Puppy progression

[cookiedough39]

So it looks like Carma is getting it together. She no longer pulls on her leash and she will walk right beside her leader now. She no longer barks at strangers on our walks either. She is very well mannered now. My son and daughter were able to walk her around our whole neighborhood without any issues. I just walked behind and took pics. This forum has a wealth of knowledge. Thanks to all the people who share info and give advice without being judgmental. You guys are GREAT!

 

[musicdeb]

Great progress! Be aware when she gets older, she will enter the teenage years and fear stage and be weary of strangers and possibly other dogs.

 

[cookiedough39]

Again??? I just got her to the point where she doesn't bark at every stranger she sees. She loves other dogs right now so no problem there. I was hoping since she was not people friendly early on she wouldn't go through it again. Only time will tell I guess.

 

[musicdeb]

Sorry...yes...mastiffs come into their true temperament at about 2 years old. Do you allow her to bark at all? I allow Titan to bark twice and then after checking what he is barking at is ok, tell him to stop. I tell him enough and he stops 99% of the time.

 

[cookiedough39]

I allow her to bark until I check to see why. She does stop when I tell her to. Until recently she would not let a stranger anywhere close to her. She has gotten a lot better with strangers. She use to lunge bark and growl. Now she just watches them. She still won't let anybody new pet her but she doesn't act crazy now. I really hope she doesn't revert back because it's taken a lot of work to get her to the point she is at now. But if she does I'll be ready. Thanks for advise.

 

[SavingGrace]

The teenage years are fun... haha - just keep consistent with your training even if you think she's got it down. Our girl went through her bratty 2 year old phase at about 11-14 months. It was funny, but a good reminder that it's all about consistency. Yes, mastiffs reach maturity around 2, so she may show more true colors then, but she will test you as well - from now until then (and after) - so be prepared.

 

[cookiedough39]

If she is any worse nearing maturity than she was 8 weeks ago I'm going to loose my hair. Oh wait....I'm already bald. I love her temperament and everything but I would just like for her to be a little softer with strangers. She goes almost everywhere my family and I go, so I need her to behave. So basically what you guys are saying is even when it seems like she is great with her training, still train consistantly and it will lower the chances of catching hell during terrible 2's. On a lighter note...I saw her run full speed for the first time yesterday, and it was amazing. It's uncanny how dogs who will grow big as they do move so fast and gracefull.

 

[musicdeb]

Consistency in training is key. Some mastiffs are never fine with strangers. Just be aware that her temperament could change and always be on alert around strangers. It just one of the things you must deal with when you have a mastiff. I'm not saying she will be one of those mastiffs but be aware that she could be.