Updated Aug 30, 2022
The Cane Corso is a large dog with a loud and deep bark. Cane Corsos were originally bred as a guard dog and their barking is usually an indication of something or someone they perceive as a threat.
Here, we'll discuss how to deal with your Cane Corso barking, and we'll provide you with some helpful tips and ideas.
The Cane Corso's size and strength -- and big bark -- can make it seem like a scary dog. But with proper training and socialization, they can be great family pets. However, if your dog is barking excessively, you need to understand the reason why.
If you have a better understanding of your dog's behavior, you will know if barking is caused by something serious, which needs attention. For example, if it is due to aggressive behavior, or distress, or something requiring medical attention.
Do Cane Corsos Bark A Lot?
No, they are not known for barking a lot. Mostly their naturally calm temperament prevails. Most Cane Corsos will only bark when they perceive a genuine reason to. For example, if there is an intrusion or something seen as a threat. Cane Corsos are known for their territorial nature and will bark to protect their territory and family.
Our two Cane Corsos both have a strong tendency to bark at birds. We live by the ocean, and seagulls and pelicans do frequent flyovers. Clearly, our Cane Corsos see this as an infringement of their air space, and the intruders must be put on alert.
Other than that, they are pretty quiet, unless it's a garbage collection day, or someone comes to the door.
However, how a Cane Corso barks is just as important as why they bark.
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Types Of Cane Corso Dog Barks
There are different types of Cane Corso barks including the greeting bark, social barking, attention-seeking barking, fear barking, alert barking, and play barking.
Greeting Barking
The first kind of greeting bark is when they meet people or other dogs. It's kind of loud and deep with a short pause inbetween. This friendly bark is used when the dog is meeting someone they know or are familiar with.
On the other hand, the bark our Cane Corsos use to greet us when we come home is high-pitched and excited.
Attention-Seeking Barking
When your Cane Corso barks because they want something, or they want someone to pay attention to them, it is called the "request bark". This could be because of hunger or loneliness.
This bark is characterized by a high-pitched and insistent bark that usually goes on for a while. When the Cane Corso is hungry or lonely, this is usually the bark that they will use to get your attention.
Alert Barking
A Cane Corso dog breed might also bark when they hear a strange noise or see something out of the ordinary. This is known as an "alert bark" and usually means that your dog is alerting you to something that is out of the ordinary.
This type of bark has a high pitch and is usually brief.
Fear Barking
The last type of bark is the fear bark which usually only happens when a Cane Corso feels threatened. The bark is usually loud, harsh, and prolonged. The risk here is that the Cane Corso might also bite.
Does Fear Make Your Cane Corso Bark?
One of the causes of a Cane Corso barking can be fear, stress and anxiety. If they are in an environment or situation which scares them, their barks can be back in their throat, and quite high-pitched.
If your Cane Corso barks because he/she is afraid, the best way to help stop this is to slowly desensitize your dog to the fear-causing situation or object. This can be done by using positive reinforcement such as treats and praises when your dog behaves calmly in the presence of a scary item or situation.
How Do You Stop Your Cane Corso From Excessive Barking?
A great way to deal with excessive barking is to use the "nothing in life is free" method. This is very simple and easy, and has the great benefit of having multiple opportunites every day. Basically, whenever you are giving your dog something he wants, you first require him to do something to earn it.
An example is feeding times -- you naturally have your dog's attention, because you have something he wants. So, you might require him to go in his crate to get his food. You might teach him to sit and stay, before he gets what he wants.
We have a whole article on using everyday events to train your Cane Corso, here:
8 Ways To Use Everyday Events For Cane Corso Training
Is Your Cane Corso Dealing With Separation Anxiety?
Another reason why your Cane Corso might be barking excessively is separation anxiety. This can happen if you leave them alone for a long period, and they feel lonely and unprotected without you there. When a Cane Corso is suffering from separation anxiety, his bark can often be quite high-pitched, whiny, or raspy.
There are a couple of ways you can help your dog overcome separation anxiety. The first method is to train them to be alone in their crate. We have a full article on crate training here:
Crate Training A Cane Corso (The Easy Way)
Once you have established a relationship where your dog recognizes you as the leader, it becomes easier to turn your attention to dealing with separation anxiety. And you can continue to use the same "nothing in life is free" principles.
For example, give your dog his food in another room. Require him to be in there for a few minutes (sitting and staying) while you leave the room. Start with a few seconds, and build it up. Each time, your dog knows that he will get his food at the end. This helps teach your dog that there are positive things they can get when they are left alone even if they feel anxious.
