How to Train Your Mastiff Dog
How to Train Your Mastiff Dog
Choosing a Mastiff Puppy
So you have decided that you or your family are ready for a puppy, and the big, gentle, loving Mastiff is your dog of choice? The Mastiff can make a wonderful pet, however there are a few things you should consider before you commit to this breed.
Is a Mastiff Right For You?
Obviously the Mastiff is a very large dog, so you will need to ensure that you plan to engage your puppy in a dog training obedience school. This should be done almost as soon as you first take ownership of your new pet, because it will be essential to helping him or her learn the commands that will keep your home happy and peaceful. If you are not prepared to invest in training, then it is strongly recommended that you consider another breed over the Mastiff.
The Mastiff is also not the right breed for a guard dog. They may have the size, but their nature is not suited to being able to assess and alternate between aggressive and calm. The training of your Mastiff will need to be very consistent and clearly define how your puppy is to behave at all times.
If you have small children, again the Mastiff may not be the best puppy to choose. Even though your Mastiff may be perfectly trained, its sheer size and strength pose a risk that your children may get knocked over or frightened.
Another thing to consider is that the Mastiff will require a lot of exercise. They are no Greyhound, so you don't necessarily need to be super fit and ready to take on a marathon, but you do need to have the time and ability to take your Mastiff for regular long walks. Mastiffs also require a sizeable yard and regular socialisation both with its owners and other people and dogs.
The Mastiff can therefore be quite a commitment for the modern busy family, needing to have regular companionship, long walks and an owner with lots of patience to provide them the level of ongoing training that they will require to grow up happy, secure and well-behaved.
Training Your Mastiff Puppy
It is strongly recommended that you do everything you can to ensure your Mastiff puppy has a good temperament and one way you can help to achieve this is to ensure that your puppy is not removed from his mother and litter too early. The socialisation that the puppy will receive at this time cannot be underestimated in his or her long-term development. Waiting till your puppy is at least 8-10 weeks of age will also ensure that he or she is not distressed when they come to their new home.
When he arrives home, you can commence training almost immediately. Be prepared to be calm and patient. Your Mastiff puppy will be very eager to please you, but it will take time and effort for him or her to fully develop an understanding of the commands issued and what they mean.
Your Mastiff Puppy at Home
Puppy school is generally weekly, but your Mastiff will require reinforcement every day of the skills and commands he or she has been shown. Because your Mastiff requires a lot of company, it is recommended that new owners be home with their puppy for at least the first two months after the puppy has been brought home.
During this time you should set up a schedule which involves at least an hour of walking for your puppy per day, more if you can manage it, at least one social outing for your puppy and at least two sessions of basic command training. Use this time to reinforce all the basic commands that your puppy has learnt in training from all the previous weeks.
Social outings for your puppy can be collecting the kids from school if you walk, seeing and playing with other dogs in the park, playing with your kids friends and of course puppy training. A great idea is to set up a "puppy's mothers group" with a few of the other people in your area who attend the puppy school. Meet up once a week to let the puppies have a play.
Owning a Mastiff can be very rewarding if you are committed to helping your puppy be trained, social and well exercised. What Presents to Give Your Dog Dog Tuxedos – The Perfect Attire To Start The Happy Life Ever after Appetite Suppressants That Work Remote Locations Can Be Dangerous: Be Sure You Have Medivac Coverage Why Choose a Petzl Head Torch? Dog Diarrhea- What is the Cause? Bonding Series: Biking With Your Dog Cheap Pet Insurance – Deductibles Insurance Continuing Education - History of Estate Planning Online Insurance Continuing Education - Estate Planning California Insurance Continuing Education - Objectives of Estate Planning La limousine system has no competitors in the journey method Pet First Aid