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The Dos and Don’ts
So you’ve found yourself some handsome English Mastiff dogs as the newest additions to your family and you want to be the best master that you can be. As you will soon find out, taking care of these great animals is not actually all that hard. With proper training, mastiff dogs can be the most loyal and affectionate pet dogs around.
Here are a few things you should remember to keep your pets happy and healthy.
Do: Socialize the pups early
Mastiffs are born with a natural protective instinct. Sometimes, they can be overprotective and over-territorial. This happens when a mastiff dog has not been socialized enough.
They are very wary of strangers and other animals so you’ll need to get them used to things early on. Help the pups become less fearful of the world around them. Get them used to the look and feel of your home, the presence of your friends, family and other pets.
Do: Properly train them
Especially with Mastiffs, there’s a big difference between asking it to stop its mischief and ordering it to stop its mischief. If you were talking to an equal, then the former option is the best course of action to take. However, do remember that you are dealing with a proud dog, so it is best to show it who the boss is.
This is also natural because dogs follow a pack mentality. Once it learns to accept you, its master, as the leader of the pack, you’ll have one of the most loyal companions around. Remember, the trick to properly training your mastiff is to be very confident in your commands and be very consistent with the rules you impose.
Don’t: Treat them too harshly
Mastiffs are intelligent dogs, and they can easily pick up hints from the tone of their master’s voice. While you must be a pack leader image to it, you must also remember not to overdo it. Mastiffs may get too depressed when they feel that their master has become very angry at them.
Do: Exercise regularly with them
Mastiffs may be content just lazing inside your home. But they’re sure to be happier if they are given regular exercise. The least you could do with your pets is to take them on daily regular walks. This helps release their pent-up mental and physical energy.
When you’re out walking your pets, remember that there’s a proper way of doing it. If you’re letting the dogs lead you, then you’re doing it wrong. Make sure that they know who their master is, and at all times you should be the one setting the pace.
Don’t: Get carried away
Sure you’re supposed to give the dogs opportunity to exercise. You shouldn’t, however, overstrain your pets. Mastiffs, especially when they are young, are very susceptible to a number of injuries. Avoid having them jump from high places, or over-exhausting your pets with a too strenuous routine.
Do: Regularly groom them
English Mastiff dogs have smooth, short-haired coats which are, fortunately, easy to groom. As long as you use firm bristle brushes – avoiding those that may be too irritating – your pets will soon get used to regular grooming sessions.
Mastiffs also don’t need to be bathed too often. Only in situations when they’ve become extremely dirty or when you need them to look their best does it become necessary.
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