What to expect from an intact EM male/female as a first time owner?

[charisma01]

So, I'm furthering my research on the English Mastiff breed before I welcome a puppy into my home later in the year. A little background, I have no children, just two adult cats. This will be my first giant breed pup and I have been doing research off and on for the past year. I'm moving into a townhome next month for the added space.

I understand the importance of delaying spaying and neutering in giant breeds until around 18 months. My concern is, I have never owned an intact pet, and I am wondering if I will physically be able to handle one. I have no preferences for a male or female. I am hoping to find a pup that will match my laid back and calm personality to ease the transition with my cats. I'll let fate determine the pup's sex I do plan on enrolling in both puppy and adult obedient classes.

My question is, what types of behaviors or obstacles should I expect with either an intact male or female? I have an small-average build and don't want to be in a situation where my future EM is overpowering me trying to get to a potential mate. I have been searching the forums for some insight as well, so if there are any threads you feel may be helpful, I would greatly appreciate it. I am definitely excited about having an EM pup and want to be as informed as possible.

Thank you in advance!

 

[Jadotha]

We have always kept giant breed intact males -- we have always kept two, once as many as four, and we have never had the slightest problem that I would attribute to 'testosterone' -- no aggression, trying to be 'dominant' and take over our world, and/or whatever other horrors come to mind for people about intact males. Although theoretically, if we came across a female in heat, I suppose there could be issues, but in over 2 decades this has never happened to us. Male dogs are not interested in mating with females who are not in season. In fact, my breeder friends who are trying to get a tie-up to happen ''at the right moment' often find the stud dogs -- especially inexperienced ones -- have problems in the 'intimacy' department, and will give up and sulk.

Intact dogs, as with any other kind, just require socialisation and good training. The only problem we have ever had is one of our males began marking in the house when I was away consulting in Europe. When I returned, the family guiltily confessed they had been lax on following our established routine and taking him for his walks. Once I resumed our schedule, the problem stopped.

Ironically, the biggest Problem Child we have ever had is our adopted IWH who IS neutered, but had resource guarding and fear aggression issues with the family. We have never kept girls, so I can't help you there.

 

[ruthcatrin]

I have an intact Tibetan Mastiff male. The property kitty-corner to us has an intact m/f pair of GSDs. Infact she just had another litter. In retrospect he was more distracted by that property in general during the time when she was in heat. Other than that he's given us no issues in relation to being intact. We have occasional marking issues at our vets office that I've not been able to correct, but frankly thats a minor issue (annoying, but minor). BUT we put alot of work into his socialization, not just to humans but to dogs. Its stood us in good stead. But its important to note that he's not allowed free run without fence or leash.

 

[Jadotha]

But its important to note that he's not allowed free run without fence or leash.

YES! Great point! This is vital for a responsible intact pet owner! Our dogs are never allowed to run free and are always supervised.

 

[charisma01]

We have always kept giant breed intact males -- we have always kept two, once as many as four, and we have never had the slightest problem that I would attribute to 'testosterone' -- no aggression, trying to be 'dominant' and take over our world, and/or whatever other horrors come to mind for people about intact males. Although theoretically, if we came across a female in heat, I suppose there could be issues, but in over 2 decades this has never happened to us. Male dogs are not interested in mating with females who are not in season. In fact, my breeder friends who are trying to get a tie-up to happen ''at the right moment' often find the stud dogs -- especially inexperienced ones -- have problems in the 'intimacy' department, and will give up and sulk.

Intact dogs, as with any other kind, just require socialisation and good training. The only problem we have ever had is one of our males began marking in the house when I was away consulting in Europe. When I returned, the family guiltily confessed they had been lax on following our established routine and taking him for his walks. Once I resumed our schedule, the problem stopped.

Ironically, the biggest Problem Child we have ever had is our adopted IWH who IS neutered, but had resource guarding and fear aggression issues with the family. We have never kept girls, so I can't help you there.

Thank you so much for sharing your experience. It definitely eases my mind. I want to raise a healthy, well-behaved, and socialized EM. And having a confident guardian who views me as the alpha is extremely important to me as well. I think it may be a good idea for me to do some one-on-one training sessions in addition to the puppy classes when the time comes.

Thanks again!

