Bet you didn’t know this, but the Mastiff breed was rumored to have accompanied the knights and soldiers of the ancient Roman legions. These enormous, imposing dogs were used for protection and even as combatants during war. Now, that’s a dog with a rich history! But the big question today is – is a Mastiff easy to train?
The short answer is – it depends. Truthfully, the ease of training a Mastiff is influenced by a mix of your dedication, the dog’s temperament, its early socialization, and training methods. The ancestral blood of warriors running through their veins doesn’t necessarily make Mastiffs obstinate or tough to train. With the right approach, you can train a Mastiff to be an obedient and lovable pet.
One thing to note is that Mastiffs are an intelligent breed. They may not be as agile as a Border Collie or as eager to please like a Golden Retriever, but they are smart. And with their size, you will want them to be well-behaved. An untrained 200-pound dog can be quite the handful!
Let’s take a deeper look into the world of training Mastiffs.
Mastiffs are known for their laid-back attitude. Don’t mistake their relaxed demeanor for laziness, as they’re alert and protective when the situation demands it. The key is to leverage their intelligence and balance it with their naturally calm disposition for training sessions.
Puppyhood is the crucial phase. It’s when your Mastiff is most receptive to new experiences and behaviors. Start training your Mastiff puppy as early as three months old, but keep in mind not to push them too hard as it could lead to physical strain. ‘Simple and slow’ is the mantra to go by for their early training.
Basic commands like sit, stay, come, and leave it should be your initial focus. Use a firm voice when giving commands but remember not to yell or lose your patience. They respond better to confidence and assertiveness rather than anger or frustration.
Positive reinforcement is your best tool. Treats, praise, and lots of love can motivate a Mastiff to be on their best behavior. Avoid harsh methods like scolding or punishment as it can lead to fear and stubbornness.
Socialization is also a must in the early stages. This breed isn’t necessarily aggressive, but due to their massive size, people may perceive them as threatening. So, exposing them to different environments, individuals, and even other animals can help them become more well-rounded and less likely to behave inappropriately.
Consistency plays a crucial role in training a Mastiff. If you allow your dog on the couch one day but scold them for doing it again the next day, it will only confuse them. Set clear boundaries and stick to them.
Every breed has its quirks, the Mastiff included. These friendly giants have a tendency to drool, snore, and they do not realize their size! So, even if they are trained well, you might find them snuggling in your lap, thinking they are as small as a Chihuahua.
Despite their large size, remember that Mastiffs are naturally good-natured. They aim to please their owners and are known to be protective and loyal. These are qualities that make them not just effective guard dogs but also wonderful family pets.
So, is a Mastiff easy to train? If you are patient, consistent, and understand the breed’s unique traits, then, yes, it is straightforward to train a Mastiff. Sure, it takes a bit of work on your part. But the reward of having a well-trained Mastiff – a loyal friend, a protective guardian – is beyond worth it.
Remember, when done correctly, training doesn’t just teach your Mastiff commands or tricks, but also helps you understand your dog better. This mutual understanding can go a long way in strengthening the bond between you and your Mastiff, which should be the ultimate goal of any training regime.
So, despite their history of being warriors, with the right training techniques you can mold your Mastiff into the perfect, well-behaved pet that you desire, forming a bond that is every bit as legendary as their lineage.
