New "CC" owner,

[Binta'sMaster]

New "CC" owner,

Hello My name is Dieudonne, and I am new to mastiff breeds. I have always loved dogs and I have owned a german shepherd for 8 years; so as far as dog care is concerned, I have some experience there. A little about myself: I live in the great state of Texas, in the consistently humid city of Houston by way of Dallas( it's ok though, I am used to it now). I recently got a "cane corso" pup, named Binta, which I love, and I'm pretty excited about. I have cane corso in parenthesis because I found out that she is mixed, but I can't make out what the sire is.(will need some help here for those more knowledgeable)[yes I requested to see the sire but the guy I got her from told me stories, so I wasn't gonna take her, but since he said money wasn't the issue he was just trying to find a good home for his puppies, I felt a little obliged, so I pretty much got her for free]. The sire is one monstrosity of a dog but deffinetly not corso(will post up a pic [found pics online after getting pup]) and the dame is a cane corso. Hopefully when she gets old enough we would be able to go for long runs. I specifically wanted a corso because of it's athleticism among the mastiff breeds, but aside from that any and all advice is appreciated. I would like to get her obedience trained, extensively socialized, get her a job or two, possibly [agility, tracking, or schutzhund/personal protection work], so any advice directed towards these areas, will be gold, as well as anything else I need to know. She is 15 weeks, but relatively on the small side at 17.6 lbs. I have had her for just over a week, when I got her she was under fed so I don't know if that is the cause of her light weight [ for a mastiff breed of this age I presume], I will be taking her to the vet either today or later. The breeder said she's had her first shots, but I think I'll just have the vet start from zero and give her everything so I know what she has and doesn't have(input here will also be appreciated). That is all for now, questions and inputs are welcomed...so fire away.

Thanks to everyone in advance.

 

[musicdeb]

Re: New "CC" owner,

Welcome aboard fellow Texan~ The pup is adorable and I see mastiff. It's really hard to tell at that age.

Re: vaccinations. If the breeder indicated the pup had their first shots, did you have for proof? Giving a pup more vaccinations when not needed can cause illness.

When I volunteered at the animal shelter, we had a number of pups given vaccinations twice or three times and they ended up very ill requiring hospitalization and thousands of dollars.

You can ask the vet for titer test to determine what vaccinations she has had.

Are you feeding her the kibble she was eating at the breeders? If not, are you doing a slow transition?

Slow transition to the new food is as follows to prevent diarrhea. If at any time during the transition, the pup has diarrhea return to previous amounts of food per feeding.

Amount per feeding:

Day 1-4 ¾ cup of old food and ¼ cup of new food.

Day 5-9 ½ cup of old food and ½ cup of new food.

Day 10-14 ¾ cup of new food and ¼ cup of old food

Day 15 Start 100% of new food

Generally, mastiffs are allergic to grain and chicken found in kibble. There are a number of posts on the forum regarding kibble for your new pup. Do a search for food to check them out.

You can check www.dogfoodadvisor.com www.dogfoodanalysis.com On this forum, Smart_Family is our resident food guru.

http://healthypets.mercola.com/sites/healthypets/archive/2013/05/31/large-dog-feeding-mistakes.aspx

You may want to check out the raw diet for your pup. Do a forum search for raw or raw diet.

Check out Dr. Becker’s videos on youtube.com for a lot of great information regarding the raw diet. Here is Part 1 there are 3 parts to the series. Well worth the time to watch the videos.

[video=youtube;Qx2YIIpF4cc]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qx2YIIpF4cc[/video]

Check the Obedience and Sports forum for a lot of info re: agility training etc.

*TRAINING YOUR PUP

Start basic commands. Train for about 5 minutes per day and slowy increase the training time. Teach one command at a time. Once they master one command, move onto another command.


Number one command is sit. Teach the pup to sit, by placing a treat in front of his head and move it to the back causing him to sit to get the treat. When the pup sits, tell them good sit and give them the treat.

Second command should be "focus/look" This will help you tremendously when the pup is over 100 lbs. Put the pup into sit. With a treat in your hand (let the pup smell it), put the treat up to your eyes and tell the pup to look or focus. They may only do this for about 1-2 seconds. As soon as they look at your eyes, tell them good look or good focus and give the treat. Some mastiffs (DDBs generally) do not like to look anyone in the eyes for long because that means a challenge to them. Titan is up to 35 seconds of looking at me.

Other commands are stay, come, leave it and drop it.

When you are training and when the pup does not do as you ask, then tell him no no no and redirect back to command in a normal voice. The only time a stern and somewhat loud NO should be used is when they are doing something that can cause harm to themselves or others.

For example, when I'm doing the look at me training with Titan. He will look at me and then his eyes will move to the left or right. I say, "no no no, look at me" and he returns to the look to my eyes.

When they do what you want them to do, get all giddy and excited and say, "Yes, good look!" I clap, giggle, and sometimes do a little dance. My dog looks at me like, really woman?