---------- Post added at 10:07 PM ---------- Previous post was at 10:02 PM ----------

I have an intact Tibetan Mastiff male. The property kitty-corner to us has an intact m/f pair of GSDs. Infact she just had another litter. In retrospect he was more distracted by that property in general during the time when she was in heat. Other than that he's given us no issues in relation to being intact. We have occasional marking issues at our vets office that I've not been able to correct, but frankly thats a minor issue (annoying, but minor). BUT we put alot of work into his socialization, not just to humans but to dogs. Its stood us in good stead. But its important to note that he's not allowed free run without fence or leash.

I agree with you. I would view marking as a minor issue as well. And since I won't have a fenced in yard, I will be sure to use a leash at all times. Accidents can happen in a heartbeat, and sadly I've read a lot being caused by unleashed dogs.

Thank you for responding! I can already tell this forum is going to be a wealth of knowledge.

 

[charisma01]

I have an intact Tibetan Mastiff male. The property kitty-corner to us has an intact m/f pair of GSDs. Infact she just had another litter. In retrospect he was more distracted by that property in general during the time when she was in heat. Other than that he's given us no issues in relation to being intact. We have occasional marking issues at our vets office that I've not been able to correct, but frankly thats a minor issue (annoying, but minor). BUT we put alot of work into his socialization, not just to humans but to dogs. Its stood us in good stead. But its important to note that he's not allowed free run without fence or leash.

I agree with you. I would view marking as a minor issue as well. And since I won't have a fenced in yard, I will be sure to use a leash at all times. Accidents can happen in a heartbeat, and sadly I've read a lot being caused by unleashed dogs.

Thank you for responding! I can already tell this forum is going to be a wealth of knowledge.

 

[Cody]

I have an intact 8 year old male boxer and a 3 year old female Cane Corso, we have never had any issues or accidents. Both my dogs are fine with other dogs, intact or not, coming to our house, on the street, where ever...
Our male doesn't even glance a Raw when she is in standing, he knows he ain't getting any. After living through 6 heat cycles it doesn't phase him.
If you are neutering at 18 - 24 months your mastiff will not be fully mature mentally or physically so I wouldn't be concerned.

 

[angelbears]

As a responsible owner you should have no problems. However I will add that I have had a male dog dig under a fence to try and get at my female that was in heat. Luckily I got her inside before anything happened but I was awaken around midnight with that male scratching at my sliding glass door trying to get in.

 

[Cody]

Oh, the 1st and 2nd heat cycles Joe was a foaming, bug eyed, teeth chattering idiot lmao, we put a band on him and undies on her. She peed I the backyard, he was taken out front so he couldn't have access to the scent. They were separated and crated, and if we went out one ALWAYS came with us. Now however he has given up any and all attempts and they are fine in the same room together, NEVER unsupervised or let out together. But he will lay down beside her and go to sleep. No big interest. That said we are still VERY VERY VERY careful.

 

[ruthcatrin]

I agree with you. I would view marking as a minor issue as well. And since I won't have a fenced in yard, I will be sure to use a leash at all times. Accidents can happen in a heartbeat, and sadly I've read a lot being caused by unleashed dogs.

Thank you for responding! I can already tell this forum is going to be a wealth of knowledge.

Mind if he was marking in the house, or in public stores I'd be more upset, but 1: we're so rarely at the vets office and its not EVERY time we're there (which is part of why I've not been able to correct it) and 2: the vets office is able to deal and understands where other public places may not. Its this ONE corner of the reception desk, and due to where that corner is I can't always avoid it with him. So we deal.

One thing we did do was get a 30ft leash so we could work in the yard with him on come and other such techniques and not have to worry about him being off leash. We do have a small section of hte yard fenced, but its not big enough to do much of that sort of work in. We do plan to expand it, but haven't had the money yet.

 

[charisma01]

I'm definitely learning a lot here! Even though a lot of the Mastiff breeds are considered gentle giants, I'm understanding how important it is to maintain the alpha role and be a responsible pet owner. I have always been a firm believer that humans greatly influence a pet's behavior. It is so upsetting watching the news and hearing about situations that could have been avoided. I don't want to end up in those types of incidents.

ruthcatrin, I'll be sure to add an extended leash to my list of items that I'll need. Why does November have to be so far away?! lol

 

[babyjoemurphy]

This forum is a fantastic learning tool. We adopted a 2 1/2 yr old EM 2 months ago. My husband had 2 EMS as a teen but I only ever meet them at a breeders a few years back. I have learned in a very short time that even though they are "Gentle Giants" they are very STUBBORN. One thing you need is patience. I find Murphy will look at me and I can actually see him thinking if he wants to do as I ask. And he is never ever too far away from me.
I am always saying "I can't wait to see what he's gonna do next"
Good luck charisma01

