Tuesday, May 20, 2008

Tips for Training Your Bull Mastiff Dog

A fawn female adult Bullmastiff (Australian Champion Opalguard Good Thing)Image via Wikipedia

Though massive in stature, your Mastiff is also a sensitive dog. Positive training techniques work best with Mastiffs. They will respond well to firm, consistent, kind training.

All dogs respond better to kindness.

* Give commands in quiet tones. * Be patient. Bull Mastiffs tend to develop slowly, both emotionally and physically.

* Be firm. To be firm means using a deep tone of voice that commands respect from your pet. The object of using this firm tone is to train your dog to pay attention the first time you speak.

Use specific training commands for each action, such as “sit,” “down,” or “off.” A confused pet cannot learn well what is being taught.

A helpful hint when training is to say the dog’s name first, then give the command.

*Train your Mastiff when he is alert. Mastiffs, especially, should rest after eating. Schedule your training sessions with your pet before meals. Positive training includes giving your Bull Mastiff dog treats and praise when they are obedient to a command. Treats can be handed out generously while your dog is first learning. As training continues, increase your expectations and decrease the treats so your pet will learn to obey when given a command. Training sessions should only last about 10-15 at a time, several times a day. Your Bull Mastiff dog is capable of learning many things at a rapid pace. Start training and socializing your dog as soon as you bring him home. This time of training is a critical time for building a relationship of love and trust between you and your Bull Mastiff dog.

Till Next Time!
Sam