What do you need to know about raising a mastiff?

What do you need to know about raising a mastiff?

Raising a mastiff puppy requires patience, commitment, and a sense of humor. While they grow faster, they mature much slower than other breeds of dog. This makes raising a mastiff puppy particularly challenging for new owners who may not be prepared for the unique needs of this giant breed dog.

When is the best time to get a mastiff puppy?

Early desensitization is key to raising a Mastiff puppy into a bomb-proof big dog. REMEMBER: Puppies go through a fear period between 8-10 weeks. It is best to wait until after 10 weeks to pick up your puppy.

Is there a cost to get a mastiff puppy?

There is NO ADDED COST to you should you use these links. I recommend all prospective puppy owners start here for obvious reasons. Big Dog Mom is here to serve large and giant breed dogs through educating, empowering and inspiring one big dog owner at a time.

What’s the bad thing about a Bullmastiff dog?

He can be aggressive with other dogs of the same sex, and though he may be fine with the family cat, strange animals will not be accepted onto his property. Tremendously strong and stubborn, Bullmastiffs are inclined to do things their own way and will test members of the family.

Do you need to walk your Mastiff every day?

Unless you have the time to be walking your Mastiff multiple times a day, cramming this huge breed into a puny apartment is a recipe for disaster. They need exercise. A lot of it. But not in a traditional sense.

Can a mastiff dog jump into a fight?

Unless irked to the point of irritation, Mastiffs do not jump into a fight, leave alone start one. It’s no surprise that Mastiff dog breeds have since made their way into the mainstream. They’re in our homes as companions, guard dogs and more.

What happens when you live with an English Mastiff?

Just based on an English Mastiff’s size alone, these dogs need space. A lot of space. Traffic jams and roadblocks are an everyday occurrence when you live with a Mastiff. They will choose to walk in front of you, sloooowwlllyy, whenever possible.

What are some of the myths about Mastiffs?

Mastiffs Are Suitable For Apartment Living 2. Mastiffs Are Very Tolerant And Easy Going 3. Mastiffs Are Wary Of Strangers 4. Mastiffs Are No More Expensive Than Any Other Dog Breed 5. Mastiffs Drool, But Not That Bad 6. Mastiffs Are Challenging To Groom 7. Mastiffs Are Not Very Intelligent Or Trainable Mastiff: The Dog Breed Of Choice… For Some

Can a mastiff be trained to take commands?

Mastiffs are not genetically wired to take commands as is the case with a lot of other dog breeds. The natural instinct of the English mastiff is to guard and think about themselves, which is an admirable quality, but requires a different training method to other dogs.

What can I do to get my Mastiff to stop shedding?

You never want to over bathe, or use cheap shampoos, as these can dry out his skin. But bathing your Mastiff with a good quality dog shampoo can help to loosen up the hairs on his coat. And when you follow this up with a thorough brushing, this can remove a lot of old, dead hair.

What kind of treatment does a mastiff dog need?

Mastiff dogs require gentle treatment repeated positive reinforcements as they grow in to enormous pets without any maladaptive behavior.

What should I do to keep my Mastiff in good shape?

Check and clean your mastiff’s deep-set wrinkles and ears regularly to prevent infections or irritation. Finally, trim their nails need regularly to prevent them getting too long and causing discomfort. Regular teeth-brushing also helps keep their teeth in top shape.

How does an English Mastiff learn to sit?

Mastiffs learn to sit by listening to the ‘sit’ command and concurrently pushing his rump down. The pushing may require more force (by using an arm behind his knees and pushing the rump with the other arm) if the mastiff is strong.

Mastiffs are not genetically wired to take commands as is the case with a lot of other dog breeds. The natural instinct of the English mastiff is to guard and think about themselves, which is an admirable quality, but requires a different training method to other dogs.

Mastiff dogs require gentle treatment repeated positive reinforcements as they grow in to enormous pets without any maladaptive behavior.

How old do Mastiffs have to be to be neutered?

It is EXTREMELY important that you do not alter your Mastiff until at least 18 months of age, and preferably after 2 years of age. The growth plates in a giant breed dog are regulated by hormones.

How often should you feed a mastiff a day?

8-12 weeks 4-6 cups per day spread between 3-4 meals 12-16 weeks 6-8 cups per day spread between 3-4 meals 4 to 6 months 8-10 cups per day spread between 2-3 meals 6-18 months 8-12 cups per day spread between 2-3 meals It is also important to remember how prone to bloat Mastiffs are.

How to take care of a new Mastiff puppy?

Maintain the same diet and water for a week or longer. Consistency in the diet (and water) will prevent gastrointestinal upset or diarrhea caused by the stress of travel. Bring an empty, clean milk container to fill up with the breeder’s water and a couple of gallon bags for the food when you pick up your puppy.

How old do Mastiffs have to be before they can be altered?

I recommend that any pet and specifically giant breeds such as Mastiffs are NOT to be altered before they are 18 months of age for these reasons. When it comes to the lifelong health of your pet these highly increased risks are just not worth taking.