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October 3-7 | Starting at $500The Reset Retreat: Yucca Valley
What to Expect
Yes I offer ear cropping for a additional Cost. The Cropping price does vary and is due at time of deposit.
Ear cropping, though a personal decision for many owners, is a truly fundamental aspect of Cane Corso tradition. We do not incorrectly refer to a dog with un-cropped ears as having 'natural' ears. In nature, there is no such thing as floppy ears that close off the ear canal like the man-made breeds of dogs we have created. It is not natural for dogs to have long floppy ears that hang over their ear canals closing them off to the air and light. Cropping restores a functional, upright ear.
With a working dog, cropped ears are more difficult for other animals to bite or people to grip. An un-cropped ear is easily wounded, and ear wounds will bleed heavily. If a working dog ends up being dragged down by his own ears, and/or blinded by its own blood from an ear wound, that dog is put at a serious disadvantage, its ability to perform may be compromised and the dog itself may be endangered. Cropping the ear and removing the “handles” to grip and tear virtually eliminates the possibility that a part of the dog’s own body could be used against itself to impair and/or to immobilize it.
If you have more than one Cane Corso, this will become an important factor in your consideration. The Cane Corso is a high drive dog and these guys are very rough-and-tumble. They love to play and they play hard. Big floppy ears will quickly become handles for another dog to bite, hang on to, drag around and hang off of. You may end up with several trips to the vet to have un-cropped ears stitched back up. Nicks, cuts and tears are very common when un-cropped Corsos play together.
Ear wounds are generally not serious or life threatening. They can be easily stitched up by a vet and infection prevented with antibiotics. Ear wounds will however scar, usually badly, after stitching. Oftentimes, blood flow thru the ear is compromised resulting in incorrect healing and partial loss of the ear, despite your vet's best efforts. The potential of this happening repeatedly must be considered up front. Also consider that ear wounds bleed profusely and when a dog gets a stinging ear cut and shakes his head you will end up with a lot of blood splattered and flung everywhere (walls, windows, furniture, floor, ceiling, yourself, etc).
Cropping your Cane Corso's ears not only prevents injuries, but will also result in a healthier life for your dog by helping to prevent ear infections, repeated trips to the vet and antibiotic treatments for your dog.
On a health level, dogs with un-cropped, floppy ears tend to be prone to ear infections and will spend more of their life on antibiotics as a result. These floppy ears are a variation of what is natural, created by man, as a direct result of our human influence and intervention with selective breeding and shaping of dogs to meet our preferences in type. Infections, mites, ticks and bacteria thrive in dark, moist, warm environments (such as is created in an ear canal covered by a floppy hanging ear). The way to prevent such problems is to provide a light, dry, clean environment in the ears as when the ear is cropped to an upright position.
Chronic ear infections are very painful for your dog and can lead to permanent hearing loss. Many dogs with chronic ear infections have an infection in the middle ear (or bulla). If this is not identified and treated, the ear infection remains hidden and frequently re-infects the outer ear canal, leading to continued pain and potential hearing loss.
Despite recent pushes to the contrary, by pencil pushers and animal rights activists, the fact remains that cropping a dog’s ears is NOT cruel when done with appropriate modern veterinary medicine. It actually restores the ear back to a natural state for the improved health and comfort of the dog.
Puppies are usually cropped between 8-12 weeks of age. While it is possible to crop older puppies/dogs, as the pup matures the weight of the hanging ear begins to break the cartilage down. As a result, when a pup is cropped at an older age it becomes more difficult to get the ear to stand upright.
The ear crop process is very simple, done by a licensed veterinarian and much less invasive than a spay or neuter operation. The pups are sedated and anesthetized (unconscious) during the brief surgery. The ears are cropped, the edges are stitched and the pups are awake again 15 minutes later. Within a couple hours, they are alert, hungry and ready to go home. The next day, pups are back to their normal selves, eating and playing as if nothing had happened. Often the edges of the ear are coated with salve for about a week while healing and the stitches come out in 7-10 days. The process is that simple and not invasive.
❋ Intentional StructureWe blend guided moments, open exploration, and space to reflect—so the experience feels both focused and fluid.
❋ Collaborative EnergyConnection is a core part of the process. You’ll learn just as much from the group as from the content itself.
❋ Expert FacilitationLed by experienced guides who know how to hold space, encourage participation, and keep things moving with purpose.
❋ A Supportive SpaceOur events prioritize comfort, safety, and respect—so you can show up as you are and fully engage in the process.
Reconnect with your body and mind as you escape the noise of everyday life.
Day OneArrive & Meet
As everyone arrives, we take time to settle in, get comfortable, and begin connecting with those around us. The journey starts here.
Check-In9:00 – 9:30am
Group Activity11:00am
Lunch Break12:30pm
Creative Workshop2:00pm
Dinner6:30pm
Day TwoSet Intentions & Reflect
Together, we pause to consider our goals, hopes, and direction. This is about aligning with ourselves and with the journey ahead. This is a chance to reconnect with what brought you here—your questions, your hopes, your turning points—and consider how they’ve shifted or deepened.
Check-In9:00 – 9:30am
Group Activity11:00am
Lunch Break12:30pm
Creative Workshop2:00pm
Dinner6:30pm
Day ThreeLook Forward & Wrap Up
We explore the possibilities beyond this moment, making space for growth, action, and forward momentum. As we end our time together, we honor the experience, the growth, and the connections made along the way.
Check-In9:00 – 9:30am
Group Activity11:00am
Lunch Break12:30pm
Creative Workshop2:00pm
Dinner6:30pm
How It Works-
Browse our upcoming events to find the one that feels right for you. We host events year-round in all different locations and climates.
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Sign up and pay all required fees to reserve your spot. If plans change, you can cancel up to 14 days before the retreat start to receive a 50% refund.
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After booking, we'll send you a Welcome Packet with everything you need to know—detailed schedules, packing list recommendations, add-ons to consider, and more.
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We'd recommend booking your transportation to and from the event as soon as possible, to ensure you can arrive without any complications or delays.
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Now all that's left to do is pack your bags and get excited for your new adventure.

