I've owned 4 English Mastiffs, 3 Saints, and several other breeds prone to bloat and in over 20 years, I have yet to have an issue with bloat or gastric tortion. The best thing I can tell you to do is prepare just in case. I suggest educating yourself on the signs and symptoms and emergency treatments. Keep gasx, milk of magneisa and mineral oil on hand just in case. Talk with your vet and understand what you have to do in a bloat situation. Some of my dogs had their meals on elevated dishes, some did not. All of my mastiffs have been heavy drinkers and always gulped water like it had been withheld forever! It is nearly impossible to make a puppy lie still after eating, pups play as they should. Tacking the stomach is a procedure that some use, some do not, as with all procedures there can be complications. I personally do not use surgery as a preventative, it is usually best to allow the body to work as it was created. Just use common sense when feeding your pup and in all decisions in regards to feeding/watering and bloat won't be an issue.