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Why Is My Cane Corso Scared Of Everything? 7 Likely Causes

  • Cane Corso
  • Posted 3 months ago

Cane Corsos are recognized for being large, powerful, and fearless. However, there is a common misperception that every Cane Corso is exceptionally brave and powerful.

Some cane corsos may become shy, unconfident, and frail. A cane corso’s confidence can be influenced by a variety of factors.

In this post, we’ll look at the possible reasons why some cane corsos are scared of everything.

Signs That Your Cane Corso Is Scared

Why My Cane Corso Is Scared Of Everything

Before finding out what may be causing the fear in your Cane Corso, you must know about the signs your Cane Corso would display if he is actually scared. (Source – Petmd)

  • Trembling or shivering
  • Hunched body, head down
  • Ears back
  • Tail tucked
  • Back and neck hair rising up
  • Freezing in place
  • Moving in slow-motion
  • Repeatedly licking their lips
  • Yawning frequently
  • Trying to move away from the stressor
  • Panting heavily or suddenly stops panting

1: Lack Of Socialzation

If a Cane Corso is not properly socialized as a puppy, he is very likely to become scared of unfamiliar people, animals, or places.

Socialization can enhance dogs’ confidence and help them become well-rounded.

If your Cane Corso is in puppyhood or under the age of six months, you must provide him with positive exposure.

Make him interact with new people, animals, and environments. If you do this, the puppy will develop experience and confidence, which will benefit him later in life.

2: Genetics

Genetics has a significant impact on how the dog’s personality will develop. Puppies inherit traits from their parents, and if any of their parents are naturally fearful, the puppy is more likely to be fearful as well.

According to veterinarians, some nervous dogs may have a genetic predisposition to fear and timidity. Puppies born to anxious mothers are also more likely to be scared.

Training a puppy who is naturally afraid of everything is challenging; nevertheless, with good exposure and gradual instruction, the anxiety can decrease or totally vanish.

3: Traumatic Experiences 

Traumatic experiences can damage a dog’s confidence and cause him to become scared.

Even a single traumatic experience might trigger lifetime fear reactions.

If your Cane Corso had a bad experience as a puppy, he may exhibit other symptoms of PTSD, such as chronic anxiety, hypervigilance, avoidance of specific people, places, or situations, sleep disturbances, fear of being alone, decreased interest in a favorite activity, or aggression.

If you detect any of these symptoms, seek professional assistance.

4: Pain

Your Cane Corso may act abnormally, such as feeling scared or anxious, licking excessively, limping, or scratching a particular spot, if he has a health issue or is in pain.

If your Cane Corso does not normally react scared but suddenly does, it is a clear indication that something is wrong with his health.

If you observe any of these signs, consult an expert because ignoring them might have serious consequences.

5: Owner’s Behavior

Cane Corsos are not recommended for first-time owners or those looking for family-friendly dogs because they are huge and powerful.

They require a strong leader who is capable of training them; unfortunately, some owners go too far and become harsh with their Corsos, even beating them.

If the owner is hostile, the dog will either become very aggressive or exceedingly scared.

Never punish or beat your dog; while you may stop him from doing anything wrong, beating him or becoming overly hostile with him can have the opposite effect.

6: Loud Noises

Loud noises like fireworks, thunderstorms, or construction may scare your Cane Corso.

You may have noticed that dogs react immediately to loud sounds, attempting to hide or move closer to their owner.

Puppies act more afraid when they hear these sounds. However, as the sound stops, your Cane Corso’s fearful behavior should also stop.

7: Changes in Environment

A change in surroundings can instill fear, laziness stress, and anxiety in dogs. If you have recently relocated, your Cane Corso may need time to adjust.

However, after exploring the new home or environment, your dog may quit reacting frightened and anxious.

How To Help A Fearful Cane Corso

We now know the most likely causes of your Cane Corso’s scared behavior, but there are numerous strategies you may use to help your dog stop acting fearfully. Here are a few of them:

Positive Reinforcement

Bring your cane corso to a calm, secure area so he has a place to retreat to when he feels afraid. 

Now, slowly expose your Corso to the things that scare him. Wait for him to calm down, and once he’s calm, give him a treat.

Praise your Corso and give treats when he doesn’t react fearfully or when he obeys the command. 

Regularly doing so can build confidence in your Cane Corso, and slowly he might stop reacting fearfully.

Avoid Punishment

Never hit or punish your dog if he doesn’t meet your expectations. Dogs are not as intellectual as humans, and they require time to learn things.

Beating or scolding them for failing a task will not help; in fact, it may increase their fear.

Socialization

Socialization is essential for raising a well-rounded cane corso. If your Cane Corso is still young, introduce him to other dogs his age and let him play with them in a safe environment.

Invite your friends and relatives to meet your corso and let your cane corso smell them. Your Cane Corso will gradually gain confidence, and his fear responses will diminish.

Patience and Understanding

Things take time, so keep training your Cane Corso; one day it will pay off.

Conclusion

Cane Corsos are enormous, powerful dogs noted for being bold and excellent guardians; however, not all Cane Corsos are the same, and some may grow afraid and shy.

A lack of socialization, heredity, and traumatic experiences can drive a Cane Corso to become terrified of everything.

However, with proper training, you may be able to reduce your Cane Corso’s fear reaction, but this may take some time.

I hope you liked this post.

Thanks for reading!

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