Beginner looking for advice...

[Bethanevisser]

Hello everyone. My English Mastiff puppy is almost a week old (yay) and this is our first time raising a giant breed of dog. This puppy will go through training to be a social therapy dog for my 7 year old special needs child and of course a family pet We have begun to gather supplies for the puppy. We have a large dog bed, crate, leash and collar. We are talking to a trainer and plan to start puppy classes at 9 weeks old.

My question for all of you is what do you wish you had known the first time you got a mastiff? What would have helped your family and the puppy adjust?

I am also interested in feeding suggestions. Brands, nutritional content, etc.

Thanks and we are so excited to have a mastiff join our family!

 

[cwayaustx]

Welcome, I think the only thing I would change is I would have been more patient and left my boy with his littermates a little longer. Its hard I know but 10-12 weeks makes a world of difference versus 7-8. Of course only if breeder keeps pups inside and works with them daily.

 

[Smart_Family]

Welcome!

 

[Smokeycat]

Welcome. The only thing I would have changed is that I would have got him a little younger. He was 11 weeks when I got him and although it was nice having him sleep thru the night from day 1 I feel I missed the first major socialization period in his life. He was quite timid when he first came home. I also had a much harder time housebreaking him then I did with my other dog, I got him at 6 weeks. If given the choice I would like to get my next puppy at 8-9 weeks, old enough to have some bite inhibition from her litter mates but young enough that housebreaking isn't being broken by the stress of a new home at later stage.

 

[musicdeb]

Welcome aboard~ Search the forum for specific questions and if you can't find an answer, post and you'll receive replies.