The Cane Corso, a breed celebrated for its strength, loyalty, and protective nature, has various behaviors that can pique the curiosity of dog owners. One such behavior is licking. Understanding whether Cane Corsos tend to lick a lot, and the reasons behind this behavior, is essential for owners to better communicate and care for their furry companions.
Reasons for Licking Behavior in Cane Corsos
Social and Bonding Purposes
Greeting and Affection: Licking is a common way for Cane Corsos to show affection and greet their owners. When they lick your face, hands, or legs, it’s their way of saying “I’m happy to see you” or “I love you.” This behavior is deeply rooted in their pack – animal instincts. In the wild, wolves (ancestors of domestic dogs) lick each other’s faces as a sign of submission and to strengthen social bonds within the pack. Cane Corsos, although domesticated, retain some of these social behaviors. For example, a Cane Corso puppy may lick its owner’s face upon waking up or after a long separation, expressing its excitement and attachment.
Attention – Seeking: If a Cane Corso realizes that licking gets a reaction from its owner, it may use this behavior to seek attention. This could be because they want to play, be petted, or simply have some interaction. Owners may notice that their Cane Corso starts licking them when they are sitting on the couch, reading a book, or watching TV. The dog is trying to engage the owner in some form of activity.
Sensory Exploration
Tasting the World: A dog’s sense of taste and smell are highly developed, and licking is a way for Cane Corsos to explore their environment. They use their tongues to gather information about new objects, people, or substances. For instance, if they encounter a new toy or a strange object in the house, they may lick it to understand what it is. This behavior helps them make sense of the world around them, much like a human might touch or examine an object with their hands.
Scent Detection: Licking can also be related to scent detection. Cane Corsos have a remarkable sense of smell, and by licking an area, they can pick up on scents that are otherwise undetectable to humans. This could be the scent of another animal, a potential food source, or a chemical that has been spilled. They may lick the ground, walls, or other surfaces in an attempt to gather more information through their olfactory system.
Health – Related Reasons
Oral Hygiene: Licking can be a natural way for Cane Corsos to clean their teeth and gums. Their tongues have a rough texture that can help remove some food particles and plaque from their teeth. However, this is not a substitute for regular dental care, such as brushing their teeth. Owners may notice that their Cane Corso licks its own mouth more frequently after eating, especially if there are bits of food stuck in its teeth.
Skin Irritation or Injury: If a Cane Corso has an itchy or irritated area on its skin, it may lick the spot to soothe the discomfort. This could be due to a bug bite, a rash, or a minor injury. Licking can stimulate the release of endorphins, which may provide some pain relief. Owners should be vigilant if they notice their dog licking a particular area persistently, as it could indicate an underlying health problem that requires veterinary attention.
Digestive Issues: Sometimes, excessive licking can be a sign of digestive problems. A Cane Corso may lick the air, floor, or other objects if it has an upset stomach, nausea, or acid reflux. This behavior could be an attempt to relieve the discomfort in its digestive tract. In such cases, monitoring the dog’s eating habits, stool, and overall behavior is important, and a visit to the veterinarian may be necessary.
Normal vs. Excessive Licking
Defining Normal Licking
Frequency: In general, a Cane Corso may lick occasionally as part of its normal behavior. This could include a few licks when greeting its owner, a quick lick of its paws after a walk, or an occasional lick of its lips. For an adult Cane Corso, this might amount to a few minutes of total licking time throughout the day, spread out in short intervals. Puppies, on the other hand, may lick more frequently as they are still exploring their environment and learning social behaviors.
Context: Normal licking is usually associated with positive interactions or routine self – care. For example, a Cane Corso licking its owner’s hand while receiving a treat is a normal, positive behavior. Similarly, a dog licking its coat to groom itself is a natural part of its self – maintenance routine.
Identifying Excessive Licking
Duration: Excessive licking is often characterized by long, continuous periods of licking. If a Cane Corso is licking for extended periods, say 15 – 20 minutes or more at a time, or if it spends a large portion of the day engaged in licking behavior, it could be a sign of a problem.
Obsessive Behavior: Obsessive licking, where the dog seems fixated on a particular area or object and cannot be easily distracted from licking, is a red flag. For instance, a Cane Corso that repeatedly licks a spot on the floor or a specific part of its body, even when there is no apparent reason, may be suffering from an underlying issue.
