New to the site and have a burning question.

[nhs5023]

Hey everyone,
Just joined the site and I have a question and would love your input. I've been wanting to get a dog for a good bit now and of course I would love to get an English mastiff. My question is do y'all think my situation is acceptable for getting one? Im a male, live alone in a 2 bedroom 2 level, 1200 square foot duplex. I do have a yard to play with one but it's not fenced. Here's the kicker, in the summer I work a lot. I leave for work at 5:30am and don't return till around 4-7pm, weather depending. I don't live far from work, but not really able to leave whenever to let it out midday. It would have to be in a case while I'm gone till I can train it and trust it to be home alone that long.
With all that being said, I would really appreciate your input.
Thank you for your time,
Nate.

 

[davidtq]

To my mind the mastiff breed dogs are way to people orientated to be happy being left alone all day.

Theres people on here with way more experience than me who Im sure will have better answers. But to my mind a Mastiff type dog isnt a home alone all day dog. Way to people orientated and wanting to be with its family. You really dont want a mastiff with personality issues, way too much dog for that. See what other people think though.

 

[Liz_M]

Welcome!


I am in a similar situation (except I can sometimes take a dog to work.) I'm single, work a lot of hours in summer, and have three dogs, including a 17-week old EM puppy currently. I've had multiple dogs for years and I believe successfully.


I use a range of resources, especially with the current puppy:

Friends/neighbors/family: anyone who can let your pup out during the day is called into service!

Doggie daycare: At $20 per day, I cannot afford to do this every day, but my pup goes about once a week, depending on my schedule.

Also, pet sitters; someone to come by your house during tyhe day.

Get up really early. I have three dogs, and several times a week I get up super-early so at daybreak we're at the lake park for a really good off-leash run.

Evenings: obedience classes, walks, training games and bonding time.

Friends, again: my best friend has three wonderfully chill dogs and a big yard. I can drop my pup at her house in the morning and pick him up on the way home from work.

Weekends: largely reserved for dogs, or activities the dogs can participate in.Seriously, you would not believe the things I've turned down because, three dogs.

Seriously, a lot of how I live my life revolves around my dogs and people in my life who love dogs. It really is a commitment, and a big one.



All that said - examine the reasons you want a dog, and an EM in particular. I have three dogs; I don't know that I would have even considered a puppy if at the very least it wouldn't have company during long work days. What do you expect of a dog, what will you bring to the table and what will this dog provide for you? Because honestly, you're going to have to make some serious lifestyle adjustments, or at least expenditures, if you are to have a happy, well-adjusted Mastiff. Mastiffs, like many guardian/working breeds, really, really need to spend time with their pack, and really, really need jobs to do. Even if that job is holding down the couch LOL. But someone has to be there a lot to tell them they are doing it right.

 

[7121548]

Hi! Maybe you want to hold off on getting a dog until you have more time to bond with it and potty train it. A new puppy or dog is going to have to be let out several times during the day until he or she gets used to the new home and knows where to go to the bathroom. As someone who recently adopted a dog, I can tell you that I was taking him out 5-6 times a day for the first several weeks until he got the hang of it. The accidents he had were not little accidents either--we're talking about pints of liquid on the floor (a huge pain in the ass when it's on a rug or carpet). Like you, I have a full time job and live close to work, but I'm able to come home every day during lunch to let him out. Would you be able to do that when you're not on your summer schedule?

 

[7121548]

Liz_M is absolutely right about having to make some huge lifestyle changes to accommodate your dog. It really is a huge commitment and your life does revolve around your dog. I don't have kids, but I imagine it's what having a toddler is like.

 

[TWW]

Liz_M said It quite well.

Is it doable? By all means. It would mean a lot of adjustments for you though.
EM's are a fantastic breed, there also a lumbering powerhouse, if a adult EM really wants to get somewhere, you better have put in the time training. If the time is not put in during fear stages, this can pose not only a challenge but a hazard to others.

Any type of mastiff is a challenge to raise is the best conditions. Be sure your ready for it, before taking it on.

 

[EverythingEnglishMastiff]

I would have to agree with Liz and david.

EM's need their people. They also need to be handled properly I couldn't imagine if Hank misbehaved there would not be much I could do to stop him physically. Potty training is a big one. Puppies need out every time they eat/drink, when they wake up, and at least every 2hr~ or so to prevent accidents. That's a serious commitment and every accident only make potty training that much harder. You can't expect your dog to hold it bio for 8 or more hours. If you crate it that long, that is exactly what you are doing and could lead to bladder infections.

I'd say maybe look into a breed that is more suited for being home alone. And try to get your puppy when you will have the most time for it. Or maybe even get it coinciding with your next week vacation that'd help get em settled in. IF you can afford it sitters and dog walkers are a great service and your dog will be much happier for it.

 

[DDSK]

No English mastiffs here but Cane Corsos. I agree with Liz, doable but many changes in your lifestyle.
You will especially need to spend the time in socializing with other dogs and people.
I'm assuming you would be entertaining a domestic partner from time to time so you don't want your mastiff taking off her or his leg or arm.

 

[Bob Felts]

Agreed with Liz_M and 7121548. We had around 30 seconds to 1 minute to get our EM pup leashed up and outside after food or a drink. The effort from 2 months to 6 months old was exactly the same as having a toddler in the house. NEVER take your eyes off of him unless you are *real* good at reupholstering the furniture, and making new table / chair legs. When we cooked, one was cooking, the other was getting mauled by our fur alligator. If a Mastiff is left alone, he will get bored and destructive. Also, you NEED (not an option here) to socalize your pup with a ton of other dogs and people. Constantly. 3 new places a week. Or more. This is to let him meet new people and dogs. That's the bad news. At around 6 months, our EM started mellowing out. Less frenetic chewing, bonsai mid air assaults, couch eating and people as prey practice. He is truly getting that loving family member, easy going disposition. They are worth everything you pour into them. You will get many times back what you put into them.

 

[Liz_M]

Bob Felts, I am glad to hear that there's a good chance that Booker will mellow out in a couple of months (he's just over four months old now.) He is overall a very calm puppy, but OY VEY the biting and chewing! I've got a pretty good handle on it but it really does take some vigilance especially when they are teething and prone to hyper-puppy zoomies.


For the OP - another option would be adopting an adult mastiff, look for mastiff rescues in your region. Still a big commitment and lifestyle change but it really sounds like you work too many hours for a puppy, unless you are prepared to rope everyone you know into daily puppy-wrangling while you're at work, along with paying for sitters and day care and what-not. Not to mention all the associated costs of purchasing, vetting and generally raising a puppy. This summer my choices were "have new roof put on house" or "buy a mastiff puppy." Guess what, I'm not getting a roof until next year.


I initially did look at rescues after my last Rottie died in May but with my current pack of two, plus cats, it was very difficult to find "just the right" temperament for a good fit. But rescue can be great, especially if you find a dog that's been fostered in someone's home. The foster "parents" can clue you in on how the dog is to live with and help with the transition.

 

[Pastor Dave]

Wow...tough choice. I'd wait....for the sake of the dog's happiness and stability.

 

[Yamizuma]

I agree with what's been said by many others here. A rescued older dog might be something to consider, with some paid or volunteer or family help on really long days.


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[cj-sharpy]

Adopt an adult. If you work all day it would not be ideal for a pup but an older dog more used to that life style would more than likely be happy for alone time to snooze. You don't get the cute puppy phase and you'll have less potential partners starting a convo about the dog haha.
But the ladies who do talk will be better cos they'll love big dogs.
Plus you get company, a walking partner and a big lazy slob when you want to be

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