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First time mastiff owner

lac1184

Member
I'm a first time mastiff owner. My OEM, Milo, is 5 months old. Milo is the best dog we've ever had, hands down, and usually listens better than our 3 kids. I've done a ton of research on this breed and would love any advice or tips from other owners!
 

debpdx54321

Member
HI, I am new on here also-do you have any pics? I have had mastiffs for over 20 years-there is nothing that compares to them. I will post baby pics too, soon.
Lots of quality quiet time. Socialize a lot. I understand you have children, but try to take him out alone to potty and if he is housebroken it is a time you can spend a few minutes on the grass just quietly sitting and letting the pup know he is safe and can enjoy just some quiet time with you. Perhaps do this with the children and you after a few times-one child at a time to start. They sometimes need their confidence built up. The puppy may look cute trying to play with children because he is so clumsy-they don't stay clumsy long and any bad manners they acquire take a billion years to go away so don't let them start!! I personally don't let children-mine or others-actually play with the dog. They can pet him, walk him, play hide and seek, and hide his toy which he loves to go looking for.

When you are training your a puppy you cannot be even a little mean-they are sensitive-set down rules now in a quiet and matter fact way, try using no tension in voice or body-If they are chewing something inapropriate-you are not watching them so tether or crate, but ask the pup to leave whatever he is chewing while holding something to trade with - a toy he likes. I usually then say good chew if he then chews on what he is supposed to. These dogs are attuned and smart. I can say sentences to my dog and he knows exactly what he should do-or if I have given him a choice of two behaviors. They have an amazing intelligence. Def work on a strong bond. If you need to do a lot of stuff with kids don't allow anything now that you don't want later-don't think it's cute now if it will not be cute at a large weight. I like tethering for housebreaking and for general good manners and socializing.
When feeding ask him to sit and look at you, put bowl down but do not let him eat until you release him. Also a soft, loving and yet leader attitude-with you in charge of course-but You def must be in charge-that does not mean harsh but more like an explanation to the dog he cannot do that but he can do this. praise is great-I never use treats for training.
I don't have any specific books I have read lately but one I read years back that I did like some aspects of which has gotten a lot of bad press lately is by the Monks of New Skete"How to be your dogs best friend" Like anything else-take what works and seems sensible and leave the rest.
I think it comes down that they can trust you as leader that you seem strong and fair-minded to the way they think-dogs are fair and have rich emotional lives.
Best of luck to you and your new EM.
D
 

DennasMom

Well-Known Member
I'd say, if he's already the best dog, at just 5 months... and still listening to you... you're doing something right! :)

Be warned, they do sometimes go through 'testing phases' somewhere in the 6-12 month mark (i.e. 'the teenager' period), so just be prepared to reinforce the house rules (in a calm, confident, no-nonsense manner), and you should power through that phase just fine.

I, too, would welcome some pictures!

Welcome to the forum!!