Training tips

[Dale81]

I just got my first Mastiff yesterday. I was wondering if anyone had any tips on potty training, walking on a leash etc...He is 7 weeks old and just like any puppy, all he does eat, sleep, potty, play for about 10 minutes, eat then sleep.

 

[Wyo- Dogue de Bordeaux]

Let him run around the house with a leash on for about a week. (Give him a week to adjust to your house though so there isn't that much stress). This will get him used to the weight and having a leash on. Make sure to crate train him where there is a divider in it. Make it small enough were he can just lay down it in. He can only hold it in for about 2.5 hours, so make sure you take him out even in the middle of the night. When he goes outside, take treats and give him one everytime he does, this will give him a good perspective where to go.

Also congrats and pictures please!!


Wyoming Dogue De Bordeaux

 

[Dale81]

Ok, thank you. We are trying to get him in his crate, but cries constantly. Im thinking because he doesn't like to be by himself. Used to his brothers and sister. I've can't seem to attach pictures on here. Im using my phone until we get our computer. Not sure if that's why.

 

[Dale81]

I have to upload new photos to attach them.

 

[mx5055]

Welcome to the forum and congrats on your new pup!! Name? Wyo gave good advice. I would like to add, that in the beginning I would only use the crate for sleeping, and if you have to leave him alone while you are out; don't take him out if he is crying, unless he you think he needs to potty. The potty training is all on us...The most important thing is consistency and patience on our part. Don't get discouraged...just keep going forward, take the accidents in stride, and one day your dog will be potty trained..quicker than you think if you keep on top of it. Don't punish for accidents. Good luck

 

[Robtouw]

Welcome! The best advice i can give is create a schedule and stick to it! Once you get a routine it becomes easier to get your pup to eat, poop, and sleep. As for the crate, it has to be seen as a den or safe place for your pup. Keep it open and available so that he can go to it when he wants, but at night make it comfortable with a nice blanket, a fav toy, something that smells like you and keep something in the room like a clock or soft radio that makes a little noise, they find it comforting. He is going to cry for the first few weeks, but after you get a routine established he'll stop. Enjoy these tiny puppy days, they don't last long!

There are loads of training tips on here, but if you can't find them ask for suggestions, we love to help!

 

[deseray1980]

Positive reinforcement seems to go a long way with these dogs! Our dog is 14 weeks old, we got him when he was 6 weeks, and he still will cry the first minute or 2 to tell us he does not want to be in there, and then realizes that he has to go to bed.

 

[Dale81]

Thank you all for the tips. We always praise him and give him a treat when he goes potty outside. He's had a few accidents in the house, which is expected. We tell him no, and put him outside. We know it's our fault. We just didn't get to him in time. It gets difficult because we have 3 year old (almost 4 and a 2 year old.). He just have to keep a better eye on him. We know he is going to be a good dog. One more question for now, we have a dog park close to our house, when would be a good time to take him there?

 

[mx5055]

He's only 7 weeks right? In my opinion, no dog parks or really no where outside his own home or yard until he has completed ALL his puppy shots....and even then I would wait a week after that. Parvo and distemper are ugly deaths for a pup/dog and in my opinion never worth the risk!!!! What's your pup's name?

 

[Dale81]

Ok, thank you. We will definately wait. His name is Sully. Yeah, he's 7 weeks.

 

[Robtouw]

Wait until he is fully vaccinated, there are too many owners out there that do not vaccinate their pets!

 

[DennasMom]

Mastiffs are smart, sensitive puppies. Be calm, patient and consistent. Reward what you like, ignore what you don't (they're also very velco, pack pups, so really want your attention - any way they can get it) - and he'll get it pretty quick.

For the crate - we had good luck putting one of our old pillows in the crate with Denna. She also had a blanket from her breeder that was her binky for a long time. And a soft/plush toy that she took everywhere with her for a while, too.

Dog parks - we waited until Denna was probably 6+ months old before we went. Along with illness issues, there are too many unknowns... you don't want a puppy-trauma event to imprint too soon and make your puppy fearful of dogs or people.

We did take Denna to all sorts of places just a week after her first shots (so right around 8 weeks old)... always in a shopping cart, off the floor to minimize germ contact potential. And we enrolled in a puppy play group at our local training facility as soon as they let us (after 2nd round of shots, a few weeks later). That was great for early socialization skills.

Enjoy your puppy!!!
Looks like you have a house-full of fun!

 

[Dale81]

Thank you. We do have a packed house. We also have a border collie/pitt mix and a huge cat named Pogi. Along with two little girls, its full of stress and fun. Dennasmom, may I ask where ypu got the name Denna from. I was reading a book and a character was named Denna. Just curious.