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Bull Mastiff Puppies - Three Tips For Proper Training |
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 Bull mastiff puppies grow up to be some of the fearless and most confident dogs that anyone can ever have. Born with a strong protective instinct, they can ease in naturally to a defender role - seeking to protect their masters from anyone or anything that might pose as a threat.
However, while they can be docile around their masters, their protective instinct might make them too wary of strangers and other animals. They might not easily get along with your neighbors or with other animals you keep as your pets.
Knowing this, training and socialization are very important if you are to raise your bull mastiff puppies into proper family dogs. Remember, that while your puppies can grow up to be a great family protector, all they have right now is potential. And it is up to you to hone this potential.
1. Train with Care
Proper training is necessary for your bull mastiff puppies to grow up healthy. As young pups, they need enough exercise. Notice that the word 'enough' was used instead of 'a lot'. This is an important detail to remember since bullmastiffs are prone to some injuries related to their bones, joints, and ligaments. Because they will grow to be massive dogs, you must limit their exercise so that their bodies do not receive too much stress.
Now, because you have to limit the amount of exercise that your bull mastiff puppies will get, they might dislike the lack of activity and become somewhat hyperactive around your house. To deal with this, substitute some of their exercise time just by keeping them company so they don't get bored. You hit two birds with one stone with this, since you'll also get to spend some quality time with your pet.
2. Socialize, Socialize, Socialize
You must also socialize your bull mastiff puppies as early as possible. Allow them to get familiarized with the sights, sounds, and presence of people and other animals that they will probably encounter on a daily basis. These puppies will grow up to be large dogs with massive strength, so if they are not trained properly they are fully capable of causing injury to your other pets - or worse, some people.
So, the less scared they are of new things as pups, the less aggressive they will be of strangers and other animals when they grow up (but that will not make them any less protective of you and their territory, of course.)
3. Be the Master
Bull mastiff puppies are as proud as their adult counterparts. However, they are still immature and have not yet fully established their relationship with you. You must show them your authority and dominance so they will learn to respect you. They are not easily convinced, however. And they will not listen to you if you are too meek in training them. The trick here is to be confident - make your commands heard loud and clear, and be consistent in the rules that you set on them - make them know that you really mean it when you say commands like 'No.'
photo by (M.E) Morgan |
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Neopolitan Mastiffs - Understanding and Interacting |
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 When you first see Neapolitan mastiffs, it is very understandable to feel slightly intimidated by their appearance. These dogs have large, rectangular bodies; a massive head; and a wrinkled face giving it a brutish appearance rather than amiable. These dogs also move slowly - to the point of seeming colossal - so they don't look like they're there for show. They look like they mean business.
With their stocky bodies, serious stares, and an overall impression of quiet strength, these dogs were actually developed to look and act terrifying when the situation calls for it. However, it might be a surprise for some people that, at present, these dogs are less about bite and bark than they are about giving affection to their families.
Where Their Scary Reputation Comes From
Neapolitan mastiffs actually used to be bred and trained to fight alongside Roman legions. With their large bodies, incredible courage and strength, they fought against bulls and wild-boars. They were also said to be able to fight even against lions. In fact, the ancestors of these dogs were a favorite breed of Alexander the Great.
How They Are Known Now
Well, it should be a pleasure for you to know that these Neapolitan Mastiffs are actually peaceful and steady pets. That doesn't mean, though, that they are undependable - since that is hardly the case. They are very protective and fearless, so these dogs will readily come to your aid whenever the situation presents itself.
However, these dogs can prove to be hard to handle for some people. Neapolitan mastiffs are not just for anyone, especially not for first time dog owners, since they need masters who are confident and firm in their commands. Otherwise, they might become too willful and independent of their masters.
Are You Up to Taking Care of a Neapolitan Mastiff?
Neapolitan mastiffs are actually very intelligent so it doesn't need a lot of training. These dogs are also very sensitive to what their master wants. But, before anything else, they will need an owner that they can respect as their superior.
This doesn't mean that you have to be someone like a distinguished historical figure such as Alexander the Great. This simply means that these dogs need a dominant master who will be thorough and consistent in their training in order to properly control them.
Training the Proud Beast
Firstly, your dominance as its owner should be established early on - while the dog is still young. This goes a long way in the dog's training since it will always look up to you as its master and not someone who it can control. It is recommended that you give your dog some additional obedience training so it will be easier for the two of you to communicate. Always remember to be firm, and confident when giving a command.
Also, you will need to socialize Neapolitan mastiffs at an early age since they are naturally wary of strangers. You'll need to get them used to the presence of other animals that you keep as pets, and to the presence of other people such as your neighbors.
Constant exercise is also important to this breed so you are going to have to take your pets on daily walks. Again, it is important that you walk your dogs properly, especially with Neapolitan mastiffs. Remember to show it that it is you who decides the pace of the walk. You are doing it right when your dog walks alongside you and not ahead of you.
Finally, whenever you have to correct the dog for an error it committed you must be able to match the dog's intensity, and you must be swift in correcting it.
