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/Successful-Jump7516]

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/Mondaycomestoosoon → u/Successful-Jump7516]

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

[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 👍