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9 month English Mastiff/Bull Mastiff HELP!

Vader

New Member
I have a 9 month old puppy who weighs 125lbs. While I love him so much and I want to enjoy him I am finding it difficult because he does not listen and is constantly jumping on me or trying to play bite my arm. While he has never be "aggressive" towards me I can not help but to be intimidated by him because of his size. When we go on our dily walk he will try to bite the leash and will jump around me and try to get the leash out of my hand. He seems to listen more to my husband more than anyone. I have two sons under the age of 13 and it is not that I am fearful now of him hurting them on purpose it is the fear of what if I can not get this under control and something ever did happen to them or myself while my husband is working. I am new to this forum and I really am just looking for any sort of training guidance or recommendations so that I can love my furry baby more than I already. I am planning on getting him in to some puppy training in hopes it will train me to train him but if any one has suggestions on here I would be happy to hear them.Thanks,The Mother of a very large Mastiff Puppy http://www.mastiff-forum.com/images/smilies/pray.gif
 
:welcome:
Puppy training classes were supposed to be 7 months ago lol. You're best bet IMO, get in some classes asap, or higher a personal trainer to first teach your dog then teach you to follow through with the training. This sounds to me like a dog that's grown up with plenty of love and little to no discipline/training. Either you all don't know how or just haven't done it. He needs structure. You best start would be classes and/or personal trainer.
 

Smokeycat

Well-Known Member
One thing that has helped me when Kryten went through a period where he thought he didn't need to follow the rules was NILF or Nothing In Life is Free. Basically it means that for the dog to get anything (food, attention, etc.) they have to earn it first. Even making them sit and wait before eating works wonders for self discipline which helps them calm themselves down to listen better.

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DennasMom

Well-Known Member
First things first - teach "WAIT".... i.e. "calm down, sit and wait for what you want... and MAYBE I'll get it for you"... this is a form of NILF, mentioned above. For example, when he starts jumping around grabbing the leash, STOP... just stop moving. No words, no jerking the leash (that makes it a game), nothing... stand perfectly still and wait for him to stop moving... when he finally stops and gives you a confused "why aren't you playing along anymore" look - PRAISE him for standing still with a simple "Good Boy" and then continue on your walk. And get into some classes, asap. Also consider that his energy is a reflection of yours - the more excitable, anxious, or frustrated you are... the more he'll also be excitable and jumpy... so if you calm down, he will - eventually (sometimes it take a while, but he will eventually settle if no one feeds his excitement). Redirecting any of his 'play-bites' to toys instead of your arm can be helpful, too. If you have trouble - ask your trainer for tips on how to do that successfully.
 

teodora

Well-Known Member
has he always been like that? Jack has been a real nightmare during 8-11 months - he's settling down now... What NOT to do: don't get winded up and don't play his game or FORCE him do something. He may try to force you back to leave him alone - and you won't like it. Don't shout. Mastiffs are hard to intimidate - and some of them can take the challenge, who shouts louder. Mine surely gets more excited. I've learnt his reactions: and the best motivator for him is me. My attention. He is clearly motivated by me engaging or disengaging in various activities together: playing, walking, petting him so. It even works better than food. He craves for my attention all the time, so he gets the message when i ignore him or walk away. He gets the praise as well when he's a good boy, and he's over the moon...
 

karennj

Well-Known Member
You need to start at the basics and this is not a quick/easy fix. It reaches into exercise, mental stimulation, obedience training, scheduling, boundaries, etc. Honestly, I would get a good trainer to come in and spend a few sessions with you. He really doesn't need the help, you do. You just need the tools and a confidence booster. There are videos we could share with you but I think in your case it would be much better to just have someone come in to help you get started. Start here - Dog Trainer Search
 

Vader

New Member
Thank you all for replying...I will take all of your advice. I have hired a personal trainer and I am excited to start the next journey with my giant loving puppy.Thank you again for the replies...I will keep you posted on our training!