Dane x Cane Corso e-collar training

[lady_na]

Hi people, so my Cane x is randomly reactive with some dogs whilst on lead, and quite territorial when dogs walk by the yard (yes, I know this is part of the breed). However, doesn't care if people walk by, not even sure he'd care if a person comes on the property - he'd probably greet them for pats.

I don't want to bury or repress his drive and guarding nature, but I need to be able to provide structure for it and for him to listen to me (when his drive is up, almost nothing else exists).

I am working on drive play with him, but want to work with reinforcing my authority so he listens in high drive/distraction situations. Here (Aus), dog training costs around $300, and the trainers generally have their own collar suppliers they on sell for $300+.

I'm just wondering if it is the best option to go with the trainer and pay the premium to have the whole package, or whether collar training is reasonably safe/effective via guides/videos etc. I have researched collars and found the Sportdog 425x to probably be the best and most suitable collar in my preferred price bracket, though lots of reviews mention it's lowest setting was too high. I'd also appreciate thoughts on this for such a large dog (~56kg). Thanks!

 

[fredg]

@lady_na I'd say consult with a trainer before determining if a behavior is genetic, also if that's what you decide to do, be ready to work with them long term because training is not an overnight or easy process.

 

[lady_na]

@fredg Interesting, lots of the trainers here say one session is enough to give the human the skills to work with their dog. Is it the experience of most people here to work with trainers in on an ongoing basis?

 

[fredg]

@lady_na I feel like it'd be unwise to say one training fixes everything but it'd also be unwise to say multiple training sessions fix behaviors as well, so I feel like it would depend on how bad the dog's behaviors are.

 

[lady_na]

@fredg Yeah, they're definitely not bad, I think it's just poor engagement and inconsistency from me - keeping on top of routine is not at all my strength.

 

[amd358]

@lady_na There are some dogs that just cannot be in public, the more you walk a cane Corso, the more he thinks that neighborhood is his territory to defend to the death

 

[lady_na]

@amd358 Hmm, I haven't heard this perspective before, and this seems a little fatalistic/simplistic. Genuine question, are you an expert in the breed?

He certainly doesn't show territorial tendencies in places where he is off-lead other than the house. He is actually a very well behaved and social dog at his regular dog park.

 

[amd358]

@lady_na They aren't a breed in the development stage, they've been bred since the Roman empire for guarding a known territory.

Also, fuck dog parks

 

[lady_na]

@amd358 Yes, I get this, but breeding isn't the sole deciding factor on dog behaviour. And yes, I understand the issue with dog parks. Under the right conditions though, dog parks are good.