Mastiffs can be extremely stubborn and if you get frustrated with them, they will shut down. Mastiffs do not do well with yelling or hitting. Hitting can result in some unwanted mastiff behavior meaning fear aggression, which equals biting.

*EXERCISE

Puppies can exercise with natural movements and free play like running, stretching, playing on soft surfaces (grass and dirt). This type of exercise is actually healthy and good for their developing bodies but they do need to be able to pace themselves.

Structured exercise/play on hard surfaces and where they don't have they ability to pace themselves is where you need to be very careful. This type of exercise could harm the pup’s joints and bones. Puppies should not do any heavy exercise or walking for the first 1-2 years.

Stairs should be maneuvered while on leash (even in the house) especially going down the stairs. Stairs should have carpet or rubber matting to give the pup traction.

Most mastiffs (DDBs especially) can be very lazy but they still need to exercise. Puppies should not be walked for more than 15-20 minutes for the first 1-3months and do your best to avoid heavy running or jumping for the first 1-2 years. Generally, the amount of time to exercise is 10 minutes per each month of age.

Excessive jumping, running and long walks (1-2 hours) can cause hip, elbow, knee and joint injuries.

*DE-SEXING YOUR PUP

Mastiffs should not be neutered/spayed until 18 months to 2 years. NO MATTER what the vet says. Early neutering can cause growth problems.

 

[Binta'sMaster]

Re: New "CC" owner,

Hey there musicdeb, thanks for the reply...as per your post I will definitely get a titer test done for her, there's , need to make her sick. I am still feeding her kibble just like the breeder was; I experimented with raw chicken only for a day and she seemed to be fine, don't know if that is a good thing or not. I do plan on putting her on a raw diet, but I will use your transition prescription for safety. Thanks!!

 

[musicdeb]

Re: New "CC" owner,

If you plan to go raw, you can go cold turkey. Titan was on kibble when I rescued him and switched him to raw cold turkey.

Check out the raw feeding sub forum in the Nutrition forum. Lots of great info re: raw feeding.

 

[Binta'sMaster]

Re: New "CC" owner,

Ok will do.
Here is a picture of her sire and dame. if anyone can make out what mix the sire is, it will be very much appreciated.

 

[musicdeb]

Re: New "CC" owner,

It's hard to tell in this pic. Maybe BM?

 

[Binta'sMaster]

Re: New "CC" owner,

Yeah the picture is dark, I will try to get another one from the breeder. I figured it was some kind of mastiff mixture and was thinking maybe neo with something else, but now that you said it I realize it looks more bullmastiff-ish.

 

[Harrygto]

Re: New "CC" owner,

welcome

 

[Kaylee]

Re: New "CC" owner,

Welcome aboard!

Don't worry about her weight, she will hit a growth spurt soon and blow right up haha!

I am going to say that dad is a bullmastiff mix but I swear I have seen that picture before so I am going to rack my brain on where.

 

[Binta'sMaster]

Re: New "CC" owner,

@ harrygto Thanks!


@ Kaylee Thanks, I guess I am a little impatient, maybe I should enjoy her, while she can still crawl and sleep under my bed....lol and on the sire I figured it was some kind of mastiff, maybe a pitbull mix?

 

[cinnamon roll]

Re: New "CC" owner,

Welcome to the forum. Binta is gorgeous!!

 

[Binta'sMaster]

Re: New "CC" owner,

Thanks Cinnamon roll!

 

[cinnamon roll]

Re: New "CC" owner,

The size and weight will come now that she is in the right home. What are you feeding her?

 

[thelady_v2010]

Re: New "CC" owner,

Pretty girl!

 

[Binta'sMaster]

Re: New "CC" owner,

@thelady_v2010 Thanks


@ Cinnamon roll. I was feeding her iams proactive health puppy large breed, however I will be switching over to raw. Any thoughts, suggestions?

 

[cinnamon roll]

Re: New "CC" owner,

I personally have no experience with raw. But we have quite a few members on here that do. Here is a link to the raw forum on here you will find a ton of great advice on there.

http://www.mastiff-forum.com/forumdisplay.php/44-Raw-Food-Diets

 

[Binta'sMaster]

Re: New "CC" owner,

Cool thanks! already on it.

 

[fdchampion]

Re: New "CC" owner,

Welcome...good looking pup!!

 

[Marco]

Re: New "CC" owner,

Welcome aboard fellow Texan~ The pup is adorable and I see mastiff. It's really hard to tell at that age.

Re: vaccinations. If the breeder indicated the pup had their first shots, did you have for proof? Giving a pup more vaccinations when not needed can cause illness.

When I volunteered at the animal shelter, we had a number of pups given vaccinations twice or three times and they ended up very ill requiring hospitalization and thousands of dollars.

You can ask the vet for titer test to determine what vaccinations she has had.

Are you feeding her the kibble she was eating at the breeders? If not, are you doing a slow transition?

Slow transition to the new food is as follows to prevent diarrhea. If at any time during the transition, the pup has diarrhea return to previous amounts of food per feeding.

