WELCOME TO THE LA SENTINELLA FAMILY!
We’re thrilled to welcome you and your new Cane Corso puppy to our family. This page covers everything you’ll need to prepare your home, care for your puppy, and start your journey together the right way.
Shopping List
- Crate or Kennel
- If you have slippery floors (wood, vinyl, tile, cement, epoxy), cover the area where your puppy will stay with rugs or non-slip mats. Puppies who constantly slip can injure their joints over time.
- Bed – Elevated beds are ideal for warm climates.
- Chew Toys – Avoid deer antlers until your puppy is at least two years old. Their teeth are fragile, and hard chews can cause damage.
- Training Treats – I recommend small pieces of grilled chicken thigh or hot dog, grilled and dehydrated.
- Supplements – NuVet Plus (order with code 356712) and Ester-C Vitamin (Wholistic Pet Organics brand https://amzn.to/47fzlYZ).
- Food and Water Bowls – Elevated bowls are best. If your dog drinks outside, consider using a spigot https://amzn.to/48TKyj3.
- Nail Care – A Dremel tool helps prevent cutting too short.
- Shampoo – Johnson & Johnson Tear-Free Baby Wash works well.
- Dog Food – We currently feed Kirkland Lamb and Rice formula.
- Other Essentials: Pee pads, leash and collar, poop bags, toothbrush and toothpaste, and a potty bell for the door.
Before Bringing Puppy Home
Before your puppy arrives, take a moment to puppy-proof your home. Cane Corsos are curious and learn through exploring with their mouths. Protect them and your belongings by following these steps:
- Keep loose items off the floor. Shoes, children’s toys, and small objects can become choking hazards.
- Clean off low tables and shelves. Move fragile items up higher.
- Wrap furniture legs and electrical cords. Use protective coverings during the teething stage.
- Add barriers indoors and outdoors. Use baby gates or fencing to keep your puppy safely contained.
- Check for poisonous items. Remove or secure toxic plants, cleaners, fertilizers, and foods like chocolate or coffee.
What to Expect the First Few Weeks
Puppies often feel overwhelmed in a new home. Move slowly, stay patient, and teach children to be gentle. Never let a child ride or lean on the puppy’s back, and avoid rough play that can stress growing joints.
When you arrive home, show your puppy where to potty right away. Offer time to explore safely, and guide them to their designated potty area. Before bed, remove food and water, play gently to tire them out, then take them outside for one last bathroom break.
Your puppy will make mistakes in the first few weeks. Be consistent and patient with training. Consider signing up for obedience classes when your puppy is around two to three months old. The earlier you start, the easier it is for your dog to learn and the faster your bond will grow.
Health Guarantee Reminder:
A vet check is required within 72 hours of pickup to maintain your health guarantee. This helps ensure your vet records your puppy as healthy from day one.
Understanding Fear Periods in Cane Corso Puppies
A Guide for New Owners
What Are Fear Periods?
Fear periods are temporary developmental stages where a Cane Corso puppy may suddenly become fearful of things they were previously comfortable with. These periods are completely normal and, when handled correctly, help shape a confident, stable adult dog.
Key Fear Periods in Cane Corso Puppies
1st Fear Period (Around 5 Weeks Old)
• As Cane Corsos gain mobility, their first fear response develops.
• Unlike some breeds (e.g., German Shepherds, which show fear earlier), Cane Corsos tend to have a slower maturing fear response but still need proper handling.
2nd Fear Period (Around 8-10 Weeks Old)
• Puppies may suddenly become fearful of familiar objects or environments (e.g., a chair they’ve seen daily).
• This is a short-lived phase and usually resolves on its own.
• Avoid overwhelming socialization during this time—allow them to observe and process rather than forcing interactions.
Adolescence & “Later Fear Periods” (6-14 Months Old)
• Cane Corsos mature slowly, and some may experience hesitation or uncertainty in new situations.
• Unlike early fear periods, later fear responses are often genetic or environmental, requiring structured training rather than simply waiting for them to “grow out of it.”
• Many Cane Corsos show protective instincts around this time, making early and continued positive exposure critical.
How to Handle Fear Periods in Cane Corsos
During True Fear Periods:
• Keep experiences calm and positive—don’t force interactions.
• Allow your puppy to retreat and observe rather than pushing them into scary situations.
• Minimize new experiences during high-stress periods.
For Generalized Fear Beyond 10 Weeks:
• Start structured confidence-building exercises.
• Use counter-conditioning (pairing scary things with rewards).
• Expose your puppy gradually to new places, people, and objects.
• Avoid harsh corrections—fear should be addressed with training, not punishment.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Flooding – Overwhelming your puppy with too much stimulation.
Isolating – Thinking “they’ll grow out of it” instead of training through it.
Mislabeling – Assuming all fear is just a phase instead of a potential behavioral issue.
Reinforcing Fear – Comforting excessive fear too much can encourage insecurity.
Cane Corso-Specific Considerations
• Breed Genetics Matter – Cane Corsos are naturally protective and sensitive to their environment.
• Balanced Socialization – Proper exposure is key, but too much, too soon can backfire.
• Early Training is Essential – Establishing calm, confident behavior now prevents reactivity in adulthood.
Recommended Resources for Cane Corso Owners
• Puppy Culture Course: A structured guide to raising well-adjusted puppies.
• Professional Trainer: Work with a breed-experienced trainer to ensure proper development.
• Controlled Socialization: Introduce new experiences carefully and at the puppy’s pace.
Understanding Littermate Syndrome
Bringing home two puppies from the same litter might seem like a great idea—they’ll have built-in companionship, right? However, many dog owners are unaware of the challenges that come with Littermate Syndrome, a behavioral condition that can develop when sibling puppies are raised together.
What is Littermate Syndrome?
Littermate Syndrome is a set of behavioral issues that arise when two puppies from the same litter (or even unrelated puppies of the same age) are raised together. These issues often stem from excessive bonding between the puppies, making it difficult for them to develop independence and proper social skills.
Signs of Littermate Syndrome:
- Severe Separation Anxiety: Puppies become highly distressed when separated, making training and socialization more difficult.
- Fearfulness: They may become overly reliant on each other, leading to increased anxiety in new situations or around unfamiliar dogs and people.
- Difficulty in Training: Since they focus more on each other than their human, training sessions can become ineffective.
- Inter-Puppy Aggression: As they grow, fights between littermates can become more intense, sometimes escalating into serious conflicts.
How to Prevent Littermate Syndrome
If you’re raising two puppies together, consider these steps to ensure they grow into well-adjusted, independent dogs:
- Separate Training Sessions: Train each puppy individually to ensure they learn to focus on you rather than each other.
- Encourage Independence: Allow them to spend time apart daily so they learn to be comfortable alone.
- Socialization: Expose each puppy to different people, dogs, and environments separately.
- Individual Bonding: Spend one-on-one time with each puppy to strengthen your personal relationship with them.
Should You Get Two Puppies?
NO would be the simple answer! While raising two puppies is possible, it requires significant effort and commitment. If you’re considering adopting littermates, be prepared to implement structured training and socialization strategies to prevent Littermate Syndrome.
By understanding and addressing Littermate Syndrome early, you can help your puppies grow into happy, confident, and independent dogs!
