Help!!!

[Lacey_Waddle]

Ok my EM bear is 8 months old. For the past 3 he's been scratching at me and I don't like it. It's like he's trying to shake my hand but it just ends up scratching my legs and arms. I've tried telling him no and not playing for a while but he continues to do it. What is the best way to end this before he gets too big?
Also he tends to pull me when I put him on a leash I'm only 128 an he's almost my weight. I've tried to train him like they showed us at the training day with a trainer but it doesn't seem to work. We go on walks every day and I am so worn out afterwards please help

 

[Marrowshard]

When you go on walks, what's your collar/lead setup? Our Bullmastiff is (typically) headstrong, and we almost always walk her with a chain and traffic lead to help reinforce our commands and keep her close. She learned very quickly that trying to pull one of us caused discomfort. In extreme cases, we stop completely and make her sit. Only when she's calm and looks up at us for direction do we continue on. On days when she's feeling energetic (she's 7, not like a puppy but still ...) it sometimes takes us a while to complete a walk.

~Marrow

 

[Abby&Fiona]

We also use a choke one our EM. She is VERY obedient, but the beginning of her walk is VERY powerful and she WILL heel she just needs the verbal Cue. Have you done full obedience courses? It is pretty important to get control of a mastiff, and those course would definitely help you put your foot down.
My EM LOVES and I mean LOVES to hold hands. She always has to be touching us if we are sitting, kneeling or laying down. She usually puts a paw on our knee and expects us to hold the top of her paw. :-D It's freaking adorable and even at a slobbery 8yrs old, we usually don't mind it. I mind it most when I have shorts on or something but even still she has learned to be gentle and since he shoulders are much higher than our knees when on the couch, her paw sets right there without any scratches or struggles. it's her head or her paw in our lap if she is not laying on our feet. BUT I am sure our Abby is a little calmer than your 8 month old. But she does get excited now and then and that makes for an interesting event. But we love it! Keep his nail trimmed and you should be ok, just work on gentle hand holding hehe

 

[Lacey_Waddle]

Lol thank you! I'm going to have to get a different collar! And I've taken a few of the classes but I couldn't go anymore because of medical issues that has me kept at home. But that doesn't stop me from going on our walks!

 

[mastiffmama12]

Yes I use a choke collar also on Zeus and my bully, Zeus doesn't pull at all with it. If you don't like him pawing at you make a noise like agh agh agh and give him a toy or something else to redirect his attention, might help.

 

[Cody]

I prefer a prong over a choke, although the prong LOOKS like it would cause pain it doesn't. In fact is a lot less dangerous then a choke, which could crush their trachea. The prong if used correctly I have also found more effective. Either way I suggest getting a trainer to teach you the proper placement and way to use. Also REMEMBER if/when using these be sure to remove them when unsupervised and NEVER let them play with other dogs when wearing. I can't tell you how many times I have read about dogs playing in chokes and another dogs jaw gets caught up and the dog chokes to death with the owner there helpless to do anything.

 

[Lacey_Waddle]

Awe :-( poor babies! Thank you very much. I'm going to try the toy thing and see if that works

 

[Mongo]

I prefer a prong over a choke, although the prong LOOKS like it would cause pain it doesn't. In fact is a lot less dangerous then a choke, which could crush their trachea. The prong if used correctly I have also found more effective. Either way I suggest getting a trainer to teach you the proper placement and way to use. Also REMEMBER if/when using these be sure to remove them when unsupervised and NEVER let them play with other dogs when wearing. I can't tell you how many times I have read about dogs playing in chokes and another dogs jaw gets caught up and the dog chokes to death with the owner there helpless to do anything.

Very true! So many people use them incorrectly, if this is what you choose to use. Please have someone experienced show you how to properly use one. The gentle leader is also a great tool to use to stop pulling. I just got one for Zuko and I love it! Its my first time using one also but it works great!

 

[chris410]

A friend of mine used a gentle leader on her male EM with great success, just food for thought.