If you are able to do all of this, then you should be able to raise a serious, calm, and quiet dog that is a natural at guarding your family against all sorts of harm. Otherwise, it might be best to pick another breed of dog to take care of, gain experience in training dogs, and perhaps consider taking on the task of raising Neapolitan mastiffs.
Photo by kenjonbro
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3 Things to Expect from Bull Mastiff Dogs |
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 Bull mastiff dogs were originally a cross between the English mastiffs, which are known for their large builds, and the Old English bulldogs; which is a breed now extinction. However, it was recognized as a pure-bred dog in 1924 by the English kennel club.
The two breeds that were its ancestors both have large builds and strong muscles. With bulldogs having superior jaw strength, with mastiffs known for their superior loyalty to their masters resulted in a powerful and fearless dog, confident and yet still gentle.
Originally, the bull mastiff main task was to accompany gamekeepers, because their strength and tracking abilities allowed them to find and immobilize poachers. Presently, however, they have also proven themselves as great pets for the family.
What can you expect from your bull mastiff dogs?
Firstly, its temperament - is one that many families can appreciate. These good-natured dogs have a lot of courage; remain very loyal to their masters, and best of all they are very loving as pets.
They become very attached to their families. And, while most of the time they are calm and docile, they will spring to action whenever they perceive that their owners are threatened by anyone and anything.
Expecting this, you should now know that you must socialize your bull mastiff dogs to help it get used to the presence of others early on. You wouldn't want them to be too cautious of your other pets or your neighbors and relatives.
Secondly independence - you can expect bull mastiff dogs to be very independent. They are smart creatures and will want to act whenever it finds something intriguing. (s)he needs a master who is firm and consistent with the rules that are set for the dog. This being so, it is a must for you to train it so that it will learn to listen for your permission before it acts on its instincts.
Finally, bull mastiff dogs have a lifespan of about eight to eleven years. If you start raising a bull mastiff puppy, expect it to keep on growing until it is about two and a half years.
While this breed is endowed with strong bodies, they are prone to some hereditary diseases. This is why you must make sure that your puppies come from a healthy lineage so that the chance that your dog will become sick eventually is slimmer.
Sometimes, these dogs may be born with cosmetic genetic problems such as a lack of pigment in its mask. These dogs also have a tendency to bloat so you might want to feed them smaller meals two to three times a day instead of giving it one large meal.
Other than the items just mentioned, be sure to properly take care of your bull mastiff dogs. Since they are born with short hair and a slightly rough coat, its real easy to groom them.
They also don't shed as much as some other breeds. You must remember to
check their feet regularly because of the weight of their bodies, and don't forget to trim their nails often to avoid injuries! With this, you should be blessed by the company of one intelligent, protective, and highly affectionate pet for the years to come.
photo by pwcorgigirl
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Italian Mastiff – The Devoted Watchdog |
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 To know more about wonderful Italian Mastiff breed, first we take a look at its similarities with the characteristics commonly found in all Mastiffs. Generally, this breed is built massively while still keeping an elegant appearance with its long muscles, its short and oily coat, intense eyes and a wide muzzle. Mastiffs are known for their endurance, agility, and intelligence.
All of these, plus traits such as even-mindedness make the Italian Mastiff one of the best watchdogs to have around.
The Italian Mastiff actually originated from the Tibetan Mastiff, which were often assigned to guard ancient monasteries. In Italy, however, it had gained a different reputation as its strength and courage made it able to stand up and protect their masters even against wild boars and bears. As such, they became popular for their loyalty and ability to protect and were instead assigned to carry valuables for their masters.
Being of gentle nature and having protective instincts, the Italian mastiff has also shown that it can be very devoted to the family that takes care of it. This breed is known to be great with children as they are among the most tolerant and patient of dog breeds. This is one breed that actually needs a lot of attention and affection from you, or else it will suffer physically and mentally. Be sure not to scold it too much! It usually will remain upset for long periods of time whenever it gets scolded.
It is because this breed is one that chooses, more than anything else, to stay close to its masters instead of wandering outside the house. On the other hand, as long as it is with their master, this breed is one that also enjoys many outdoor activities and can show high levels of energy.
You can also expect an Italian mastiff keep its level headedness even in the face of other dogs. Despite the fact that this breed was once allowed to participate in battles at arenas, the Italian mastiffs of today will not go out and seek a fight with other dogs. It will, however, stubbornly hold its ground when provoked.
Being a breed of excellent watchdogs, an Italian mastiff is endowed with good intuition and they will be able to notice most changes to the environment which they are used to. Because of this, they might react negatively to small changes made to your home allowing you to ascertain if something might be out of place. With their stable temperaments, they also make great guard dogs.
Usually, an Italian mastiff will need an experienced master because it can also be too aggressive to other animals and to strangers. Because of this, you will have to have it get used to the presence of others in order to prevent your pet from becoming too nervous, too cautious, and too fearful of strangers. Don't be too worried however, as these dogs are easy to train due to their willingness to please their masters. With enough training, Italian mastiffs are more than able to provide protection to one's home and family. And the love that you shower on it is sure to be reciprocated with its devout affection.
photo by brittanyculver |
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