Training your Cane Corso can feel like a big job, especially since they are strong and smart dogs. Knowing the right commands to teach helps build a good bond and keeps your dog safe and well-behaved.
This article will show you 22 essential training commands every Cane Corso owner should know to make training easier and more effective. With the right commands, you will have better control and a happier relationship with your dog.
1) Sit command
Teaching your Cane Corso to sit is one of the easiest and most useful commands you can start with. It helps you get control in many situations, like when you meet new people or want your dog to stay calm.
To begin, hold a treat close to your dog’s nose and slowly move it up and back. Your dog will naturally sit to follow the treat. When their bottom hits the ground, say “sit” and give the treat right away.
Practice this regularly in short sessions. Be patient and use plenty of praise. The sit command is a simple way to build good behavior and a stronger bond with your Cane Corso.
2) Stay command
The Stay command helps you control your Cane Corso when you need them to pause and wait. It teaches your dog to remain in one spot until you say it’s okay to move.
Start training your dog by having them sit first. Then, hold your hand out and say “Stay” in a calm voice. Step back slowly and if your dog stays, reward them with praise or a treat.
Practicing this command regularly helps your Cane Corso stay calm and controlled in busy or potentially dangerous situations. It also builds trust between you and your dog because they learn to listen well.
Remember to be patient and consistent. Your dog might take time to learn, but it is important for keeping them safe and well-behaved.
3) Come command
Teaching your Cane Corso to come when called is one of the most important commands you can give your dog. It helps keep them safe and close, especially in busy or unfamiliar places.
Start training in a quiet, distraction-free area. Use a happy voice and reward your dog with treats or praise when they come to you.
Be patient because Cane Corsos can be stubborn. Practice often and make coming to you a positive experience. This command also builds trust and strengthens the bond between you and your dog.
With time and consistency, your Cane Corso will respond quickly whenever you call them, making walks and playtime more enjoyable for both of you.
4) Heel command
Teaching your Cane Corso to heel helps you keep control during walks. Your dog will learn to walk calmly right beside you without pulling on the leash. This makes walks safer and more enjoyable for both of you.
Start by using a short leash and hold a treat close to your leg. When your dog stays next to you, give the treat and praise. Keep your pace steady and use a clear command like “heel.”
Practice in quiet places at first. As your dog gets better, try walking in busier areas. Consistency and patience are key to making the heel command stick.
5) Leave it command
The “Leave it” command is one of the most important skills you can teach your Cane Corso. It helps your dog ignore things that might be dangerous or unwanted, like food on the ground or small objects.
When your dog learns to “leave it,” you keep them safe in busy places or during walks. It also shows your dog that you are in control, which builds trust between you.
Training this command takes some patience, but it’s worth it. Start by showing your dog a treat, then say “leave it” and wait until they stop trying to grab it. Reward them when they obey. Practicing often makes the command strong and reliable.
6) Down command
The down command teaches your Cane Corso to lie down calmly on the floor. This helps you control your dog in busy or exciting situations. It’s a good way to keep your dog relaxed and focused.
To teach down, use a treat and guide your dog from sitting to lying flat. Reward your dog as soon as they lie down. Practice this in short sessions often for the best results.
Using “down” can stop jumping or restless behavior. It also helps during vet visits or when guests are over. With patience, your Cane Corso will learn to respond quickly and stay calm on command.
7) Wait command
The wait command helps your Cane Corso pause and stay still until you give another signal. This is useful when you want your dog to hold back, like before crossing a street or grabbing food.
Teaching wait means your dog learns patience and control. Start by asking your Cane Corso to wait for just a few seconds. Slowly increase the time as they get better.
Be calm and consistent when training this command. Praise your dog when they follow it correctly. This builds trust and makes your Cane Corso more obedient in different situations.
8) Drop it command
Teaching your Cane Corso the “Drop it” command helps you control what your dog holds in its mouth. This is important for safety, especially if your dog picks up something harmful or unwanted.
Start by offering a treat in exchange for the item your dog has. When your dog lets go, say “Drop it” clearly and give the treat right away.
Practice this often so your dog learns to release objects on command. It keeps playtime fun and stops bad habits like chewing on the wrong things.
A reliable “Drop it” command makes life easier for both of you and helps keep your Cane Corso safe.
9) Off command
The “Off” command helps you tell your Cane Corso to stop jumping on people or objects. This is important because a large dog jumping can be unsafe or annoying.
Start by using a calm but firm voice. When your dog jumps, say “Off” clearly. Reward them when all four paws are on the ground.
Practice this often in different places. It helps your dog learn when it’s not okay to jump, making visits or walks easier for everyone.
Remember to be patient. Your Cane Corso will get better with time and consistent training. This command keeps both your dog and others safe and comfortable.
10) Quiet command
Teaching your Cane Corso the “Quiet” command helps control barking when it gets too loud or frequent. Start by waiting for your dog to bark naturally, then say “Quiet” in a calm and firm voice.
When your dog stops barking, even for a moment, reward them with praise or a treat. This helps them understand that being quiet brings good things.
Practice this command regularly in different settings. It helps your dog learn when it’s okay to bark and when to be silent.
This command is important for managing your Cane Corso’s energy and preventing noise problems. It also builds respect between you and your dog.
11) No biting command
Teaching your Cane Corso not to bite is very important. Biting can be a big problem if it is not stopped early.
Start by saying a clear word like “no bite” when your puppy tries to nip. Use a calm but firm voice.
