Known for their large size and boisterous attitude, Cane Corsos make incredible pets.
They are playful, loving, and loyal. This means that most Cane Corso owners would love to include their pup in all their plans – including their vacation plans!
If you’re going to hit the beach this summer you may find yourself wondering, can Cane Corsos swim?
While they aren’t necessarily natural swimmers, you may be happy to learn that you can teach your pup to swim.
Can Cane Corsos Swim?
With their large bodies and short snouts, the Cane Corso is not naturally a swimmer. But, many of them love being in the water.
If you’re heading to the beach and your Cane Corso can stick to shallow water, have fun!
But, if there is any chance your Cane Corso may end up in water that’s deeper or more challenging, he needs to learn to swim.
This may take some effort (and patience) on your part. You will also need to go into this process with reasonable expectations.
Your Cane Corso won’t likely be winning any awards in the water. But, he can learn enough to keep himself safe.
How Do You Teach Your Cane Corso to Swim?
The first step in teaching your Cane Corso to swim is to introduce him to being near water.
Bring your Cane Corso to your local dog beach or body of water and hang out near the shore. This will allow your Cane Corso to get used to the sights, sounds, and smells.
When he appears to be comfortable being near water, encourage him to get into the water.
Start in shallow water. Make sure to offer treats and plenty of praise to help him see this as a positive experience.
Over time, you can slowly encourage him to navigate slightly deeper water.
Stay close to your Cane Corso to offer support if he does get into trouble. If you notice that he is struggling, help him get to shallow water as soon as possible.
Don’t rush the process. Only add deeper water or new challenges when it’s clear your Cane Corso is comfortable.
What Steps Can You Take to Help Your Cane Corso Swim Safely?
Use a Life Jacket
If your Cane Corso is going to be in a situation where he may need to navigate deeper waters, a life jacket is a great choice.
Especially when your Cane Corso is still learning how to swim.
Make sure to buy a properly fitting life jacket with the ability to accommodate your Cane Corso’s weight.
If you have a Cane Corso puppy, pay attention to when he grows out of his life jacket. This large dog breed grows quickly!
Choose Calmer Waterways
When choosing a beach or body of water to teach your Cane Corso to swim, be careful to choose a calmer location.
While the Cane Corso is a large breed, they are still at risk with heavy currents and undertows. They aren’t generally strong swimmers even after learning.
Keep the nutrition coming
Swimming takes a long of energy. Be sure that you Cane Corso is getting a steady diet of dog food with high quality protein and essential vitamins and minerals.
Pay Attention to the Temperatures
Beach days are often planned during the heat of summer. But, the Cane Corso is susceptible to overheating, even with their low shedding and short coat.
When possible, plan your beach days for earlier in the morning or later in the evening.
Always provide your Cane Corso with plenty of cool, fresh water. This will prevent dehydration and help to keep your dog cool. If you have a Cane Corso puppy pay extra close attention as puppies are more susceptible to high temperatures.
Finally, make sure that you are familiar with the warning signs of heat stroke and heat exhaustion.
