Bullmastiffs can be a loyal and calm dog breed if properly trained. Training a big dog can be intimidating, but if done from an early age, these can be loving and appropriately protective family members.
This is what you need to know about Bullmastiff training.
Due to the size they can grow to and their potentially aggressive behaviour, it is important to start training Bullmastiffs as soon as possible.
Unlike other breeds of a slightly more problematic nature, Bullmastiffs have a reputation for being relatively easy to train. However, their independent minds mean the process won’t be a walk in the park. They can be stubborn, so gauging the temperament of your hound is a good step to figuring out how to train them.
Respect training is extremely important for your Bullmastiff. Bullmastiff breeders often tell you that if you don’t show your Mastiff who the boss is, it will run your house. When you start Bullmastiff puppy training, being confident in yourself is generally a good way to reduce behavioural issues.
Respect training is typically more effective than obedience training, as a Bullmastiff is likelier to be unresponsive or too lazy for the latter. Training your pup to catch on to basic commands is also vital.
A Bullmastiff is a large dog, which means a large mess if they happen to “go” in the house. Toilet training them as early as possible is crucial. Here’s how you can toilet-train your Bullmastiff.
Bullmastiff puppy training is generally the best, as your dog will be at its cutest and most agreeable, hopefully anyway. The training process can begin as early as eight to twelve weeks; the sooner, the better.
The crate training process helps your pooch to accept a cage, dog crate, or area as a safe and familiar place to rest and can be beneficial for both puppies and senior dogs.
Crate training a Bullmastiff puppy is an effective complement to a dog’s natural instinct to seek out a safe haven when an environment becomes loud or overwhelming. This also may prevent your puppy from chewing on furniture and can be ideal for when unfamiliar or uncomfortable guests are over.
Depending on your dog’s temperament, crate training can start from around 8 weeks old. Getting a puppy used to a crate early helps them adjust to the new environment.
The crate you choose should suit your Bullmastiff puppy and accommodate how much the dogs grow in size, so you should invest in an adjustable one. Ensure the crate is placed in an area that has moderate to low traffic and could be relaxing for your dog.
Place the crate in a relaxing area, such as a family room and be sure to leave the crate door open to spark the pup’s interest. If the puppy doesn’t immediately show interest, you may encourage it by strategically placing treats and meals in or around the crate. Do not force your puppy into the crate.
Avoid leaving your puppy crated for long periods until they are fully comfortable. Positive reinforcement will do wonders in terms of encouraging them to embrace their crate.
Sit near the crate for around 10 minutes, periodically leave and return. This process can be repeated until your pup can be left for 30 minutes or until you leave the house and return without issue.
Don’t let their size and relaxed demeanour fool you; Bullmastiffs, like other dogs, can be trained to do tricks. You can train your Mastiff to give you a paw or a high-five and to leap through a hoop.
Be careful when teaching your Bullmastiff to leap through hoops, as their joints can be problem areas due to their weight. Lastly, ensure that your training session does not exceed 15 minutes, as your dog can quickly lose interest or grow tired. Remember that not every dog was born to be a show dog.
Training your Bullmastiff can be easier than you expect as long as you stick to these tips.
The training process can be incredibly lengthy, particularly if you’re not being paid for it. A lack of consistency is one of the main reasons why owners give up on training and send their dogs to a professional. Consistency is also important in terms of giving your dog verbal and non-verbal cues and makes introducing new commands or tricks significantly easier.
This type of dog training is good for forming a strong bond with your dog and encouraging desirable behaviour through rewards. In general, this is a good way of communicating affection to a dog. Positive reinforcement could mean anything from giving your Bullmastiff its favourite treat or a lengthy back rub so that you can get creative with this.
Treats can make excellent teaching devices for most animals. Still, if you over-use this method, a dog may become too accustomed to such luxuries and rewarding good behaviour with a treat may become less effective as the training progresses.
If you are to use this method, do so in moderation, particularly for puppy training, and be wary of the type of treat you are giving your dog, as leftovers or sugar-rich foods may compromise a Mastiff’s health. Go with specially designed ones instead.
Clicker training is effectively the same as positive reinforcement training, as it focuses on what your dog is doing right rather than wrong. A clicker is a small mechanical device that emits a noise that trainers then use to mark good behaviour and to create an association in your dog’s mind.
Clickers are simply a substitution for actions such as snapping your fingers or blowing a whistle.
When training your dog, be it a puppy or an adult Bullmastiff, remember that each dog is different and may not respond to training the way other dogs might. Remaining patient throughout and rewarding your dog when appropriate will eventually show its benefits and further cement the Bullmastiff’s reputation as an ideal family pet.
Should you require more information on dog training, the American Kennel Club has comprehensive guides on training methods, certifications, and where to locate a trainer.
Welcome to Pets Online, a team of pet parents, animal lovers and veterinarians devoted to providing you with everything you need to know about pets.