10/16/2026
PUPPY GO HOME INFORMATION
Diet: ORIJEN LARGE PUPPY AMAZING GRAINS: Begin with approximately 2 cups daily (1 cup in the morning and 1 cup in the evening), or the amount recommended on the bag for your puppy's current age, weight, and nutritional needs. Adjust portions as your puppy grows.
If you wish to switch to a different kibble, we strongly recommend waiting at least 2 months after bringing your puppy home. Moving into a new home is already a significant adjustment, and changing food too soon can create unnecessary digestive stress. Sudden diet changes may cause diarrhea, decreased appetite, weight loss, and digestive discomfort.
When transitioning to a new food, introduce it gradually by mixing increasing amounts of the new kibble with the ORIJEN kibble over approximately 14-21 days or longer if necessary.
Please contact your breeder if you would like recommendations for other foods that meet the nutritional needs of a growing Cane Corso. We highly recommend ORIJEN Large Puppy Amazing Grains for our puppies.
THE DO'S AND DON'TS:
- Allow your puppy or adult dog to rest for at least 45-60 minutes after eating or drinking a large amount of water. Avoid strenuous activity immediately before and after meals. Cane Corsos are a deep-chested breed and can be susceptible to gastric dilatation-volvulus (GDV), commonly called bloat. This is a life-threatening emergency requiring immediate veterinary attention. Although resting after meals cannot guarantee prevention, avoiding strenuous activity around mealtimes is a reasonable precaution. We also recommend discussing a preventative gastropexy (stomach tacking procedure) with your veterinarian, particularly when scheduling a spay or neuter.
-DO NOT FREE FEED. Feed measured portions on a consistent schedule, generally morning and evening. Follow the feeding guidelines for your dog's age, weight, activity level, and body condition. Adjust portions as your puppy grows. Avoid overfeeding or encouraging rapid growth.
We recommend transitioning to an appropriate adult food around 24 months of age, such as ORIJEN Original Amazing Grains, depending on your dog's development.
- OPTIONAL: RAW FEEDING. If you wish to incorporate raw food into your puppy's diet, we recommend limiting it to approximately 10% of their daily food intake as a topper or mix-in during the first 18–24 months. A high-quality, complete large-breed puppy food is formulated to provide the balanced nutrition necessary for healthy growth and development.
Once your dog reaches physical maturity, you may choose to continue the 90% kibble/10% raw combination or discuss a different feeding ratio with a qualified veterinary nutritionist.
DO YOUR RESEARCH BEFORE FEEDING A RAW DIET. A homemade raw diet must be properly formulated to provide balanced nutrition. Simply combining raw meat, organs, and vegetables does not guarantee a nutritionally complete diet. An improperly balanced diet can cause serious nutritional deficiencies, particularly in growing puppies.
We recommend working with a board-certified veterinary nutritionist before transitioning to a primarily or entirely homemade raw diet. ORIJEN is our preferred kibble because of its animal-protein-focused formulations and suitability for our feeding program.
-BE CAUTIOUS WITH COMBINATION FLEA, TICK, AND HEARTWORM MEDICATIONS. Our kennel prefers discussing separate parasite-prevention products with our veterinarian rather than automatically choosing a combination medication. Certain medications in the Isoxazoline class, including some combination products, carry FDA warnings regarding possible neurological adverse reactions, including tremors, ataxia, and seizures. These reactions are uncommon and are not exclusive to giant breeds.
Discuss your dog's individual risk factors with your veterinarian. Products such as Bravecto for flea and tick prevention and Heartgard Plus for heartworm and certain intestinal parasite prevention may be options, depending on your dog's age, weight, health, and veterinary recommendations. Never discontinue prescribed parasite prevention without arranging an appropriate alternative with your veterinarian.
-DO NOT OVEREXERCISE YOUR DOG BEFORE 18–24 MONTHS OF AGE. Cane Corsos are large, powerful dogs whose bones, joints, and growth plates are still developing. Avoid forced long-distance running, repetitive jumping, excessive stair climbing, strenuous exercise equipment, and high-impact activities while your puppy is growing. Assist your puppy when entering or exiting tall vehicles.
Normal play, short walks, age-appropriate exercise, and controlled exploration are encouraged. Exercise should build confidence and coordination without placing unnecessary stress on developing joints.
-USE A SLOW FEEDER BOWL- if your puppy eats too quickly. Slow feeders can help encourage a more controlled eating pace.
-CRATE TRAINING IS EXTREMELY IMPORTANT. Crate training is one of the most useful tools for housebreaking, establishing routines, and keeping your puppy safe. A crate provides a secure place where your puppy can rest without being disturbed.
Crate training also prepares your dog for situations such as emergency transportation, veterinary hospitalization, boarding, grooming appointments, and natural disasters.
Your puppy should be safely confined in a crate or puppy-proofed area whenever they cannot be supervised. This prevents accidents, destructive behavior, and potentially dangerous situations involving swallowed household objects.
