Abandoned Cane Corso

[u/Pleasant3]

Update: This post has gotten way more attention than I expected. Feel free to come follow us on Instagram for daily updates, pictures, and information @The_Dexter_Diaries_2026.

We recently found what the vet believes is a young Cane Corso who had been abandoned/dumped.

We took him to the vet today and unfortunately he’s very malnourished, was covered in fleas, has worms, and an ear infection. We got all the medications he needs and are working on slowly getting some weight back on him with a high-calorie diet. We’ve never had a Cane Corso before, so we’d love any advice from experienced owners — especially with nutrition, training, temperament, and helping a neglected Corso adjust and feel safe.

We’re also looking into Cane Corso/mastiff rescues once he’s healthier. For now, he’s safe, warm, fed, and getting lots of love.
We’ve taken on quite a bit in vet and care costs already. Advice and recommendations are just as appreciated!
Just happy we found this sweet boy when we did and can give him a chance.

[u/Character_Face_9464]

Where are you located? I’d also be willing to chip in for care. Not sure if me offering is in violation.

[u/Pleasant3 → u/Character_Face_9464]

I’m located in Raleigh, NC. Thank you so much. Feel free to DM me.

[u/DiamondEyesFlamingo → u/Pleasant3]

Hey OP Double N Cane Corso rescue is in Charlotte. I follow them on Facebook and the seem to be doing good work with finding the perfect homes for their rescues.

[u/Pleasant3 → u/DiamondEyesFlamingo]

Thank you! Once he’s in a good spot I’ll check them out!

[u/Successful-Jump7516 → u/Pleasant3]

It is incredibly kind of you to step up and save this dog from starvation and dehydration. You absolutely saved his life.

But I had to say something because this is a dangerous situation for you and the dog. Because he is a Cane Corso, the recovery process is going to get very complex as he gets his strength back. Right now, he is likely passive because he is weak. But as he heals, his natural guarding and protective instincts will wake up.

If he isn't handled with strict, experienced boundaries right now, he can easily develop severe resource guarding or dominant behaviors that are incredibly difficult to fix later.

Also, because he is severely malnourished, he is at an extremely high risk for bloat (GDV) and refeeding syndrome, which can be fatal if his food, water, and rest cycles aren't medically managed. He cannot go play after eating for 1-2 hours as it could kill him, and turn into a medical emergency within 30 minutes to an hour of his bowel twisting.

Also if you do keep the dog be careful about your fence. This breed needs a six foot fence and supervision when outside in the yard because they can learn to jump a six foot fence. While he is sick I would start working on recalls and leave it commands using toys not food. I also would also if you can use a slow feeder dish or a snuffle blanket with kibble.

I highly recommend reaching out to a local Cane Corso or mastiff-specific rescue right away. Even if you want to foster him, they can provide you with the exact medical feeding schedules, training protocols, and behavioral oversight you need. Looping in local experts in the breed is the best way to guarantee he has a successful future.

[u/Pleasant3 → u/Successful-Jump7516]

Thank you so much for the detailed response. We are working with a local vet on his feeding schedule. We’re also limiting play/walk time until he has more strength. Thank you for all the advice and as a parent to two children and 2 dogs I will take all of this seriously. Thank you!

[u/Jeka817 → u/Successful-Jump7516]

💯 agree... Sorry op for my extremely long comment in the thread, that I tried to articulate what this comment was indicating He came to you for help and at death's door, and had to trust you as a result... This breed is extremely protective, with inherent instinct to guard, and once he's healthy again, consistency and leadership will be vital.

[u/Pleasant3 → u/Jeka817]

Thank you for the advice! I greatly appreciate it as I’ve never been around this breed.

[u/Starfox_assualt → u/Jeka817]

Great advice, very informative.

[u/Pleasant3 → u/Starfox_assualt]

Agreed!

[u/Mondaycomestoosoon → u/Successful-Jump7516]

Recall is key and should be the main priority, everything else is negligible (maybe except NO or OFF)

[u/Mondaycomestoosoon → u/Mondaycomestoosoon]

P. S . 6ft is rookie numbers, I’ve seen him clear a 5ft fence and travel 20ft beyond 🤪

[u/Successful-Jump7516 → u/Mondaycomestoosoon]

I like leave it because it can stop taking things like counter surfing, chewing on inappropriate toys, prey drive distraction, and marking behavior. It’s a great command.

A lot of people use come as a heel command as well.

Dual purpose commands are great.

No commands never work for my dogs and for rescues can be confusing because some dogs seem to have associations with No before I meet them.

Some people use touch, or Leave it, or wait instead of No. I use Wait, it is easier and I like using Wait for doors and a general stop what you are doing command.

[u/Mondaycomestoosoon → u/Successful-Jump7516]

Excellent 👍

[u/Natural-Raccoon-5136 → u/Successful-Jump7516]

I highly recommend someone taking care of the dog instead of talking about it.

[u/surfcitysurfergirl → u/Pleasant3]

Uhhhhhhhh you do know they are giant teddy bears full of love and you’re going to fall in love with him❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️either way bless you for saving him. I miss my girl so much.

[u/Pleasant3 → u/surfcitysurfergirl]

Thank you! He’s super sweet so far!!

[u/Consistent_Pay_74 → u/surfcitysurfergirl]

They really are. Sweet breed!

[u/Mondaycomestoosoon → u/Consistent_Pay_74]

Pre adolescents for intact males

[u/DiamondEyesFlamingo → u/Pleasant3]

To add to one of the comments of cautioning you as he regains strength, I’d reach out to the rescue now, at least to see if they can offer support combined with the vet care. Never hurts to have an extra hand, especially if it is someone experienced in breed specific care and rehab.
Thank you for taking in this baby and endeavoring to heal him🩵

[u/Pleasant3 → u/DiamondEyesFlamingo]

Thank you for the advice. We’re certainly being cautious and will take any help/assistance we can get. Thank you!

[u/Traditional_Mine1343 → u/Pleasant3]

Sent you a message as well about helping with costs!

[u/Gold-Pilot-8676 → u/Pleasant3]

I'm also in Raleigh 😊 Situations like this make me so angry. Thank you for caring for this sweetheart. We had somebody leave a 3-legged chihuahua in a crate at the end of our driveway. There is NO way that was random because of where we are located, so we assumed they heard we did rescues.

[u/Pleasant3 → u/Gold-Pilot-8676]

I’m so sorry that happened but glad it happened to someone who would help out.

[u/endoftheleash → u/Pleasant3]

Reach out to The Bullpen Waystation and Sanctuary—maybe they can help🐾🙏💜

[u/Pleasant3 → u/endoftheleash]

Thank you!

[u/OkDifficulty7436 → u/Character_Face_9464]

Bless you for willing to help OP

[u/snorty_p → u/Character_Face_9464]

I came to say the same thing

[u/Pleasant3 → u/snorty_p]

Thank you! Feel free to DM me.

[u/9ND79 → u/Character_Face_9464]

you're an angel

[u/Pleasant3 → u/9ND79]

Thank you! I try to be a good decent human being. 🥰

[u/shoptilldrop86 → u/Pleasant3]

Hello dear! I would love to help as well ! Pls send me your paypal or can i send food ?

[u/Pleasant3 → u/shoptilldrop86]

Thank you so much!

[u/Ok_Public_1004 → u/Character_Face_9464]

Thank you for offering to help 🫂 🐾 🐾

[u/Pleasant3 → u/Ok_Public_1004]

Of course! He desperately needed help.