Amount per feeding:

Day 1-4 ¾ cup of old food and ¼ cup of new food.

Day 5-9 ½ cup of old food and ½ cup of new food.

Day 10-14 ¾ cup of new food and ¼ cup of old food

Day 15 Start 100% of new food

Generally, mastiffs are allergic to grain and chicken found in kibble. There are a number of posts on the forum regarding kibble for your new pup. Do a search for food to check them out.

You can check www.dogfoodadvisor.com www.dogfoodanalysis.com On this forum, Smart_Family is our resident food guru.

http://healthypets.mercola.com/sites/healthypets/archive/2013/05/31/large-dog-feeding-mistakes.aspx

You may want to check out the raw diet for your pup. Do a forum search for raw or raw diet.

Check out Dr. Becker’s videos on youtube.com for a lot of great information regarding the raw diet. Here is Part 1 there are 3 parts to the series. Well worth the time to watch the videos.

[video=youtube;Qx2YIIpF4cc]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qx2YIIpF4cc[/video]

Check the Obedience and Sports forum for a lot of info re: agility training etc.

*TRAINING YOUR PUP

Start basic commands. Train for about 5 minutes per day and slowy increase the training time. Teach one command at a time. Once they master one command, move onto another command.


Number one command is sit. Teach the pup to sit, by placing a treat in front of his head and move it to the back causing him to sit to get the treat. When the pup sits, tell them good sit and give them the treat.

Second command should be "focus/look" This will help you tremendously when the pup is over 100 lbs. Put the pup into sit. With a treat in your hand (let the pup smell it), put the treat up to your eyes and tell the pup to look or focus. They may only do this for about 1-2 seconds. As soon as they look at your eyes, tell them good look or good focus and give the treat. Some mastiffs (DDBs generally) do not like to look anyone in the eyes for long because that means a challenge to them. Titan is up to 35 seconds of looking at me.

Other commands are stay, come, leave it and drop it.

When you are training and when the pup does not do as you ask, then tell him no no no and redirect back to command in a normal voice. The only time a stern and somewhat loud NO should be used is when they are doing something that can cause harm to themselves or others.

For example, when I'm doing the look at me training with Titan. He will look at me and then his eyes will move to the left or right. I say, "no no no, look at me" and he returns to the look to my eyes.

When they do what you want them to do, get all giddy and excited and say, "Yes, good look!" I clap, giggle, and sometimes do a little dance. My dog looks at me like, really woman?

Mastiffs can be extremely stubborn and if you get frustrated with them, they will shut down. Mastiffs do not do well with yelling or hitting. Hitting can result in some unwanted mastiff behavior meaning fear aggression, which equals biting.

*EXERCISE

Puppies can exercise with natural movements and free play like running, stretching, playing on soft surfaces (grass and dirt). This type of exercise is actually healthy and good for their developing bodies but they do need to be able to pace themselves.

Structured exercise/play on hard surfaces and where they don't have they ability to pace themselves is where you need to be very careful. This type of exercise could harm the pup’s joints and bones. Puppies should not do any heavy exercise or walking for the first 1-2 years.

Stairs should be maneuvered while on leash (even in the house) especially going down the stairs. Stairs should have carpet or rubber matting to give the pup traction.

Most mastiffs (DDBs especially) can be very lazy but they still need to exercise. Puppies should not be walked for more than 15-20 minutes for the first 1-3months and do your best to avoid heavy running or jumping for the first 1-2 years. Generally, the amount of time to exercise is 10 minutes per each month of age.

Excessive jumping, running and long walks (1-2 hours) can cause hip, elbow, knee and joint injuries.

*DE-SEXING YOUR PUP

Mastiffs should not be neutered/spayed until 18 months to 2 years. NO MATTER what the vet says. Early neutering can cause growth problems.

This is in response to this quote specifically. I see one of the last things is noted not to neuter untill 18 months. regardless of what vet says, My pup is very mellow, I thought NOT neut would increase aggression, or possibilities of. I was planning to go by what the vet says and do it next month when he is 6 and a half. but ur post suggestions not to. Any additional data on this? I notice on here you all usually have a reference point. by any chance did u read that somewhere? I have been so careful on the dos and donts. appreciate it. sorry for crashing the thread!

 

[musicdeb]

Re: New "CC" owner,

This is in response to this quote specifically. I see one of the last things is noted not to neuter untill 18 months. regardless of what vet says, My pup is very mellow, I thought NOT neut would increase aggression, or possibilities of. I was planning to go by what the vet says and do it next month when he is 6 and a half. but ur post suggestions not to. Any additional data on this? I notice on here you all usually have a reference point. by any chance did u read that somewhere? I have been so careful on the dos and donts. appreciate it. sorry for crashing the thread!

Neutering does not stop aggression. Aggression is either learned or taught to the dog. Neutering in a large breed can cause joint and health issues later in life.

[video=youtube;enPCZA1WFKY]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=enPCZA1WFKY[/video]