We recommend establishing a nighttime crate routine for at least the first 4–6 months. After that, the decision to allow unsupervised freedom should depend on your dog's maturity, housebreaking progress, and behavior. Always provide appropriate bathroom breaks and never use the crate as punishment.
-WE DO NOT RECOMMEND USING A HARNESS AS A SUBSTITUTE FOR LEASH TRAINING. A Cane Corso will eventually become a very strong adult dog, so proper leash manners must begin immediately. A harness does not automatically teach a dog to walk politely, and some designs may allow a dog to pull more effectively.
Our preference is a properly fitted collar and traditional leash, with guidance from a qualified trainer when necessary. A correctly fitted harness may still be appropriate for certain dogs and activities. Regardless of equipment, your puppy must learn to walk calmly without pulling, dragging, or lunging.
-THE BREEDER WILL SUBMIT YOUR AKC REGISTRATION PAPERWORK. Once registration is processed, you should receive confirmation electronically, followed by your official AKC registration certificate according to AKC's current processing and mailing timelines. AKC Prepaid is covered by your Breeder.
If you have not selected your puppy's registered name at pickup, the breeder may temporarily delay registration until the name has been finalized.
-NO DOG PARKS!
Dog parks: Because the name "Disease-Ridden Fight Club" didn't have quite the same ring to it!
In all seriousness, we strongly discourage dog parks. They present unnecessary risks involving disease exposure, uncontrolled interactions, fights, and negative experiences that can affect your dog's behavior long-term.
-SOCIALIZATION IS ESSENTIAL AND SHOULD CONTINUE THROUGHOUT YOUR DOG'S LIFE. Proper socialization begins at a young age and is especially important for a naturally protective breed such as the Cane Corso.
Your dog does not need dozens of canine friends. A small circle of one to three familiar, well-behaved, appropriately vaccinated dogs is often more beneficial than repeated interactions with unfamiliar dogs.
Expose your puppy to a variety of people, environments, sounds, surfaces, and everyday situations. This includes people of different ages and appearances, people using wheelchairs, walkers, or canes, and individuals wearing hats, uniforms, or other unfamiliar clothing.
Practice handling your puppy's paws, ears, mouth, teeth, tail, and body to prepare them for grooming, nail trimming, veterinary examinations, and routine care.
THE GOAL OF SOCIALIZATION IS NOT TO MAKE YOUR CANE CORSO LOVE EVERYONE. THE GOAL IS TO DEVELOP A CONFIDENT, STABLE DOG THAT REMAINS CALM, NEUTRAL, AND RESPONSIVE TO ITS HANDLER IN DIFFERENT ENVIRONMENTS.
Never force interactions or allow strangers to overwhelm your puppy.
-WE DO NOT RECOMMEND PROTECTION TRAINING FOR THE AVERAGE FAMILY CANE CORSO. This breed already possesses natural protective instincts. Encouraging aggression or suspicious behavior is unnecessary and can create serious behavioral problems. Focus on obedience, confidence, impulse control, and appropriate behavior.
-REFER TO YOUR PUPPY'S HEALTH RECORDS AND VETERINARY HEALTH CERTIFICATE for upcoming vaccination appointments, physical examinations, f***l testing, deworming, and parasite prevention. Keeping these appointments is essential.
-LIMIT VISITORS DURING THE FIRST FEW WEEKS. Your puppy needs time to become comfortable with their new home, family, and routine. Avoid inviting large groups of people over immediately after pickup.
Introductions to existing household dogs should be gradual, controlled, and supervised. Do not force immediate interactions.
-GOING OUT IN PUBLIC WITH YOUR NEW PUPPY: Young puppies are particularly vulnerable to infectious diseases while completing their vaccination series, typically through approximately 16 weeks of age or as directed by your veterinarian.
Socialization is still important during this period, but outings should be carefully managed. Carry your puppy when appropriate, use clean surfaces, and avoid heavily trafficked areas where unfamiliar dogs frequently eliminate.
If visiting a pet-friendly store, carrying your puppy or using a clean, lined shopping cart can reduce contact with contaminated ground, although it does not eliminate all disease risks.
ADVOCATE FOR YOUR PUPPY! You have every right to tell strangers not to touch, pick up, or approach your puppy. Your puppy does not need to meet every person or play with random dogs at a Pet Store.
-REGISTER YOUR MICROCHIP WITHIN 24 HOURS OF PICKUP! Your puppy's Fi Nano microchip has already been paid for. Scan the QR code included in your folder, visit the website listed on your microchip information card, or contact Fi Nano directly.
Make sure your name, phone number, address, and email are accurate. Update this information whenever you move or change contact details.
Ear Cropping Care and Maintenance:
STITCH REMOVAL: Your puppy's stitches must be removed according to the cropping veterinarian's instructions.
Ear Cropping Date: [DATE]
Required Stitch Removal Date: [DATE] [10 DAYS AFTER SURGERY]
The incision areas are sensitive and should be handled carefully. Always wash your hands before touching your puppy's ears, and avoid unnecessary handling.
Follow the cropping veterinarian's instructions for cleaning and wound care. Keep the incision areas clean and monitor for redness, swelling, discharge, unusual odor, or discomfort. Do not apply ointments or cleaning products unless specifically recommended by the veterinarian.
