Cane Corsos are large, powerful, and protective dogs. They have a reputation for being excellent guard dogs and loyal companions. If you own a Cane Corso, you may have noticed that your dog follows you everywhere you go. Whether you’re moving around the house, stepping outside, or even visiting friends, your Cane Corso might be right behind you, observing every move. While this behavior might seem overwhelming at times, it’s important to understand that there are several reasons why your Cane Corso follows you everywhere.
In this article, we will explore why Cane Corsos tend to be so attached to their owners, the psychological and behavioral factors behind this trait, and how you can manage and respond to this behavior in a healthy way. By the end of this article, you’ll have a better understanding of why your Cane Corso is always at your heels and how to create a balanced relationship with your dog.
Understanding the Cane Corso Personality
Before diving into the reasons behind this behavior, it’s important to first understand the Cane Corso’s natural temperament and personality. The Cane Corso is an Italian Mastiff breed that was originally bred for working purposes, such as guarding property, herding livestock, and hunting large game. As a result, the breed tends to have a strong protective instinct and a deep sense of loyalty to its family.
Cane Corsos are known for being intelligent, alert, and confident dogs. They are also known for their close bonds with their owners. Unlike some dogs that may be independent or aloof, Cane Corsos often develop a strong attachment to their family members and prefer to be near them at all times. This attachment can sometimes result in the dog following their owner around the house or even becoming overly protective in certain situations.
The strong bond between a Cane Corso and its owner can often result in behaviors such as shadowing, which we’ll explore in more detail in the following sections.
1. Attachment and Bonding
Cane Corsos are deeply loyal dogs that form strong emotional bonds with their families. They are naturally inclined to seek out the company of their owners because they feel safest and most secure when they are close. This behavior is often seen in puppies, but even as they grow older, Cane Corsos will continue to follow their owners as a way of reinforcing their connection.
The attachment a Cane Corso feels towards its owner is similar to the attachment that young children have to their parents. It is rooted in the dog’s instincts to seek safety and comfort in the presence of the person it trusts most. For Cane Corsos, this is typically the person who feeds them, provides for their needs, and spends the most time with them.
While some dogs may display attachment behaviors by seeking out their owners only in specific situations, such as during meals or when feeling anxious, Cane Corsos often follow their owners throughout the day, simply to maintain their presence. This constant attention is a sign of the dog’s devotion to its family.
2. Protective Instincts
Cane Corsos were originally bred as guard dogs, and their protective nature is hardwired into their genetics. One of the reasons your Cane Corso follows you everywhere may be that it sees you as part of its “pack” and wants to keep you safe. This behavior is especially noticeable when the dog perceives any potential threat, even if it’s just a new noise or unfamiliar person.
By following you around, your Cane Corso is essentially ensuring your safety. In their eyes, they are protecting you from potential dangers. This behavior stems from the dog’s desire to keep its loved ones safe and to maintain a watchful eye on the surroundings.
In addition to their physical protective nature, Cane Corsos also form strong emotional attachments to their families. When a dog becomes emotionally attached to someone, they are more likely to stay close to them and follow them everywhere. The bond they share with their owner makes them feel responsible for their wellbeing, which often results in the dog’s constant presence.
3. Seeking Attention and Affection
Dogs are social animals, and they thrive on attention and affection from their owners. Cane Corsos are no exception, and they are known to be affectionate and loving toward their families. If your Cane Corso follows you everywhere, it may simply be seeking your attention or trying to receive affection.
Cane Corsos may follow their owners from room to room in search of a pet, a belly rub, or simply some quality time together. These dogs love being involved in family activities and enjoy being close to their owners. The more attention and affection you give your dog, the more they may feel inclined to stick by your side.
In addition to their natural need for attention, Cane Corsos are intelligent dogs that learn quickly. If you tend to reward your dog with attention when it follows you around, the dog may learn that following you is a way to receive affection. Over time, this positive reinforcement can strengthen the behavior and encourage your Cane Corso to stay close by.
4. Separation Anxiety
Another possible reason your Cane Corso follows you everywhere is separation anxiety. While Cane Corsos are generally independent dogs, they can develop anxiety when left alone for long periods of time. This is particularly true for dogs that are very attached to their owners.
