Sam's MOM

[Samara'sMom]

Hello everyone. My name is Sherry and I live in Pittsburgh, PA. I have a 9 month old (as of last week) female, apricot colored bullmastiff. Her name is Samara but we just call her Sam or SammyGirl. We've has a difficult road pretty much from the beginning. When we received her (a breeder in TN) she was this adorable, sad faced, ball of wonderful! After about a day she wouldn't eat. She ended up loosing about a 1 her first week here. I took her to my vet, we realized that she's a very sensitive GI track and needed to be on a stomach sensitive food. Prior to finding this all out Sam had begun to eliminated in her crate and while the change in diet had done the trick, she even at 9 months old will still eliminate in her crate. Now, during the early stages of Sam's development we were also in training with a wonderful trainer near me. Sam has learned go crate, sit, down, stay and come. Now, because of some family issues, we stopped training prior to christmas. I plan to return to training with her. I think that the reason that I'm on this forum is because I need help and friends regarding the upbringing of my Sam! Just two nights ago she pooped in her crate and in my bedroom. I've spoken with others who have said that they haven't had these experiences with their dogs since puppyhood. I'm lost and truly don't know what to do..any help??

 

[Max's mom]

strict diet and routine have helped Max. He has gentle tummy too and allergies. Pretty much he gets his food, carrot twice a day, apple or banana other days. And a beef bone. Lettuce, which he spits out but thinks he's getting something great at first. I give treats when training and walking for reinforcing being brave and gentle walking.
He eats at the same time every morning and walks at the same time in the afternoon and then eats dinner at the same time. We are very routine here. The last thing at night, he goes out.
He uses a command (if you call it that) for going..."Potty Max" and "Big Potty Max". When he'd pee I would say potty, potty, potty. then treat. When he'd poo, I'd say BIG potty and treat. We did this for a few months and he seems to understand. We have only had one poo in the house since he was 12 weeks old, and never in the crate after initial training.
When we go out at night, he is told Big Potty and we stay out until he goes. Then we sleep soundly all night with no accidents. Good luck.