New owners of an English Mastiff rescue

[MaxsMom]

The other day my husband was in the pasture and thought he saw a young calf walking the fence. Of course, he wasn't a calf at all, but a big beautiful lost mastiff. To make a long story short, we found the owners, and unbelievably they decided to give him to us. This was one month ago and we are so in love. He's the coolest, sweetest and yes, sometimes most stubborn dog. He's just wonderful with all the grandchildren and our other two dogs. He's 1 1/2 years old. I'm working with him on a leash and he's doing well but I've learned to keep the sessions short as he tires out much easier than our other dogs. When He's had enough, he just lays down. The only way I can get him to continue is to drop the leash and walk away. Any ideas here? He is the epitome of the unmoveable object. I am just using a regular collar.

We've also discovered that we cannot trust him outside the fence unless one of us is present for even a few minutes. He wanders off. He did this the other day and I almost had a heart attack. Drove around and found him in the neighbors yard and He acted thrilled to see me and jumped in the car. Love, love, love this dog, but still learning. Really happy to join you Mastiff owners.

 

[Smart_Family]

Welcome!

 

[angelbears]

Congrats and welcome!

 

[sissie20]

aww can we see pics

 

[alwcm4]

Congrats!!!

When he lays down because he is done what have you done to encourage him to continue? Just verbal cues or are you using high value treats?

 

[DennasMom]

Something I read once...

"Never walk a mastiff further than you can carry him home."



Denna will do something similar... when leaving a fun place (dog park, friends house, etc.) Denna will refuse to get in the car, and will laydown - in the middle of the parking lot - behind the car and not move. I'll drop the leash and leave her there. If she still doesn't move, I'll wave a treat in front of her face and throw that in the car, that works about 75% of the time. After that, I climb into the back of the car and start chattering excitedly about what I've "found"... she'll come over to see what all the excitement is, and once she's off the ground, I can then get her to climb into the car.

Sounds like your pup wandered into the right house! Congratulations!

 

[Crystalanya]

Gummy does this. So frustrating. Treats. The good ones. Dried chicken or turkey work wonders with most dogs (not Gummy as he has a chicken allergy) but I use dried fruits or sojo's treats (the cherry and duck are his favourite). I have to say 'good-bye' if I don't have treats. Then he's all panicked and will follow. And I'd try very short walks and then increase it gradually if it's cool enough. Mastiffs do not like the heat and they don't tolerate it well, so if it's already warm in Mississippi that may be doing it.

 

[MaxsMom]

I am using treats but not sure they are high value. What do you consider high value treats?

 

[MaxsMom]

Yes, I'm a little concerned about the heat here. We will see how he does this summer. It gets very hot in August/September. I do keep the session short. I read that somewhere and can see how it's important judging by his reaction to too much walking.

 

[MaxsMom]

I"m a little confused about how to get my picture to post with this thread. I have it with my profile but would like to add it here.

 

[alwcm4]

A high value treat would be something that he absolutley goes crazy over. My dogs LOVE sliced cheese, some dogs like liver and can't resist. Chicken breat maybe. Something he doesn't get everyday that really tells him you did something special (getting up when you want him to) so you get this reward you REALLY want.

I am using treats but not sure they are high value. What do you consider high value treats?

 

[riffy]

I once left Loki in the car with the door open & the garage's door to the yard open after he wouldn't get out. About 2 hours later I went and saw him snoring away in the car still. They're stubborn! Now I have Sophie pester him. "Where's your brother?" "Go get him!" She'll run and poke him with her nose and bark at him and run back to me. She has better luck getting him up at times.

Cheese is the go to thing in my house. Both the doggies love cheese! I hide Loki's allergy pills in cheese every day.

 

[joshuagough]

Welcome #Rescued EM's are the best!

 

[Kelly]

How's the treating and walking going?

Denna's mom, I love your solutions. That's typicla Masstiff owner problem solving ha ha.

 

[MaxsMom]

Going well Denna. I think of him as a big, somewhat stubborn child. I find his ways very different and entertaining. Well, unless I need to get him somewhere and he doesn't want to go. That isn't so entertaining after all. LOL. Unfortunatley, I haven't had time to walk him in the evenings lately. I nee my husband around to help separate all the dogs when I do. Hope to get back to that this weekend.

 

[Kelly]

yeah my Tess has been known tocdo the "butt plant" in the middle of a crosswalk. she usually ends u winning thse cus im not about to have my dog tie up traffic. i was prepared the last time tho, i had several different ideas how to win and one of thm worked! cant remember which one tho,but Yayyy Me and Yayyy Tess!