Tips For Mastiff Training
Mastiffs are intelligent and sensitive dogs who are very willing to please. Because of that, there are some things to keep in mind for proper Mastiff training. First of all, you will find that positive training techniques really work best for the Mastiffs. They will respond well to kind, but firm and consistent dog training.
Be Firm
Of course you will need to establish your authority as you begin training your Mastiff, but cruel treatment or harsh physical punishments will not help to do this, and may even be counterproductive to what you are trying to accomplish. Instead, praising, with a loving voice, will go much further with the sensitive Mastiff, who takes yelling personally! Clapping your hands with a sharp “No” is probably is probably as harsh as you will need to be, because they are so eager to please. Use a deep tone of voice, commanding respect to get your Mastiff’s attention. You should not hit your dog, or shake him, and you should avoid anyone who thinks Mastiff training requires these harsh methods.
Be Consistent
You must be consistent with your words and commands, always using the same actions and verbal commands to get the same result. In other words, don’t say “come” sometimes, and “come here” other times. Mastiffs are very smart, and can learn a lot of words and phrases, but they will also notice the difference between “sit down” and “go sit down.” So, consistency in your dog training training will give your better and faster results.
Keep a Training Routine
However often you train your Mastiff, begin the training time the same way. Try to go through the same commands, phrasing them the same way each time. You can try saying the dog’s name first, to get his attention, then quickly say the command without leaving time for a response from your Mastiff. Then, when you’re done with your training session, end it the same way each time so that your dog knows his Mastiff training has ended. If at all possible, end your training on a successful command. Reinforcing training time with a positive ending will help your dog to be positive then next time.
Keep training sessions short and upbeat will also help. Don’t go longer than 45 minutes. Working with your Mastiff 15-20 minutes twice a day is better than one long session, if that is an option.
Be Patient
Mastiff’s develop slowly, both physically and emotionally, and is very likely to display puppy behavior even as a two year old. Don’t be surprised if this is the case. It will help, however, if you make sure to train your dog at a time of day when he is alert. Right after he eats is probably not the best time, especially if he is used to napping after meals. Also, our pets don’t have the same sense of time as we humans do. They need to be corrected immediately when they do something wrong. They will not understand what they did wrong if you wait too long to correct them.
Patient and loving Mastiff training is usually very effective, and a properly trained dog will make for a happier and healthier relationship between you and your dog.