You should place a small, flat buckle collar on your English Mastiff Puppies right away so that it gets used to having something around its neck. Don’t give in when it whines, scratches the collar, or rolls around. Soon enough, the puppy will get used to the collar and forget about it. After he gets used to the collar, you may attach a “Flexilead” leash, and let your puppy outside. A “Flexilead” is a retractable leash that is available at most pet shops, and it helps to make leash training simple. At first, let the puppy lead you around, sniffing and exploring, while getting used to the slight pressure of the leash. The next step would be to walk away from the English Mastiff puppy, tugging lightly on the leash. Bend down, call his name, and offer him treats and praise, and make a big deal out of him coming to you. Make this a fun experience for your puppy, and giving treats is always helpful in boosting the English English Mastiff Puppies confidence in any stressful situation.
The English Mastiff Puppies can be taught quite easily to come at your call. Let him be distracted in your house or fenced yard, and then call his name in a pleasant voice while running away a few steps. It is a natural response for your puppy to chase. When he gets to you, bend down and praise him happily. Give treats and a hug to your puppy, and make it fun for him to come to you. It is important to never lose your temper with your puppy. It doesn’t do any good for either of you. Never call your puppy to punish him; you will only teach him not to come when his name is called. English Mastiff (puppies and adults) are very sensitive dogs. Physical punishment is NEVER necessary. A Mastiff is almost always willing to please, but simply does not always understand what is expected of him. To correct for misbehavior, it is best to shake him slightly by the collar, and speak in a disapproving tone of voice, much like the way a mother dog corrects her puppies. But when it’s all over, be forgiving and do not hold a grudge. Always end your training session, or any other time with your English Mastiff Puppies, on a good note praising and playing with him. Be gradual with your early training, as your puppy will tire easily.
One of the best ways to socialize and train your puppy is by enrolling him in a “puppy” class. In a puppy class, you and your puppy will start basic obedience training, socialize with other dogs and humans, and learn how to deal with subjects such as housebreaking and other specific problems. It’s fun for you and your puppy. It brings the two of you closer, and makes the puppy a better member of society. The chance to socialize and play with other dogs is very important. Afterwards, you may want to continue with additional beginner obedience classes, and eventually more advanced classes.
It is much better to begin training with a Mastiff early, while he is still relatively small, than waiting until you have a 200 lb. dog to train. You definitely want to teach your dog the basics of the sit/stay, down/stay, coming when called and walking on a leash. These are the primary behaviors tested for by the AKC Canine Good Citizen (CGC) test, which you may want to have your Mastiff obtain. We will refund $25 of the purchase price of your puppy for enrolling in and completing a training class with your puppy; and will refund another $25 for attainment of a CGC title by your Mastiff. You should practice touching your dog all over, and be able to do anything you want with him. Clip his nails, play with his feet, play with his ears, touch him while eating, check his teeth, etc. Getting him used to this early will be much better than waiting for later.
If your English Mastiff Puppies shows aggression of any type towards anyone of anything, besides reasonable playing, it is important to deal with it right away. Grab the puppy by the scruff of its neck, roll him over, and stare into his eyes. Growl, scold, and tell him how ashamed you are of him. Don’t give up until he gives in and looks away. Then let him up, but ignore him for a few minutes. After a few minutes, you can completely forgive him and act as if nothing happened. Again, this is how his mother would have scolded him if he went too far. When leaving your puppy at home alone, confine him to a safe area a crate, an exercise pen, etc. with shelter and plenty of water. When he is reliable in the home, you may allow him to be loose in the house while you are gone. If crate trained, keep the door open so he can get into his crate if he wants to. NEVER tie or chain your dog. This is a violation of your contract and can cause behavior problems.
English Mastiff Puppies Socialization
It’s very important to get your puppy out as much as possible. Your puppy may have a tendency to be unsure of new things or situations. Their confidence in such situations needs to be developed. After two or three days of adjusting to its new home, you should get your puppy out to visit new places at least three times a week. Studies show that the earlier the socialization starts, the better adjusted the puppy is. Shopping centers, malls, schools, obedience classes, other homes, parks, etc. are all great places to visit. Get your puppy used to different situations and people. Visit with children, women, and men; wearing uniforms; wearing hats; with beards; carrying items, etc. Never frighten or force your puppy in these situations, but let him gradually get used to the commotion and activities. Reassure the puppy with lots of praise and treats. Never let your puppy off leash is these situations. Socialization should always be fun and positive. Scold for aggressive behavior, and praise loudly for positive behavior.
English Mastiff Puppies House trainingThe key to housebreaking is consistency! Your puppy needs to be placed on a routine. He will need to go outside after eating, sleeping, playing, and approximately every 2 to 3 hours in-between. A puppy’s bladder control improves as he matures and gets older. You should pick a spot where you want your puppy to relieve himself. Always taking him to the same spot makes it easier for your puppy to understand. If he goes where he is supposed to, praise him happily and make him feel good for doing the right thing. Take the puppy immediately back inside so that he makes the connection that outside is the place to go to the bathroom. If your puppy makes a mistake, don’t spank, scream, or rub his nose in it. Just say “No” firmly, and take him outside for a while. Clean the mess thoroughly to remove any odors or scent. It is important to get on a schedule. Take the puppy out often, and praise for a jog well done.