Barking From Aggression
If your Cane Corso is barking excessively due to aggressive behavior, this can be managed by training him to obey your commands, no matter what. By reinforcing positive behaviors, you are helping to build trust with your dog and thus helping them avoid resorting to negative behavior to get attention.
Positive reinforcement is additionally helpful in curbing any other unwanted or aggressive behaviors your dog might have. If you are consistent, patient, and understanding with your Cane Corso, it is possible to stop their bad behavior through reinforcement of good habits.
Fence Barking
The Cane Corso is naturally very protective. So he is likely to view his territory protectively. Barking through your fence to people and dogs on the other side is not uncommon. From your Can Corso's point of view, he is just doing his job.
Once again, it is very helpful if you have developed a relationship where your leadership is established. If you are the leader, he will naturally follow your lead. So, use the basic commands, as discussed above, to bring him away from the fence. Teach him to "Come" on command, and have him Sit/Stay. Teach him also to respond to your command "Quiet". You can use the principles discussed above for this, as well.
With these simple commands, you can control your Cane Corso's tendency toward fence barking. And you can do it all by incorporating these commands into everyday events that happen throughout the day.
Why Some Cane Corsos May Not Bark Much At All
Some Cane Corsos might only bark very little, because they are confident and content in their environment. These dogs usually have a stable home life and are well-trained. So, if your Cane Corso falls into this category, you are obviously doing a good job, and have a happy, confident dog.
It is also possible for some Cane Corsos to only bark when there are strangers around or when they feel threatened.
Some Cane Corso dogs are more dominant than others, so these dogs will bark less when they see something strange or out of the ordinary, because they would rather investigate it themselves.
If your dog has these dominant leadership tendencies, you can control barking by being a strong leader yourself, so that your dog follows your lead.
Cane Corsos have an inherent tendency to follow their master's lead. It's in their nature, so it's not difficult to get this working to your advantage,
When it comes to Cane Corso -- or any other dogs -- there is no simple answer as to whether or not they bark a lot. This is because the type and amount of barking can vary depending on the individual dog's personality and behavior.
However, understanding the things which may cause your dog to bark, and being able to differentiate between the types of bark he uses will help a lot.
Frequently Asked Questions about How To Stop Cane Your Corso From Barking (FAQs)
Q: Do Cane Corsos typically bark a lot?
A: Not really. While individual dogs obviously vary, Cane Corsos tend toward not being a big barker. However, they can bark a lot when in social situations, such as when they encounter strangers or unknown situations. This is why early socialization is recommended.
Q: Do Cane Corsos only bark when they are afraid of something?
A: No, they can bark when they are happy too. Or when they want something.
Q: Is it possible to train your dog not to bark excessively at strangers or other outside stimuli?
A: Yes, with patience and consistency it is possible to train your Cane Corso not to bark excessively.
Q: If my dog barks at everything, is he just doing this to get attention?
A: Your Cane Corso might be barking for attention, but it's also possible that there are other reasons for the behavior. You should try to figure out the root of the problem to find an appropriate solution.
Q: How do you stop a Cane Corso from barking?
A: First, you should figure out why your dog is barking and then address the issue with an appropriate solution. Some of the common solutions include dog training, positive reinforcement, and obedience commands.
Q: What types of barks do Cane Corsos normally make?
A: Cane Corsos can bark in all forms from alert barking to social barking. They also tend to be dominant and bark less when they see something strange or out of the ordinary.
Q: How do you train your dog to be calm when left alone?
A: You can train your dog to be calm when left alone by gradually increasing the amount of time you leave them alone. You should also make sure that they are well-fed and exercised before leaving them alone.
Q: Should I see a vet for my Cane Corso's barking problem?
A: It is unlikely your Cane Corso's barking problem would be due to a medical condition. If your dog has medical issues, there will be clues in his demeanor. Such as lethargy, tail between his legs, lack of appetite etc.
Q: Will ignoring my Cane Corso help it stop barking?
A: No, ignoring your Cane Corso will not help it stop barking. In fact, it might make the problem worse. You should try to find the root of the problem and address it with an appropriate solution.
Final Thoughts On Cane Corso Barking
Barking is a natural dog behavior that owners should not discourage but simply control. If you are finding that your Cane Corso is barking excessively, it is important to try and figure out the root of the problem to find an appropriate solution.
You should be patient with any dog training or positive reinforcement methods you use with your dog. Just keep in mind that barking is a natural behavior, and your Cane Corso will never stop barking altogether.
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