Separation anxiety occurs when a dog experiences distress and fear when separated from their owner. For a Cane Corso, being away from their owner for even a short time can lead to feelings of isolation and insecurity. As a result, the dog may follow you around as a way of preventing any further separation. This behavior is their way of ensuring that they are always close to you and never alone.
If you suspect your Cane Corso may be suffering from separation anxiety, it’s important to take steps to address the issue. Separation anxiety can manifest in destructive behaviors, excessive barking, and even attempts to escape the home. A gradual desensitization process, along with crate training and positive reinforcement, can help your dog become more comfortable with being left alone for short periods.
5. The Need for Mental and Physical Stimulation
Cane Corsos are highly intelligent and active dogs that require plenty of mental and physical stimulation. If your dog is following you around, it may be seeking something to do. These dogs were originally bred to work and have a natural instinct to stay busy and engaged.
If your Cane Corso isn’t getting enough physical exercise or mental challenges, they may follow you around simply because they’re bored. The dog may be looking for an activity to occupy their time and attention. This is especially common in dogs that have not been provided with enough playtime, training, or stimulation.
Ensuring that your Cane Corso gets regular exercise and mental enrichment is essential for their well-being. Activities such as obedience training, interactive toys, and puzzle feeders can help keep their mind sharp and reduce unwanted behaviors such as following you everywhere.
6. Curiosity and Observational Behavior
Cane Corsos are naturally curious dogs, and their instinct to observe their surroundings plays a role in why they follow you around. If your dog is interested in what you’re doing, they may follow you to learn more about your activities. This is particularly common if you’re engaging in something new or exciting, such as preparing food, cleaning, or leaving the house.
Cane Corsos are intelligent and alert, and they enjoy observing their owners. By following you everywhere, they are simply satisfying their curiosity. They want to know what you’re doing and be involved in the action. While this behavior is usually harmless, it can become excessive if the dog is not getting enough mental stimulation or exercise.
How to Manage Your Cane Corso’s Following Behavior
While following behavior in Cane Corsos is generally natural and harmless, it can sometimes become overwhelming or disruptive. If your dog’s constant shadowing is becoming a challenge, there are steps you can take to manage this behavior effectively:
1. Provide Adequate Exercise and Stimulation
One of the best ways to reduce your Cane Corso’s need to follow you is to ensure that they are getting enough physical and mental exercise. Daily walks, playtime, and training sessions can help burn off excess energy and reduce the dog’s need to stay close to you at all times.
Interactive toys, puzzle games, and obedience training can also provide your dog with mental stimulation, preventing boredom and reducing their need to follow you around in search of something to do.
2. Gradually Increase Alone Time
If your Cane Corso is following you due to separation anxiety, it’s important to gradually help them become more comfortable being alone. Start by leaving your dog in a room by themselves for short periods of time and slowly increase the duration. Make sure they have access to toys or a comfortable space where they can feel secure.
Providing your Cane Corso with a designated safe space, such as a crate or a specific room, can help them feel more at ease when you are not around.
3. Reinforce Positive Behavior
If your Cane Corso follows you for attention, consider reinforcing positive behaviors that encourage your dog to be calm and relaxed. For example, when your dog settles down without following you, reward them with praise or a treat. This can help them learn that staying in one spot is just as rewarding as following you around.
4. Be Consistent
Consistency is key when managing any dog behavior. If you want to reduce your Cane Corso’s tendency to follow you everywhere, be consistent in your responses. Avoid rewarding the behavior with attention or treats when it becomes excessive. Over time, your dog will learn to focus on more appropriate behaviors.
Conclusion
Cane Corsos are deeply loyal, intelligent, and protective dogs that form strong emotional bonds with their owners. Following their owners everywhere is a natural behavior driven by attachment, protection, attention-seeking, and curiosity. While this behavior is often rooted in the dog’s desire to stay close and safe, it can sometimes become excessive.
By understanding the reasons behind your Cane Corso’s behavior and taking steps to provide proper exercise, mental stimulation, and training, you can ensure that your dog’s need to follow you everywhere becomes a manageable aspect of their personality. With patience and consistency, you and your Cane Corso can develop a balanced relationship that fosters trust, loyalty, and mutual understanding.
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