If your puppy stops biting, reward them with praise or a treat. This helps them learn that not biting is good behavior.
If they keep biting, gently stop play and ignore them for a few moments. This shows that biting ends the fun.
Be consistent with your command every time your puppy bites. Over time, your Cane Corso will understand that biting is not allowed.
12) Place command
Teaching your Cane Corso the Place command helps you control where your dog stays. It tells your dog to go to a specific spot, like a bed or mat, and stay there until you release them.
This command is great for calming your dog during busy times or when guests visit. It gives your dog a clear boundary and helps prevent jumping or wandering around.
Start by guiding your dog to the spot and rewarding them when they stay. Be patient and keep practicing with short sessions. Over time, your Cane Corso will learn to stay in their place happily and calmly until you say otherwise.
13) Watch me command
The “Watch Me” command is a simple but powerful way to get your Cane Corso’s full attention. When you say it, your dog learns to look directly at your face. This helps you keep your dog focused, especially in busy or distracting places.
Start with short training sessions. Hold a treat near your face and say “Watch me.” When your dog looks at you, reward them right away.
This command helps your dog listen better and follow your next instructions. It can also keep your Cane Corso calm in new or exciting situations. Practicing “Watch Me” builds a stronger connection between you and your dog.
14) Take it command
Teaching your Cane Corso the “Take it” command helps you control what they pick up. This is important for safety, especially since this breed is strong and curious.
Start by offering a toy or treat and say “Take it” clearly. Let your dog gently take the item from your hand. Praise them right away to reinforce the good behavior.
Use this command to allow your dog to accept things from people or pick up objects safely. It also stops them from grabbing things without permission.
Practice regularly in calm settings before trying in busy places. This command builds trust and keeps your Cane Corso focused on you.
15) Stand command
Teaching your Cane Corso to stand on command helps you control them in different situations. It’s useful during grooming, vet visits, or when you need your dog to stay still for a moment.
Start by having your dog in a sitting or lying position. Use a treat to lure them into standing, saying “stand” clearly as they rise.
Reward your dog right away when they stand. Keep training sessions short and positive. Practicing the stand command makes handling your dog easier and safer.
16) Release command
The release command is very important for your Cane Corso’s safety. It teaches your dog to let go of something in their mouth or stop an action when you say so. This can prevent chewing on dangerous items or stopping play before it gets too rough.
To train this, offer a toy or item and say “Release.” When your dog lets go, reward them with praise or a treat. Be patient and consistent.
Using this command helps you control your dog calmly and makes your Cane Corso easier to manage in daily life. It also builds trust so your dog listens to you even in exciting moments.
17) Go to bed command
Teaching your Cane Corso the “Go to bed” command helps you manage their energy and keep them calm when it’s time to rest. This command tells your dog to move to a specific spot, like their bed or crate.
Start by guiding your dog to their bed using treats or a leash. Say “Go to bed” clearly each time you do this.
Reward your dog when they lie down on their bed. Repeat often to build the habit.
This command can help reduce jumping on guests or wandering around the house when you want your dog settled. It’s a simple way to keep your home peaceful and your Cane Corso happy.
18) Soft mouth command
Teaching your Cane Corso the soft mouth command helps control how gently they use their teeth. This is important because Cane Corsos are strong dogs and can accidentally hurt you or others.
Start by giving your dog a toy to hold. If they bite too hard, say “soft” and gently take the toy away for a moment. Then offer it again, rewarding any gentle mouthing.
Keep practicing this often. Your dog will learn to be careful with their bite. This command is useful during playtime or when your dog carries things in their mouth.
19) Crate command
Teaching your Cane Corso the crate command helps them learn to see the crate as a safe space. It makes traveling, vet visits, and alone time easier for both of you.
Start by encouraging your dog to enter the crate with treats and praise. Use a clear word like “crate” each time they go inside.
Keep training sessions short and positive at first. Over time, your dog will go to the crate on command without hesitation. This command also supports house training and reduces anxiety.
A crate-trained Cane Corso feels secure, which helps with overall good behavior. It’s a simple step that leads to many benefits in your daily life together.
20) Socialize command
Teaching your Cane Corso the “socialize” command helps them stay calm around new people and animals. You want your dog to approach different situations with confidence, not fear or aggression.
Start by exposing your dog to new sights and sounds in a controlled way. Use the command when you want your dog to stay relaxed and friendly.
Reward your dog with treats or praise when they respond well. This makes socializing a positive experience.
With practice, your Cane Corso will understand that “socialize” means it’s safe to be around others. This is key for a well-behaved and happy dog.
21) Focus command
The focus command helps your Cane Corso pay attention to you, even with distractions around. Teaching this command builds better communication between you and your dog.
Start by holding a treat near your face. Say “focus” and wait for your dog to look at your eyes. When they do, reward them right away.
Practicing this command daily makes your dog more responsive. It’s useful during walks or when you need your dog to stay calm in busy places. Getting your Cane Corso to focus helps keep them safe and well-behaved.
22) Recall command
Teaching your Cane Corso to come when called is one of the most important skills you can give your dog. This command helps keep your dog safe, especially in busy or dangerous areas.
Start training in a quiet place with few distractions. Use a happy, clear voice to call your dog. Reward them with treats or praise when they come to you.
Practice often and be patient. Cane Corsos can be stubborn, but consistent training will make your recall command strong and reliable. Always make coming to you a positive experience.
