water.
Teaching Your Cane Corso to Swim
It's best to introduce them to water gradually. Start by bringing them to a beach or pool where they can see and smell the water. let them get used to the sensation of the water on their skin by splashing around a bit.
Then, when they seem comfortable, try holding them in the water for a few seconds at a time. Slowly increase the amount of time you spend in the water with them, and before long they should be swimming laps with the best of them!
Swimming Is Great Exercise
Swimming is particularly good for exercise, because there is no pressure on the joints. It is a weightless form of exercise. This is good for you as well as your Cane Corso, but it may have a special application for the dog.
Cane Corsos are prone to hip dysplasia, which can cause pain and make them lame. Our female Cane Corso suffered from this debilitating disease, although it was not severe enough to impact her life too badly.
But others suffer far more from this condition. Under these circumstances, they may not be able to get exercise from normal activities involving walking and running. This can cause their weight to go up, which increases the problem, in a vicious cycle. In this case, swimming can be a godsend.
And the same can be said about Osteitis. Our male Cane Corso suffered from this up to about three years of age. It's a condition that affects the bones of very large dogs who grow quickly. In simple terms, the bones cannot keep pace.
The result can again be lameness, with the same implications for exercise as above. Our Cane Corso had a severe limp for three years, which prevented any normal degree of walking or running.
Swimming can again be the answer, if your Cane Corso is unfortunate enough to suffer from this condition.
Why Your Cane Corso Should Wear A Lifejacket
Your Cane Corso is a big dog with a lot of energy, but even the best swimmers can get tired, or get into trouble in the water.
That's why it's important to put a lifejacket on your Cane Corso before taking them out on the boat, or to the beach. A lifejacket will help keep them safe, and will give you peace of mind knowing that they're protected.
Keeping Your Cane Corso Safe
And, while we’re talking about Cane Corsos swimming safely, here’s one more thing that happened to us, a few years ago. Maybe this quick story will help somebody avoid having a very bad day.
We were living in a house with a large swimming pool. In fact, we had never allowed dogs in the pool, because the resulting dog hair caused problems with the pool filtering.
So we had made it clear from the start that the pool was off limits. None of our dogs had shown any inclination to break the rules, and we never really thought about it.
Until the day that our daughter found one of our dogs in the pool, in a state of exhaustion and panic, frantically swimming in a circle around the pool.
To this day, I have no idea how he got in, or how long he had been in there. Did he break the rules after all this time, or did he fall in? Anyway, however he got in, he was unable to get out. He couldn’t find the steps that led to safety.
My daughter jumped in and guided him toward the steps in one corner. He dragged himself out and flopped down, shaking and panting, in a state of exhaustion. I shudder to think what would have happened if she had not spotted him.
So, be sure that there is no possibility for your dog to take an unattended swim, because it could be his last!
Why Your Cane Corso Puppy Should Practice Swimming In A Kiddie Pool
You And Your Cane Corso Should Have Fun in the Water!
It’s important that you and your Cane Corso enjoy your time in the water.
This will ensure that the dog learns quickly to look forward to swimming.
Just be sure to supervise your Cane Corso while he is swimming, and never leave your dog unattended near a body of water.
Be sure to take plenty of breaks and keep an eye on your pup, as hot weather can be tough on them.
Have fun!
Reward Your Cane Corso With Treats
Let your dog know when he is doing well. Be sure to give them plenty of praise, so they know they're doing a good job. Your Cane Corso will love you for rewarding them with treats, as well -- but save that for when the swimming session is finished!
How Long Can My Cane Corso Stay in the Water?
Cane Corsos are bred for hunting and working, so they have a natural affinity for water. They can swim for long periods of time and enjoy cooling off in the water on hot days.
However, water is dangerous for all us land-dwellers. You should keep an eye on them, and make sure they're OK. Never leave your Cane Corso unattended near water, as they can tire quickly and get into trouble.
Can My Cane Corso Stay In The Water All Day?
No, your Cane Corso should not stay in the water all day. If you are going to be in the water for extended periods of time, it's best to make sure he has a break here and there, and some time to rest. Be sure to provide your Cane Corso with a shady spot to cool off in and plenty of fresh water to drink.
Summary
In conclusion, most Cane Corsos appear to enjoy swimming, but some not so much. How much a Cane Corso likes to swim depends on the individual dog.
Similarly, some Cane Corsos are natural swimmers and take to the water easily, while others may need some help getting used to it.
Ultimately, it is up to the owner to decide whether or not they want to try and teach their Cane Corso to like swimming.
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