Experienced mastiff parents ONLY please!

[Gronk'sMama]

Hi!
We brought home our second mastiff last Friday. Our last mastiff, boo, passed in July. Boo was great with me but exhibited lots of problem behaviors for others. She was very stubborn and would not move for anyone, this became a very big problem. She would become easily frightened and snap at people, too. Going to the vet was a nightmare. She was very untrustworthy.
Gronk, our baby boy, is very out going (unlike boo). He does not appear timid, although he hasn't hit the fright stage. All in all he is a love! However, he is displaying some behaviors that worry me. I'm overly sensitive due to the problems we had with our last. He is a bit stubborn and refuses to go in/out of our house or crate, unless it's convenient for him. He also has started humping my leg! Advise, please!

 

[AKBull]

Oh yeah, welcome to the board!

And don't be shy with the pictures.

 

[AKBull]

Sounds like a young mastiff boy to me. It's too early to say he has this, or he has that problem. Now in a couple of months if he's still exibiting things, maybe. But right now he's testing you. Just keep working with him, he'll get it.
As for the humping, give him a stuffed animal... kidding. Well, kinda kidding. You'll have to correct him when he's doing it. Firmly, without yelling loud if possible. I think all boys go through this (human or not), it will start to fade.

---------- Post added at 03:13 PM ---------- Previous post was at 03:10 PM ----------

Oh yeah, welcome to the board!

And don't be shy with the pictures.

 

[Gronk'sMama]

Thank you! I'm paranoid that if I don't correct all these "issues" right away I'll end up with a 200lb terror! Any articles on training?

 

[AKBull]

What about a puppy and socialization class? How old is he? Getting him into something like classes would help prevent some of the issues you had with your previous. Sounds like his personality is ripe for being an outgoing dog, encourage it. My boy is the same, loves people and other dogs. Night and day difference with my previous Bull. I know what you're talking about when you recall something your previous dog did and you are always looking at your current dog for that same trait.

 

[Gronk'sMama]

He is 8 weeks, we were going to do private instruction. I'm gonna post pics soon!

 

[AKBull]

Nothing wrong with private, you'll just need to make an effort to expose him to people, dogs and new things. And taking him to the vet just to say hi is another good thing. If you only went to some place that pokes and prods you every time you're there, you wouldn't think highly of it either. hehe

 

[Gronk'sMama]

Great advice! Thank you so much! Any good books or Internet sites to check out?

 

[AKBull]

You're on the best. I don't have any suggestions on books, I know others on here do and they should chime in eventually.

 

[Gronk'sMama]

This is WONDERFUL, I'm going to spend all my free time on here!

 

[NeoBull]

Any specific reason you're leaning to private classes over group classes... In my experience, unless a dog already has severe issues a group environment is going to be more beneficial. You'll get more socialization from the class and your dog will learn to listen around other dogs and distractions.

What sorts of things was your last dog frightened by? Mostly new people?

As for the not moving... was this while on leash (like digging her heels in?) or not moving out of the way when some one wanted to get by? or something else?

If I have more details about your last dogs behavior I can give you some ideas on preventing them this time around.

 

[lilliesmomma]

Can't help with the humping issue but as far as going in and out of the crate, I'd give Lillie or any of my other dogs a treat to go in the crate. I never had a problem getting them to come out but you could use a treat to get him out also. Good Luck!!

 

[Cody]

Welcome to the forum and don't be shy about pictures
I agree, the most important part about puppy class is the socialization it offers. Private training is great, but I would do a puppy kindergarten as well.
Really that is what it is mainly about.
I would use treats and special toys that are JUST for the crate to make him like it and want to be in there when you tell him. Take them away when he comes out.
A firm "no" and removing him/yourself from the situation when humping would be my starting point.
Those would be my suggestions. Try not to compare the 2 dogs, they will be very different I am sure.
Keep us posted

 

[Gronk'sMama]

Hi!
Boo was afraid of everything! She didn't like many people, even people she knew. She showed timidity towards everything new. She would place herself in tight corners than bite if anyone entered that space. The vet was the worst!
She would also drop to the ground (or dig heels in) and refuse to move. She would bite if someone tried.
My husband and I (when we were dating) had a roommate. He babysat when we went on vacation. She LIVED with this guy and did not move off our bed for 3 days!
My husband knows a trainer that is establishing a business and has offered a great deal on classes (but only does private currently.
Thanks!!

 

[NeoBull]

I would just work on socializing a lot, take him somewhere everyday, new places, new people, etc. Make sure it's always a positive experience, have new people hand him treats. Encourage him to check new things out and to walk with you on the leash. If something scares him DO NOT react, don't pet him/tell him it's ok/give treats when he's scared, it will reinforce for him that what ever it is IS something to worry about. Don't force him either... usually I just wait it out until my dog is ready to check it out or stops acting fearful... I'll walk up to what ever it is and show my dog that I'm not afraid of what ever it is, if it's a person, just walk up to them and talk to them, shake their hand, and you can both ignore the dog. If it's something like a statue, or a place, I would use treats to encourage them to come closer to it, verbally encourage them with a casual/ light headed (don't sound concerned about what ever it is) "come on, lets go". Reward getting closer.

With the vet, try taking him in for weekly weigh in's, give him a treat for getting on the scale... the vet is now one of Branka's favorite places, you have to hold her back from jumping on the scale long enough for it to zero lol.

If you can, get her in a group class as well and then use the private lessons to really focus on things, he'll be at the top of his puppy kindergarten class then

Another thing... remember this is a different dog... just because something scared the last one doesn't mean it will be a problem for this one... so try not to think about or worry about it... he'll pick up on the anxiety and then you WILL have the same problems.