Genetics is so key to a dog's behavior it can't be emphasized enough. A dog that is simply wary or a bit unsure about strangers can be helped with lots of positive socialization especially when he is young. Followed by solid OB. Read up on socialization and how it is done correctly on Leerburg and watch the free videos where Michael Ellis talks about different types of aggression.

What were the sire/dam of your pup like and did you meet them? What about the other puppies in the litter? A look at the siblings, parents, grandparents will tell you whether the bizarre stealing incident had anything to do with what you're seeing or if this normal for the breeding you got the dog from.

I'd hazard a guess that this is genetic and nothing to do with the incident you described.

 Quote: Kiersten Lippman

Genetics is so key to a dog's behavior it can't be emphasized enough. A dog that is simply wary or a bit unsure about strangers can be helped with lots of positive socialization especially when he is young. Followed by solid OB. Read up on socialization and how it is done correctly on Leerburg and watch the free videos where Michael Ellis talks about different types of aggression.

What were the sire/dam of your pup like and did you meet them? What about the other puppies in the litter? A look at the siblings, parents, grandparents will tell you whether the bizarre stealing incident had anything to do with what you're seeing or if this normal for the breeding you got the dog from.

I'd hazard a guess that this is genetic and nothing to do with the incident you described.

I agree

I went to the breeders house in ohio to pick him up just for the reason of meeting parents, I was pleased with both parents, When I brought him home he adjusted really well, Immediately came in and act like he owned the place, Was very easy to house break, I noticed he is not learey of noises in the house like sweeper, he is very curious, As far as the pup getting out and that guy finding him I am not thinking so, I have a double fence the out side fence is a 7ft privacy fence and a 4ft fence that is inside the privacy fence, There is a gate by the garage and I leave that unlocked incase I ever lock my self out of the house, I can go threw the gate to back yard then through the sliding glass kitchen door. That guy lives 3 blocks to the west of me,if he was to turn right towards me he would be heading down a dead end street and away from the main road. I will read all that I can on Leerburg today and slowly start using the info. We are going to have 70 degree wheather all week I hope to make some accomplishments.

I didnt call the police because I really didn't have any proof of anything, infact the guy looks like the good guy for comeing to get me,the 4:30 in the morning is very strange. I drove close to his house later Sunday just to see if his truck was still there and it was in the exact same spot, so I thought it wasn't like the man was getting up to go to a job and wanted to return the pup before he went. I was home at 7 there was alot of time he could of return him before 4:30 in the morning, I was also outside looking and talking to neighbors until like 11.I dont know I'm over all of that part of it, I just want to move forward,And like connie said I am so lucky to get him back, I cried and prayed for hours that Saturday nite.

I didnt call the police because I really didn't have any proof of anything, infact the guy looks like the good guy for comeing to get me,the 4:30 in the morning is very strange. I drove close to his house later Sunday just to see if his truck was still there and it was in the exact same spot, so I thought it wasn't like the man was getting up to go to a job and wanted to return the pup before he went. I was home at 7 there was alot of time he could of return him before 4:30 in the morning, I was also outside looking and talking to neighbors until like 11.I dont know I'm over all of that part of it, I just want to move forward,And like connie said I am so lucky to get him back, I cried and prayed for hours that Saturday nite.

I didnt call the police because I really didn't have any proof of anything, infact the guy looks like the good guy for comeing to get me,the 4:30 in the morning is very strange. I drove close to his house later Sunday just to see if his truck was still there and it was in the exact same spot, so I thought it wasn't like the man was getting up to go to a job and wanted to return the pup before he went. I was home at 7 there was alot of time he could of return him before 4:30 in the morning, I was also outside looking and talking to neighbors until like 11.I dont know I'm over all of that part of it, I just want to move forward,And like connie said I am so lucky to get him back, I cried and prayed for hours that Saturday nite.

Here is another interpretation. The guy has a family member that is up to no good. He saw that a new puppy had been brought in without explanation. He managed to get the information of where the pup was taken. He waited until everything was quiet, and then went and got you to come and get your pup. He disappeared immediately to make sure no one from the house knew what was going on.

I don't know. It is all so strange because you all know where each other lives! Very odd indeed.

Debbie;
FWIW, there is a Cane Corso in our SchH club who does excellent OB work, is very motivated for tug, and seldom refuses OB commands (he even heels on different sides depending on which person is handling him). When he does refuse, it seems to be more from confusion than stubbornness. His people (a young couple) are very experienced dog handlers and trend toward "problem" breeds. The dog is aloof and is not handled by anyone other than his owners, and has not been introduced to bitework.
From what I've seen, his people are very strong pack leaders; they do a lot of praising and playing, but they are firm in their training. They don't use prongs, halters, or strong corrections; just consistency and love.
While everyone here is right about the genetic disposition of the breed, there are always exceptions, and good leadership and much lovin' are the keys.
Best of luck with your boy. Patience and love!

For what its worth here, this is what abuse can do. My DS came from a bad situation, neglect and abuse (handshy but not much considering the abuse). It didn't take him long to learn that I wasn't going to hit him, anything he had never ever seen before due to being crated/kenneled 24/7 he quickly accepted with cautious curiosity at times, no sound shyness, only showed avoidance of fenced dogs....not afraid of the dogs but the fenced area (I really think it was just reminded him of where he came from)...my solution at the time was to take him to the fence and let him sniff them (they were friendly labs). He quickly grew to ignore fenced dogs as a threat once he realized approaching wouldn't mean me leaving him in there.

He is actually very curious, never shy, never hand shy anymore, fearless to the point of insanity almost, a really cool dog. You'd never know he was abused or neglected. I guess genetically he is very good and stable and recovered quickly. He mostly needed to be exposed to new environments. Hopefully your Corso will recover very well...is it possible is a fear period for him also? I don't know anything about the breed.

I am a CC owner, genetics could be the shy issue here, but solid bonding with socialation will prevail. They are not stubborn as a breed trait, in fact they are eager to please once you find what motivates your dog. I have had working and hunting dogs all my life and this has been a fantastic breed to work with.
Glad you were fortunate to get your dog back.