When you need to leave the puppy at home alone, it is best to confine him to a small area, such as a crate or a small pen, with a securely fastened water dish. Dogs, and especially Mastiffs, do not like to soil their den. If your puppy has been walked before you leave, and not left alone too long, you should come home to a clean crate. If you have to leave for more than a few hours, either take the puppy with you in its crate, so you can let him out every few hours; find someone reliable to look after the puppy and let it out regularly; or leave him in a slightly larger “pen” with papers at one end. This latter alternative will hinder housebreaking slightly, but if you must be gone for more than a few hours you should consider the puppy’s comfort.
If your puppy cries or whines while he is in his crate, don’t give in and soothe him or let him out. Once he learns it doesn’t get him anywhere, he’ll give it up eventually. Leave a radio playing, a light on, a Nylabone or Kong toy in his crate, and don’t forget to leave water. You should make sure the crate is cushioned with foam cushions, sheepskins, or other similar materials. Eventually, his crate will become your puppy’s “safe” place. At night, let the puppy sleep in its closed crate, next to your bed if you want. As soon as he is reliable, you could leave the door of the crate open and allow your puppy to go in or out of his crate as he wants. Letting your dog sleep in your bedroom will help him bond to you even more, but Mastiffs will also do quite well sleeping in another part of the house. It is not recommended to let your puppy sleep on your bed. It may be cute, but when he gets to be 200 lbs you may regret the decision. Also, the chances of your puppy falling off and getting hurt are too great.
English Mastiff Puppies Exercise
Due to the fast growth rate and weight of the Mastiff puppy, no structured exercise would be given. Normal playing and socialization should be enough to keep him fit, and tire him out. Never push him, or you will end up with a lame puppy. If by chance, he does overdo it and becomes lame, a few days of rest will usually clear it up. If not, consult your veterinarian. Do not take your puppy on long walks; you must keep them very short. Mastiff puppies have a tendency to just lie down once they get tired. If this happens, it’s time to pick him up and carry him the rest of the way. Again, don’t let your puppy overdo it. Don’t play too rough with your puppy, as this can also cause structural damage; and avoid your puppy playing too energetically with other dogs or animals while he is still young.
Don’t let your puppy jump up or down from high places (couches, high steps, vehicles, etc.). Jumping down from things is especially hard on their joints. You should always help them up or down from high places, even when adults. Also, don’t let them jump up on you or others. This can seem cute while it is a puppy, but isn’t as cute when it’s older, especially if it tries this with an elderly person or a small child. You also risk the dog’s health by letting it jump on people. Your Mastiff puppy will love toys to play with, but don’t throw them too far or repeatedly. Leaping and twisting can be very dangerous for dogs this size, stressing their joints and especially their knees. Keep things in moderation, and you’ll be fine. Eventually, as your puppy grows older you can extend the length of time playing with him. It is best to keep Mastiffs on carpeted areas, as this will reduce the amount of callusing on their knees and joints from getting up and down. Chasing and sliding on slick floors is particularly bad, and asking for trouble. Keep dog cushions and beds around in various places for your puppy to lie down on.
English Mastiff Puppies Health
Like any other dog, Mastiffs require the usual series of puppy vaccinations. Your puppy’s first round of vaccinations will have already be given by the time you pick him up; and you will be informed about the next set of vaccinations that you should provide for. We prefer not to vaccinate regularly after the puppy series of vaccinations. Instead, we take titer tests to determine the dog’s the state of the dog’s immunity system. Titer tests can actually be more expensive than vaccinating, but it is better not to over vaccinate. You should either perform titer tests, or vaccinate to ensure your dog’s continued good health. You must, of course, vaccinate regularly for rabies. You should also continue de-worming your dog based on your veterinarian’s input, and discuss with your veterinarian about the need for heartworm preventative. Many vets encourage giving rabies vaccines too early, which can cause immune problems in puppies. We like to wait until the dog is six months or older before giving it the first rabies vaccine, and never give it at the same time as other vaccines. It also helps to have your dog on Vitamin C supplements while going through the vaccine process, as it helps to prevent unwanted reactions.
Hip dysplasia occurs in many breeds, large and small, and the Mastiff is no exception. A positive diagnosis of hip dysplasia can only be made using x-rays, and often only after the dog is mature. The Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) can provide a preliminary diagnosis before 24 months, but will not provide full certification until supplied with x-rays taken after the dog is 24 months old. Puppies from dysplasia-free parents are much less likely to become dysplastic, but are certainly not immune. Environment, nutrition, and general care can be just as important factors to hip dysplasia as genetics. It is important to purchase your puppy from a reputable breeder that places the welfare of the dogs and improvement of the breed above financial gain.
0 comments:
Post a Comment