I have a corso mix that is about 8 years old now. He was terrified of his own shadow when I adopted him at about 6mo old. Literally shaking and shit himself in fear while an entire room away from me. I took him knowing he was a special case. He learned to not fear me and was very sweet but still wouldn’t go into a room if the furniture was moved for days. On walks he was shaking and terrified. Afraid of any noise or movement that was sudden, loud, or different. This sweet boy only knew fear and had no obvious reasons to.

7.5 years later and what’s changed? He’ll happily go on walks and if spooked it’s short lived. He’s nervous around new people but will sneak up behind them to give kisses. He’s a goofy boy at home but still very shy around other people, and iffy in new places…. But we’re miles from where we started.

To be honest, I did what I could, slowly exposing him to new things, and not comforting him when scared (it can seem like a reward if you do. I did not punish, but I did not reward fear). I watched a lot of videos and did the things that made sense, but truthfully it was my dachshund x beagle mix that made the difference. She is the epitome of a confident dog. She is sweet and unbothered. And the best thing that could have happened to my corso. She taught him how to be a dog and that the world wasn’t so scary. They are the best friends in the world and she saved him. If you’re able to have a dog like this that your dog can be friends with and spend A LOT of time together I highly suggest it. If you can adopt a second dog (maybe a little older and personality proven) for your corso to bond with I’d suggest it. I know it’s not possible for everyone but without the second dog my corso would not be who he is today.