Accompanied by Other Symptoms: If excessive licking is accompanied by other abnormal behaviors such as loss of appetite, lethargy, weight loss, or changes in mood, it is even more concerning. These additional symptoms could indicate a more serious health or behavioral problem.
How to Manage Licking Behavior
Positive Reinforcement
Redirecting the Behavior: When a Cane Corso is licking for attention, owners can use positive reinforcement to redirect the behavior. For example, if the dog starts licking you while you’re busy, offer it a toy or engage it in a short play session. By rewarding the dog for engaging in an alternative behavior, you can teach it that there are better ways to get your attention than licking.
Training Commands: Teaching commands like “leave it” or “stop” can be effective in managing licking behavior. When the dog starts licking something inappropriate, say the command firmly and then redirect its attention to an appropriate activity. Reward the dog with a treat or praise when it responds correctly to the command.
Environmental Modification
Removing Temptations: If a Cane Corso is licking due to sensory exploration of an object or substance, removing the source of temptation can help. For example, if the dog is constantly licking a dirty floor, clean the area thoroughly. If there are chemicals or substances within reach that the dog is attracted to, store them in a secure, inaccessible location.
Providing Enrichment: Ensuring that the Cane Corso has enough mental and physical stimulation can reduce excessive licking. Puzzle toys, chew toys, and regular exercise can keep the dog occupied and less likely to engage in excessive licking out of boredom.
Veterinary Intervention
Health Check – Ups: If you suspect that excessive licking is due to a health problem, a visit to the veterinarian is essential. The vet can perform a thorough physical examination, including checking the dog’s teeth, gums, skin, and digestive system. They may also run tests to rule out underlying medical conditions such as allergies, infections, or hormonal imbalances.
Medication or Treatment: Depending on the diagnosis, the veterinarian may prescribe medication or recommend a specific treatment. For example, if the excessive licking is due to a skin allergy, the vet may prescribe anti – inflammatory medications or recommend a special diet. If it’s a dental issue, they may perform a dental cleaning or provide advice on improving the dog’s oral hygiene.
Medication or Treatment: Depending on the diagnosis, the veterinarian may prescribe medication or recommend a specific treatment. For example, if the excessive licking is due to a skin allergy, the vet may prescribe anti – inflammatory medications or recommend a special diet. If it’s a dental issue, they may perform a dental cleaning or provide advice on improving the dog’s oral hygiene.
The Role of Breed – Specific Traits in Licking Behavior
Temperament
Calm and Reserved Nature: Cane Corsos are generally known for their calm and reserved temperament. This may translate into less excessive licking compared to some more excitable breeds. They are more likely to lick in a controlled, purposeful manner, such as when showing affection or exploring their environment in a measured way. However, this doesn’t mean they won’t lick at all, and individual dogs may still vary in their licking behavior based on their personality.
Protective Instincts: Their strong protective instincts can also influence licking behavior. A Cane Corso may lick its owner more frequently when it perceives a potential threat or when it wants to comfort its owner. For example, if there is a loud noise or a stranger approaches, the dog may come closer and start licking its owner as a way of showing protection and reassurance.
Training and Socialization
Well – Trained Dogs: A Cane Corso that has received proper training and socialization is more likely to have its licking behavior under control. Training can teach the dog appropriate behavior and when it’s acceptable to lick. Socialized dogs are also more comfortable in different situations, reducing the likelihood of stress – related licking.
Lack of Training: On the other hand, a Cane Corso that lacks proper training and socialization may be more prone to excessive licking. Without clear boundaries, the dog may not know when licking is inappropriate, and it may use licking as a way to cope with anxiety or to get attention in any way possible.
Conclusion
In conclusion, while Cane Corsos do not necessarily lick a lot more than other breeds, they do engage in licking behavior for various reasons, including social bonding, sensory exploration, and health – related needs. Understanding the difference between normal and excessive licking is crucial for owners. By being aware of the underlying causes of licking behavior and implementing appropriate management strategies, such as positive reinforcement, environmental modification, and seeking veterinary help when necessary, owners can ensure that their Cane Corsos’ licking behavior is healthy and appropriate. Breed – specific traits like temperament and the impact of training and socialization also play a significant role in shaping this behavior. With proper care and attention, owners can better understand and manage their Cane Corso’s licking habits, enhancing the bond between them and ensuring the dog’s well – being.
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