 

[Robtouw]

My last four have been kept in tact. I did not have intentions to breed, just wanted them to grow properly. I have never had issues with inside marking or aggressiveness. They are stubborn, its an OEM trait! I do recommend establishing yourself as the alpha it will help you in an infinate number of ways. My boys have always been allowed to run off leash as well as taking nice long walks on leash and I reinforce the leash training by doing exercises on leash indoors. While OEM's are very intelligent, they still need reminding. Socialization is extremely important in a giant breed more for their safety then yours. It is sad that we live in a world that immediately wants to kill an animal whenever an accident happens, but that is life. If you dog is aware of how he behaves with other people, animals and in crowds he will be much safer, people are naturally interested & intimidated by OEM's due to their size.

 

[stacks]

I am hoping to find a pup that will match my laid back and calm personality to ease the transition with my cats. I'll let fate determine the pup's sex I do plan on enrolling in both puppy and adult obedient classes. QUOTE]
charisma01- We had our little girl spayed before she had her first cycle so I can't speak to those issues. The "laid back" part caught my attention. Without a doubt OEM's are laid back, eventually. lol. I did a ton of research before we got Maggie, and I really anticipated a mellow, easy going puppy I would have to coax into walks and play. While an OEM is no Lab in the energy department, they still have a TON of it! It seemed like every waking moment was devoted to watching Maggie who was always on the go. Around 6 months or so, she started having what we called "Mastiff moments." Few and far between, but she would just be rally calm. We thought she was sick. She's almost 2 now and her "mastiff" moments are more frequent, but when she wants to play.. OMG!! She's 150 lbs of rough and tumble. And in 10 minutes, she's done.
Good luck with your new family member when you decide to get her/him. You won't be disapointed.

 

[charisma01]

I work as a nurse in a long term/rehab facility and I must say, I have acquired a lot of patience lol. I'm really looking forward to pet store and park visits. I want to start early so I'll take the advice I've read from others and keep the pup in the cart with a blanket during pet store visits. The thought has also crossed my mind to disinfect the cart with wipes first. Forgive me everyone. I have no human children of my own at the moment, so I treat my fur kids as if they are, lol. I did purchase some new furniture recently in preparation for my new place. A couch and large love seat for the pup. I already know I'm going to cave when it comes to furniture, but my bed will still be my domain I'm still researching trainers in my area. I'd really like to do some group classes but also some individual ones as well since this will be my first time with the Mastiff breed.

I get more excited the more I think about it. Hopefully I'll have my pup in November/December. My brother and his fiance do photography as a hobby, so I know I will have a TON of pics to share

 

[Robtouw]

Good luck on the upcoming pup! Mastiffs are my favorite breed and have some unique qualities. Do not expect your pup to be laid back, while they will be quiet when they are tired they are a bundle of energy until about age 3, you will practice patience alot. But all of the training and testing is well worth it! If you put the time and training into your dog, he/she will turn out wonderful!

Since you work in a ltac you may want to look at good canine classes when your pup is old enough. Once your dog is Good Canine Certified, he/she can visit healthcare/rehab facilities.

Oh yeah, I treat my latest pup, Cruiser like a kid as well and can identify! LOL

 

[charisma01]

Good luck on the upcoming pup! Mastiffs are my favorite breed and have some unique qualities. Do not expect your pup to be laid back, while they will be quiet when they are tired they are a bundle of energy until about age 3, you will practice patience alot. But all of the training and testing is well worth it! If you put the time and training into your dog, he/she will turn out wonderful!

Since you work in a ltac you may want to look at good canine classes when your pup is old enough. Once your dog is Good Canine Certified, he/she can visit healthcare/rehab facilities.

Oh yeah, I treat my latest pup, Cruiser like a kid as well and can identify! LOL

I will keep in mind about energy levels. Years ago, my best friend of 10 1/2 years (a Shih Tzu named Whitney, lost her to heart failure) was trained on "nap times". We even got to the point when she was older and house trained that she would sleep in with me, lol. I've never had another dog like her. She was an absolutely doll and even though it's been 7 years, I still miss her like crazy.

Anyway, as long as I teach my pup the importance of naps, then that will be great! lol

I will definitely look into the Good Canine certification. I am somewhat familiar with the process and it seems like a great bonding experience. It would be great to be able to visit schools and teach children about dog safety as well.