Though massive in stature, your Mastiff is also a sensitive dog. Positive training techniques work best with Mastiffs. They will respond well to firm, consistent, kind training.
All dogs respond better to kindness.
Give commands in quiet tones. * Be patient. Bull Mastiffs tend to develop slowly, both emotionally andphysically.
Be firm. To be firm means using a deep tone of voice that commands respect from your pet. The object of using this firm tone is to train your dog to pay attention the first time you speak.
Use specific training commands for each action, such as “sit,” “down,” or “off.” A confused pet cannot learn well what is being taught.
A helpful hint when training is to say the dog’s name first, then give the command.
Train your Mastiff when he is alert. Mastiffs, especially, should rest after eating. Schedule your training sessions with your pet before meals. Positive training includes giving your Bull Mastiff dog treats and praise when they are obedient to a command. Treats can be handed out generously while your dog is first learning. As training continues, increase your expectations and decrease the treats so your pet will learn to obey when given a command. Training sessions should only last about 10-15 at a time, several times a day. Your Bull Mastiff dog is capable of learning many things at a rapid pace. Start training and socializing your dog as soon as you bring him home. This time of training is a critical time for building a relationship of love and trust between you and your Bull Mastiff dog.
Training your English Mastiff dog should be high on your priority list. The Mastiff is a large and powerful dog and must be trained while young before growing so large and strong that if is uncontrollable. Dog training means that you are trying to teach your pet to exhibit certain behaviors in specific circumstances. Dog training is all about communication with your English Mastiff. Dog training should be an enjoyable process for you and your dog. The overall goal of dog training is to build a lasting relationship between you and your pet.
Most dog owners start with the basics when training. Dog training should begin the moment you bring your Mastiff home. One of the best dog training methods is reward training, sometimes known as “bribery.”Professional dog trainers do not endorse punishment of any kind as a form of training a dog. Other training methods used to train dogs is the electric dog collar or clicker training. The electric dog collars can be used to train dogs to hunt, stop barking, to stay in a specific area, and more. These collars shock the puppy but are not dangerous to the dog. Some trainers are against this method. The clicker method is used to train your Mastiff to obey when the clicker is used. A confused dog cannot learn what is being taught. You English Mastiff will want to please you, as his owner and master. Mastiff dogs quickly and get bored easily. Once a Mastiff has learned a command he will never forget it. Keep training fun and positive and both of you will enjoy your training sessions!
Some people have said that the Brazilian mastiff is similar to a cross between a Bloodhound and a mastiff. This breed of mastiff is also known as the Fila Brasileiro.
Originally bred for protecting the plantations in Brazil, it is not surprising that the ancestors of this large breed of dog did include bulldogs, bloodhounds, and Mastiffs originally from Europe. The resulting characteristics of this combination is a breed of dog with the Bloodhound’s great scent tracking ability, and the great guarding instincts of the Mastiff. This combination also made the Brazilian Mastiff extremely well suited to defend the cattle in the ranches of Minas Gerais and the surrounding regions. The Brazilian Mastiff’s history also includes their use on hunting excursions. One of the physical characteristics that helps to make the Brazilian Mastiff such a great tracking dog, is that the dog’s joints are loose, allowing him to quickly change direction even if he is running full-out.
Though it seems contrary to what you would normally expect to see at a dog show, the standard judging of the Brazilian Mastiff says that the dog should not allow the judge, being a stranger, to touch it. This trait is true with other types of Mastiffs. Like his other Mastiff cousins, the Brazilian Mastiff is huge! The Brazilian Mastiff has a coat that is smooth and short haired. Though the Brazilian Mastiff can be a loving, family dog, if you are considering owning one, you should be well aware of this dog’s strong guarding instincts, and remember that they may need more supervision around strangers than other types of the Mastiff breed.
So you want to find a purebred mastiff puppy. They are certainly great dogs, especially if you want to have a guard dog. A good place to find a mastiff dog breeder is at dog shows. Be sure to attend some dog shows.
Owners who are showing their dogs at the show may either be breeders or can give you references to good breeders that they know. They will be more than happy to steer you in the proper direction of a reputable breeder. It’s obvious that they love their dog and are glad to share information with others who share the same passion for these mastiff dogs.
You hopefully will get leads or business cards for several breeders. Call them and talk to them about their puppies. Some things to consider are; can the breeder answer your questions adequately about mastiff puppies, are they more interested in the monetary value of the dog, or are they the kind of breeder who can’t stop bragging about their dogs?
You can also ask if the breeder has references. You’ll want to ask how long he’s been a breeder, why he owns them, and are his mastiffs show dogs or house pets? Every breed of dog has some distinguishing health concerns so don’t be afraid to ask about the health issues associated with the mastiffs. If the breeder asks you questions as well then that’s a sign of a good breeder who wants to be sure his puppies are placed with loving and caring owners.
Finding the right puppy takes time. Do research and get to know several breeders before choosing. Don’t be disappointed if you have to get on a waiting list for a Mastiff puppy. That means you have chosen a good breeder.
As a family you can decide which puppy you like best. If you have plans to show your dog at dog shows or you plan on breeding yourself someday, then you will want a dog who meets all the physical requirements of the breed.
I just published a new Squidoo lens about the mastiff dog breed! Hopefully this will help to get the word out about how great the mastiffs are, and what wonderful family pets they make. They are huge, loveable dogs! You can find out more about mastiff Care Secrets, watch YouTube videos, and sign up for my free ecourse on mastiffs there too. Mastiff Squidoo Lens
