Training Bill

[Sinister Little Duckie]

We have been working on the basics but he is just sooo stubborn I can't seem to get past them. He walks well with me, sit, laydown, shake (whic is his favorite and he will do even with out being told) but I have had issues with stay and he also likes to chew on my arm. I am bruised up sooo bad and people are acutally accusing my boyfriend of beating me. He doesn't seem to realize what he's doing but I can't seem to stop him. Any Ideas?

 

[Ben]

How old is he?? probably a good idea to seek a trainer with large-dog breed experience and put some time in. Also, stay, "freeze!" etc.. is probably the most important command a dog should learn. Definately make this a priority. good luck!

Ben

 

[Bentley]

Watch the arm chewing as he gets older, it can become a dominance issue with some dogs.

 

[Sinister Little Duckie]

He is currently 10 months old and I am running in to problems with the other people in my household not aiding me in my attempts to train, it seems that we all have different views on what to do... Thank you for letting me know about the arm biting being a dominance issue my boyfriend seems to think that it's a funny trick and I end up with a ton of bruises because of it (i bruise easy though)

 

[Sinister Little Duckie]

I am at my wits end I got dragged across my front lawn on my stomache and then humiliated at the vet because I am not getting any support while training him it's not Bill's fault but UGH I have bruises on my arms and wrists from holding him back because he was sooo happy to see "friends" at the vet.....

 

[Cody]

Find a reputable trainer and make it a "family" affair.
Get your boyfriend to go to the classes as well. Is the best idea anyway since you both NEED to be on the same page.
These are big dogs that can do a LOT of damage if not properly trained and socialized.
What may seem funny to your BF now, can turn into a serious injury if Bill decides to "play" with a child, ending in Bill's life being cut short, and you being sued for everything you have.
10 months is too old to be biting a person IMO.
I suggest you get him in training ASAP.

 

[Bentley]

This is going to sound harsh and I'm sorry but I think you should make your boyfriend realise that not supporting you in the training will at best hold Bill back and at worst can actively undermine the training process. You obviously care so much for Bill and I'm sure you'll do whats right for him.

 

[Sinister Little Duckie]

That isn't harsh at all and believe me I have been working on this explanation, it just doesn't seem to get through to him... I am not a large person and Virg on the other hand is I am about 5'2" 150lbs and Virg is about 6'7" 320 lbs he thinks that his sheer size will work for him but he doesn't understand that I don't have that advantage and I am the one who takes Bill to the Vet and does everything for him I need that control..... I am looking for local trainers currently who have experience with giant breed dogs.... the search continues.

 

[acoz47]

Your boyfriend needs to get on board if you get a trainer or not everyone has to be on the same page or expect chaos.

 

[dogman#1]

hey sinister I know a few dog people in TN that work their dogs and could definetly help you out...BTW what breed of dog is it? These people work with GSDs, Mals, Filas and a few others...putting him in this enviroment where he NEEDs to focus is key. Let me know if you are still in need of help.

 

[Renee]

Your boyfriend needs to understand that at some point his size isn't going to help him, either. The dog is going to be stronger than he is -- just a fact of life. The best thing you can do is work diligently on bonding with Bill. Go ahead and take him to training classes. Make it your special time together and let him learn that YOU are the last word.

Most Mastiffs tend to cater to women and prefer them, so use that to your advantage.