Macky Boy

Hi !

My Name is Vickie, and I am the owner of Mack, a 13 months Cane Corso. He is adorable, and I love him, but I have a few issues with him. I use to have him with my ex, but now I am alone, and it's my first dog, so I need a little help. I won't let him down, but I am not always sure how to deal with his problematic behaviors. It is a very affectionnate dog, that had good discipline, but he is very stubborn.

My main issue is the chewing. I want to be able now to let him out of the cage, but sometimes when I come back he chewed chairs, furniture... Not everytime, and not necessarely because I've been out for long. He has exercise, obey well in the house, but it is hard to deal with since he never does that when I am there. I give him food, chew toys, but it's not enough. I put repellent where he chewed, but he chewes something else instead. So exercice, discipline when I'm there, chew toys, repellent... I don't know what else to do.

Can you help me with that ? Can't afford a trainer for now, it's expensive to move out !!
There is also the barking and the "won't come" part, but lets go one thing at a time. Those are the only bad behaviors, but it is some very important ones that I can't afford. He is a non-agressive, cuddly sweet loving pooch. I don't want to get rid of my dog, I love him and I am willing to work hard, just need to know how.

Thank you for your help... :)

By the way, I have a crate. He use to be in it whenever I had to leave the house, but I tought he was old enough to start being in the house by himself. In his cage he is way more destructive, can't even put a bed for him... I want him do be a balanced dog who cen relax confortable when I'm gone. I also live in the country, so he guards, or at least help to scare theift away...

Hi Vickie, welcome to the forum. There isn't much you can do with Mack as far a chewing goes unless he does it while you are with him. Looks like he isn't ready to be left alone out of the crate. Put him in it everytime you are away or asleep. He will eventually catch on but for now he is not ready to be out of the crate unsupervised. Remember he isn't doing it just to be destructive. He doesn't think that way. To him, a $1,000 coffee table is no different than a limb that has fallen off a tree outside. They are both wood and something fun to chew on. I strongly suspect that he is chewing out of boredom. It is entertaining to him.

Agree the crate may be necessary. Be sure it's large enough!
He should out-grow the chewing----he's still young.

Hi Vickie, welcome, from Harry in Liverpool, It's nice to have you join us. I recently joined myself,
I don't think he is ready to be left alone out of the crate, or supervised. He's still only a Puppy and I agree with Bill, he is probably chewing out of boredom.
best regards, Harry