The Cane Corso is an intelligent, energetic breed deeply attached to their human. To keep them happy and mentally stimulated, it is essential to offer playful activities that strengthen the bond and encourage learning. In this article, we explore some simple yet effective games to play together, both indoors and outdoors.
Of course, these proposals and instructions apply not only to Cane Corsos, but can easily be extended to all dogs.
The "Find It" Game: Stimulating Smell and Concentration
One of the games dogs appreciate most is scent work. The "find it" command can turn into a fun and useful activity to develop concentration and self-control.
How to play:
- Prepare small treats (bites or kibble).
- Hide them in accessible but not too obvious places: under a cushion, behind a door, inside a box.
- Give the "find-find" command and let your dog use their nose to find them.
Benefits:
- Deep mental stimulation.
- Reduction of stress and boredom.
- Strengthening of the dog-human bond.
Fetch with Two Balls: Energy and Control
The classic game of fetch can be made more interesting by using two balls. This trick helps prevent the dog from holding onto the ball without giving it back.
How it works:
- Throw the first ball and let the dog chase it.
- When they return toward you, show the second ball.
- Curious, the dog will drop the first one to get the second.
- Repeat by alternating the two balls.
Why it's useful:
- Encourages movement and physical activity.
- Teaches the "drop it" command naturally.
- Encourages cooperation and obedience.
The Box Game: Curiosity, Ingenuity, and Patience
Simple in appearance but surprisingly engaging, the box game is an excellent problem-solving exercise for the Cane Corso. This game exploits the dog's natural curiosity and invites them to reason to win the prize.
How to prepare the game:
- Take a fairly sturdy cardboard box, not too big but comfortable to handle.
- Insert one or more delicious treats inside.
- Close the box without sealing it completely: fold the lid or tuck the flaps so the dog has to work a bit to open it.
- Present the box to your dog and encourage them to explore it with their nose and paws.
Variants to make it more interesting:
- Use boxes of different shapes or with side openings.
- Insert other harmless objects inside the box (such as crumpled paper) to make the search more complex.
- Combine the game with the "find it" command to add an educational element.
What they learn:
- To use strategies to solve problems.
- To control impulsivity and maintain calm.
- To concentrate on a goal independently.
This game is also ideal for rainy days or when looking for a quiet activity to do at home. It is amazing to see how rewarding it can be for a dog to successfully "conquer" their reward, all by themselves!