Frequently Asked Questions

How do I pronounce Cane Corso?
Kah-Nay Corso.  If you still choose to call it a Candy Cane Corso at least you can say you were educated here!  If you speak with a breeder who pronounces it incorrectly...RUN.

Can I pick out my own puppy?
No, we match the puppy to your based on what you are looking for in a puppy/companion.  

How does Temperament Testing work?

Puppies are taken on their first road trip off site to have the testing done by a qualified trainer.  Puppies are tested individually and are presented with challenges to see how they truly react out of their comfort zone.  Each puppy is tested using the AVIDOG  Puppy Evaluation Testing method and will go home with a report card to share with the new owners.  This gives the new owners a head start so they can focus on certain areas that need strengthening. If any pup demonstrates fear with an inappropriate recovery time, that pup will be held back until their confidence is where it should be.  

How do you match your puppies with compatible owners?
After we have the temperament test results, we begin to match the temperament of the puppy based on the new owner‘s level of experience, favorable qualities and energy of the home.  We consider the puppy’s drive, energy and demeanor. 

How do reservation/deposits work?
Once you have completed an application and gone through the phone interview process, we place you on a contact list.  Once we believe we have a pup that is compatible for you we contact you regarding a deposit.  Please keep in mind we have limited litters.

Do you have a solid Blue or Black pup available?
We understand that people are aesthetically drawn to a certain color.  We do not take color reservations period.  Nothing against it, we just don't do it.  This is not a breed that you can place into a home strictly based on color.  Our goal with placement is to match the temperament of the puppy with the experience and energy level of the home.  We take preferences into consideration but color will not be the deciding factor. 

If I buy a puppy do you want me to keep in touch?
We expect it actually!  We want to know that our puppies are in good hands.  We love updates so we can see how the pups are developing.  Our clients are never a bother to us and the well being of our pups is priority.  Keep sending those brag pictures!

Do you allow visits?
Yes, clients are welcome to come for a meet and greet as long as they respect a few of our safety rules.  Visitors are required to fill out a puppy application (even if they are only in the research phase) so we can get to know our visitors and follow up with references.  We also request 7 days notice prior to visiting our home.  We also ask that you do not bring other pets or that they stay in the vehicle (weather permitting).  If you have recently visited a shelter, rescue or other breeder facility,  please be respectful by letting us know so we can guide you to take the necessary precautions to keep our site and dogs safe.  Oh....and if you cheat your way through all these hurdles with negative intentions, we let the dogs be the final judge of humanity.

How much exercise does a Cane Corso need?
It's more than just physical exercise with these dogs.  They also need mental stimulation.  5-10 minutes of training twice a day goes a long way.  Physically?  They can go for hours but 45-60 minutes a day will make them happy and honestly you will be less likely to pull your own hair out with a mentally and physically stimulated Cane Corso.  

Do I have to crop my puppies ears? 

Absolutely not. This is your choice.  Please let us know when you reserve your puppy if you do not wish to have their ears cropped.   

Is the surgery painful for the puppies? 

When done by a qualified veterinarian the puppies wake up from surgery happy, hungry and ready to play. The puppies are on pain management meds for 5 days post surgery to ensure they are comfortable.  Their ears are sensitive to the touch for the first 2 days but after that they look forward to their daily ear massages.

How old are the puppies at the time of cropping?
Puppies are 8-12 weeks old.

What should I expect with the aftercare?

If you choose to pick up your puppy shortly after surgery to start the bonding process you will be required to do some aftercare.  The whole healing process takes about 10-14 days.  You will be sent home with specific instructions from the performing Veterinarian as to when the stitches should be removed.  We use the black labelled Polysporin Complete and apply it to the edges of the ears 5-6 times per day for 10-14 days.  This ensures there is no scabbing so the hair will grow back leaving soft edges to the ears.  2 days post surgery we encourage you to massage the ears from the base to the tip, as long as your pup allows you to (don't worry they will let you know) until the ears stand on their own.  This helps stimulate the cartilage. Sometimes this takes about 6-8 weeks after surgery.  In some cases the ears will need to be posted in which you will be in contact with me on their progress and will get instructions if needed.

What if my pups ears stand on their own and but fall again?
This can happen during the teething process. Please keep in touch with me so we can monitor the puppy's progress.  In most cases, the ear will stand again on it's own but if it doesn't it may require posting.

What is your opinion on cropping?
We believe that not only does the cropped ear preserve the history and standard of the breed, we also believe it's best for the dog.  A cropped ear can help prevent ear tears and hematomas.  We believe that ear infections are more environmental/diet related  so if you have a dog who suffers from chronic ear infections, a cropped ear certainly helps with air flow.

 
When should we spay/neuter?
We like to see our owners wait till the pups are closer to 2 years of age before spaying/neutering.  We believe that hormones are important for natural growth and development and are required to allow your pup to thrive.  That being said, we leave this decision up to the new owners because at the end of the day YOU are the ones who have to live with them.  If you own a teenager or used to be one,  you know exactly what I'm talking about.

Health Testing vs Healthy?
Any vet can look at an animal on the outside and declare them healthy.  This does not mean that the dog is healthy enough to reproduce. Corsi are susceptible to many health issues including cardiac disease, hip dysplacia, elbow dysplasia, epilepsy, as well as eye, dental and thyroid problems.  These tests can only be performed using specific testing protocols and submitting them to organizations such as Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) and PennHip.  Some of these tests must be performed by a specialist and cannot be conducted by a routine vet.  So  when you ask a breeder about health testing make sure they do not respond by telling you they had their vets tell them their dogs are healthy.  Ask for proof of results.  It's your right as a responsible shopper to have access to this information.

Do you ship puppies?
We prefer if clients can pick up their puppy but we understand that's not always practical.   We do ship within Canada with Westjet.  There are additional charges for airfare, shipping crate and a health certificate provided by a vet.

What do you feed your puppies?
We prefer raw but we understand its not everyone's cup of tea.  Puppies are both raw and kibble fed (separately) so we can best prepare them for their new lifestyle.  We are always changing our kibble preferences so we will give you an outline of your new puppies schedule and what they are eating before picking your puppy up so you can be prepared. 

Do you think off leash dog parks are a good place to socialize a Cane Corso? 

NO!!!! Correct me if I’m wrong,  but I’m assuming that you chose this breed because you aren’t looking for a dog who is accepting of everyone or every dog right? You are looking for guardian type qualities are you not? Please do not put your dog in a situation where they need to defend themselves against another dog who is threatened by a Cane Corso's confidence or put them in a situation where they feel like their owner is at risk from another rude dog at the park. When challenged, the Corso will most likely win and at the end of the day it’s  going to be the Corso’s fault. Sure, until your puppy hits full maturity you may not have any issues but that switch is just waiting to flip. We spend 10 weeks shaping your puppy and exposing them to positive situations, people and dogs to guarantee stable temperaments.  One negative experience at an off leash park can ruin all of that hard work. This being said, if you have properly introduced your Cane Corso to another dog that you can guarantee is a safe dog then by all means, let them have fun.  Use your judgement and keep your dog safe.

What is Socializing vs Exposure?

We don't actually like the word socialize because most people interpret this as physical interaction.  We want you to EXPOSE your Cane Corso to anyone and everything.  Taking your dog to a park safely on a leash while being in the presence of other dogs (also on leashes), wildlife, kids, food, people, traffic, noises is exposure.  Having a well mannered dog on a loose leash, respecting their owner under various distractions is far more beneficial than a free for all (dogs at large) accident waiting to happen.