What Puppy
Three Things to Teach Your Mastiff Puppy
Play is a very large part of any Mastiff puppy's early life. Did you know that playtime can also be a time for teaching your new pup? Play can be a valuable tool in training your Mastiff puppy everything from learning simple commands to teaching them the ins and outs of socializing and what it takes to be a well behaved dog.
There are three basic things that a Mastiff puppy - even one as young as six weeks old - needs to start learning. "No" is the first basic thing you should teach your pup." You will be using that command repeatedly during your relationship with your dog and so it is very important that he knows it from the start.
And it's easy. Dogs, even when they are young puppies, can recognize voice tones. Once your puppy learns to associate the word "no" with your displeased and forceful tone of voice, then you will not need to be so forceful. You do have to be sure you have his attention first. Mastiff puppies often misbehave and so when they do something they shouldn't you just pick thme up gently and firmly tell him "No" but be sure you have eye to eye contact.Your puppy will react immediately. Your puppy may drop his head shepishly, growl, or try to play his way out of it, depeding on his personality. If your dog growls or tries to play his way out of it you will need to keep repeating the command just so he knows you mean business.
Then, simply let it go. Keep a watchful eye on his response after you put him down. A rebellious pup may repeat the action as a way to test you, in which case you need to repeat the process. If you are consistent and firm, but also gentle, your puppy will get the message.
Teaching him the proper way to go potty will be one of the first things your new baby needs to know right away. This is actually easier than you might think, as pups are a lot smarter than they look. However, the most important thing is timing. If you notice that your puppy has had an accident on the floor but is somewhere else playing because you didn't notice it right away, then all you can do is clean it up and try to pay closer attention to your puppy next time. You do not want to rub his nose in it because he won't understand and he will only be hurt and confused. Catching your puppy in the act is what you want to do. When you see him start to take a tinkle, grab him and take him outside. Chances are he will be so shocked that he will save some for the yard, and when he goes there you can praise him lavishly.
The third thing that your Mastiff pup needs to know is that he should never put his teeth on a human being. "play biting" is a lot of fun with a new puppy os it might be hard not to play that way but you must not do it. But you don't want them to play so rough when they are older. Since puppies like to bite be sure to only toys that are safe for them to bite into when you play. Firmly tell your puppy "No" if he bites you or tries to bite you when you pet him and then put a toy he can bite directly into his mouth instead. If he keeps trying, you should pick him up and tell him no. Good results come with being consistent.
When your pup has accomplished learning her first command, or goes outside instead of on the floor and stops puppy-biting, she is well on her way to graduating from a Mastiff puppy to a well-mannered adult.
