Editor
Miss Tracey Atkinson
tmleditor@mastiffclub.com

Closing date for publication can be found on the forum under Newsletter or email the editor with your contributions, show photographs etc.

Click for more

Some Do's and Don'ts to Raising a Mastiff Puppy

For about 12 months don't be tempted to over exercise your pup, the first 9 months playing in the garden is adequate with a small amount of controlled exercise such as getting them used to wearing and walking calmly on a collar and lead. Soft webbing collars are much kinder for young dogs and pups than metal ones. Do however, socialise them. This is very important, without adequate socialisation, your pup can become nervous of people, other animals, and unfamiliar situations. It is your responsibility to help them become used to all aspects of normal everyday life. Join the local training classes, but check that the floor is not slippery before taking part. Take them to the local market or to the railway station where they will get used to loud and sudden noises. Start doing this socialising as soon as they have had their vaccinations. Stay calm and praise them for being brave.
Avoid the pup running up and downstairs DON'T let your pup jump in and out of the car, avoid them jumping up always go down to them.
Don't over feed your pup, when giving treats these are part of the diet, use cheese or dried liver.
Balls are great fun but should always be larger than the dogs head
Many experts have been employed in developing Proprietary dog foods and their guidelines on feeding should be adhered to as much as possible
If your pup has loose stools, this generally means you are over feeding if constipated you are not feeding him enough. If either of these conditions continue contact your vet.
Plenty of fresh drinking water should always be available. Change it regularly, the saliva they produce can make it very slimy
Toilet training starts as soon as you get your puppy. On waking, after play after meals take him to the area you want him to use, no matter what the weather stay with him and lots of praise when the deed is accomplished.
Be firm but kind. With a good dog training group your pup will meet other dogs and people and learn the basic social skills required of him. Usually the owner needs more training than the dog and this is a good place to learn.
Basic commands such as 'heel', 'sit', 'stay', 'lie down' and 'recall' will make for a happy relationship. When disciplining your puppy a simple 'NO' should be enough, if this is ignored say 'NO' in a harsher tone. You must remand them whilst they are in the act of displeasing you, it is no good after the event, they have short memories.
Always praise your pup when it has done well. Remember you are 'TOP DOG' and your puppy is the lowest member of the pack and should never let the pup dominate you or any member of the 'pack'