IMPORTANT MEDICATION INSTRUCTIONS:
Depending on your puppy's age and the timing of their ear-cropping procedure, the breeder may have already completed all prescribed anti-inflammatory medications and antibiotics required by the veterinarian who performed the crop.
Alternatively, your puppy may be sent home with medications that must be continued.
IF MEDICATION IS PROVIDED, YOU MUST FOLLOW ALL WRITTEN INSTRUCTIONS EXACTLY.
This includes:
- Giving the correct prescribed amount of medication.
- Administering each dose at the required time of day.
- Completing the medication for the full number of days prescribed.
- Never skipping doses, changing the dosage, or stopping medication early without veterinary approval.
Your breeder will explain any medications being sent home and provide the necessary instructions. Follow the prescribing veterinarian's directions and contact the veterinarian immediately if your puppy develops an adverse reaction or you have concerns.
EAR POSTING IS EXTREMELY IMPORTANT FROM 10–16 WEEKS OF AGE!
Once the stitches have been removed, the incisions have completely healed, and the veterinarian has cleared your puppy for posting, you should begin a consistent ear-posting routine.
OUR KENNEL STRONGLY RECOMMENDS CONTINUOUS, PROPER EAR POSTING FROM APPROXIMATELY 10 THROUGH 16 WEEKS OF AGE, EVEN IF YOUR PUPPY'S EARS ARE ALREADY STANDING!
Just because your puppy's ears appear to stand naturally at 10, 12, or 14 weeks does not mean they are ready to remain unsupported.
Stopping too early may allow the ears to fall, fold, or develop an unwanted crease. Some puppies require additional posting beyond 16 weeks, especially during teething.
DO NOT STOP POSTING SIMPLY BECAUSE THE EARS LOOK GOOD!
Continue following the recommended posting schedule and check the ears regularly for irritation. Posting should never cause sores, restricted circulation, or significant discomfort.
Contact your breeder if you need assistance or have questions about when to continue or discontinue posting.
Supplies Needed to Post the Ears:
Depending on the posting method recommended by your breeder or cropping veterinarian, supplies may include:
- Molefoam
- Medical bonding adhesive
- Medical tape
- Appropriate ear-posting supports
- Skin-safe adhesive removal products
- Veterinary-approved cleaning products
There are several ear-posting techniques, including the molefoam method. If you are unfamiliar with posting, ask your breeder or veterinarian for a demonstration. Instructional videos can also provide a helpful visual reference, but they should not replace proper guidance.
Ear posting may seem intimidating at first, but it becomes easier with practice. Your posts do not have to look identical to those you see online. The goal is to provide appropriate support while keeping the ears comfortable, clean, and free of irritation.
Never post over open incisions, unhealed wounds, or irritated skin.
If you are unsure whether your puppy's ears are ready to be posted, contact your breeder or cropping veterinarian before beginning.
First 24 Hours!
-CONSIDER PET INSURANCE OR ESTABLISH AN EMERGENCY VETERINARY FUND. We strongly recommend preparing financially for unexpected veterinary expenses. Large and giant-breed dogs can have significantly higher medical costs because of their size, medication requirements, and potential need for specialized care.
Information regarding Trupanion and AKC Pet Insurance may be included in your folder or email. Review the enrollment instructions immediately, as certain promotional offers or coverage benefits may require activation within 24 hours of pickup. Coverage terms, waiting periods, and eligibility vary by policy.
-REGISTER YOUR MICROCHIP IMMEDIATELY! Your Fi Nano microchip information and QR code are included in your puppy's folder. Complete your registration within 24 hours of bringing your puppy home.
PLEASE REMEMBER: YOUR PUPPY HAS JUST EXPERIENCED A MAJOR LIFE CHANGE!
Your puppy may be nervous, tired, or overwhelmed after traveling by car, airplane, or transportation service. They have also left behind their mother, littermates, familiar surroundings, and daily routine.
Give your puppy time to settle in, explore safely, and become comfortable with their new family.
Avoid inviting large groups of visitors over during the first few weeks, and do not immediately introduce your puppy to unfamiliar dogs or other household pets.
Some puppies may experience temporary digestive upset following travel, stress, vaccinations, deworming, or recent veterinary procedures. You may notice softer stools, changes in appetite, or occasional visible worms after deworming.
However, persistent diarrhea, vomiting, blood in the stool, refusal to eat, dehydration, or unusual lethargy should never be ignored. Contact your veterinarian promptly if these symptoms occur.
Always provide fresh drinking water and maintain your puppy's regular feeding schedule. If digestive support is needed, ask your veterinarian or breeder about appropriate canine probiotics or other products, such as Bernie's Perfect P**p. Plain pumpkin puree may also be appropriate in small amounts when recommended by your veterinarian.
Most importantly, be patient. Your puppy is learning an entirely new environment, routine, and family.
Welcome to the Magical Creature Cane Corso family! We are always available to help answer questions and support you throughout your dog's life.
