How to Train a Mastiff

These massive dogs really do make wonderful pets. It is very important, however, to gain control of your Mastiff as soon as he becomes a part of your household. They are natural protectors, fairly docile and most of them are good with children. But their incredible size can make them dangerous if you don't handle them correctly.

Things You'll Need

• Slip chain collar
• Long leash (at least 12 feet)

Instructions

1. Fit your dog with a slip chain collar (found at pet supply stores). Make sure it is the one made for very large dogs. It should be snug enough so that it will not snag on things and get pulled off, but loose enough that you can fit about two fingers between the collar and your dog's neck. These collars do not hurt your dog, but merely give you the control you need so you can contain her and make sure she does not get away from you and get into a dangerous situation.

2. Establish yourself as the pack leader with your dog, and make sure all members of the household do the same. The Mastiff can be a very affectionate dog, and may demand your affection by jumping up on you or barking. It is important that you do not allow this. YOU decide when he gets petted, when he is fed and when he goes outside. When you do take him out, you should be the one who walks through the door first. Also, while you are training the dog, do not let him sleep in bed with you. The pack leader sleeps in the bed, and the dog sleeps in his bed on the floor or in a crate. Down the road, when your dominance has been established, you can bring your dog into the bed with you if you like.

3. Start socializing your dog. The socialization process simply means that you take her into different environments and get her used to meeting people and other dogs on a regular basis. Some Mastiffs are very friendly towards strangers, and others are more standoffish. Do not force her to take affection from strangers. If she is uncomfortable, simply tell people it is not a good idea to pet her. The goal is to get your dog comfortable with you and with being in various surroundings before you begin to train her.

4. Begin obedience training by teaching your Mastiff to walk nicely on a leash. Let him walk ahead of you a bit on the long lead. As he begins to pull, pop the leash firmly (using the slip chain collar) to get his attention. Say the word "Easy" loudly and firmly, then change your direction. The idea is to get him to stop, look at you and then change direction with you. Be sure to praise him when he does this. This command also works in teaching him to walk slowly alongside you without pulling. Just use the same technique, but without changing your direction. It is important not to tug or haul him around with that leash. He should be learning to follow you with a very loose lead. Pulling will only cause more problems. The "Easy" command can also be used as a correction if he is acting aggressive towards a person or another animal. Be sure you keep your voice strong.

5. Use treats to teach the dog the basic commands. Sliced hot dogs are inexpensive and all dogs like them. Slice them into nickel sized pieces, and keep them in a pack around your waist for easy access. Have your Mastiff sit for you, and reward her when she is sitting calmly, close to you and looking up into your eyes. This is called "focused attention." Keep repeating the Sit" command until she does this correctly without you having to push her back end down. If she is hesitating to go down, raise your hand with the treat up over her head and slowly push it towards her back end. This will force her nose up and back, and make her much more likely to sit on her own.

6. Teach your dog the "down" command when he is in the sitting position. Step to the side to give him room, then use your hand (with a piece of hot dog) to guide him down to the ground with a sweeping motion while you say "Down." He should follow the hot dog with his nose as you stretch your hand down to the ground and out in front of him. Push down between his shoulder blades to show him what you want him to do. Then reward him by dropping the treat between his front legs. This will take a lot of repetition, but he will get it if you are consistent. This command comes with an "automatic stay," so he should stay in the down position until you release him with the command "OK!" Keep repeating the word "down" while he is in the position, so he will know you want him to stay until released. When you say "OK!" it should be in a very upbeat, happy voice.

7. Train your dog to come when she is called by using the word "Here!" (pronounced with inflection, like "HE-YER!"). Just take a handful of hot dogs, get her attention by calling her name and then say, "Here!" Back up and show her the treats as she comes towards you. Backing up makes it more enticing, and she is more likely to come toward you quickly. Continue to say, "Good girl" as she comes toward you, then give her the "Sit" command when she is in front of you. Award her the treats when she is giving calm, focused attention. The "Here" command should be used on-leash at first until she learns it well. Then begin to practice calling her from the yard when she is off-leash.

Tips & Warnings

• Training a dog takes a lot of repetition. Your training sessions should be short: about 5 to 10 minutes. You should initially train your dog about four times per day.

• Train your dog for about 7 to 10 days in the exact same location in your home. He will need this consistency in the beginning. Then you can move into different locations once he has it down.

• Once your dog has it all down, you can taper off the treats and simply use praise to let her know she has done well.

• Always give your commands firmly, with strong inflection. And always give praise in a very happy voice. Dogs pay very close attention to how words sound and to our body language.