Care for Your Mastiff Puppy

The most important thing to remember at all times, is that as big as your puppy is, he's still a baby.

The following are some Do's and Dont's:

• Don't ever allow your puppy to jump off or over things until he is at least one year old. This could cripple him.
• Don't ever put any weight on his back-he's not a horse.
• Don't ever feed him before or after exercise.
• Don't ever let him drink before or after exercise.
• Don't ever force him to exercise until he is one year old.
• Don't ever let him play with dogs larger than he is.
• Don't ever give food or bones to dogs in the same enclosure.
• Don't ever attempt to attempt to attack train your Mastiff.
• Don't allow your Mastiff on the furniture.
• Don't allow your puppy to mouth or bite anyone, even in play.
• Don't allow your Mastiff to eat before you eat.
• Don't allow your Mastiff to enter or exit a room before you. You must make sure your puppy knows that you along with your family members are the dominate ones in your house.
• Don't play tug-of-war with your Mastiff.
• Don't ever tie up your Mastiff.
• Don't ever allow your Mastiff to run loose. Tragedies often happen this way.
• Don't encourage your Mastiff to fight with other dogs. Unprovoked growling or aggressiveness towards other dogs should be severely penalized. Usually a sharp "NO" will do it.
• Don't encourage your Mastiff to jump on you.
• Don't be lax about disciplining your dog. A firm "NO" can work wonders with a Mastiff — they love to please you.
• Don't ever hit your dog with a newspaper or rattle penny-filled cans at him.
• Don't leave temptation around your dog.
• Don't forget regular veterinary checkups.
• Don't forget your dog's daily caracide (heartworm) pill.
• Don't feed too much meat-never more than one can a day.
• Don't use additional supplements unless on the advise of your veterinarian.
• Don't let anyone rush your puppy or scare him.
• Don't leave your puppy crated or locked up for long periods of time.
• Don't allow your dog to touch noses or mingle with strange dogs.
• Don't encourage your puppy to become overheated — it could kill him.
• Don't ever leave your puppy in an are where there are things he could hurt himself on. These include:
  • Electric Wires
  • Lawn Fertilizers
  • Rat and Weed Killers
  • Glass-Light Bulbs
  • Garbage
  • Poisonous Plants (check in your area)
  • Paint
  • Antifreeze
• Don't ever tie your dog in the car.
• Don't ever leave your puppy unattended in the car for more that 5 minutes. A car can become very hot in the summer and heat can overcome a puppy-or an adult dog very quickly even with the windows rolled down.
• Don't call your dog to correct them.
• Don't ever kick or hit your Mastiff. They are very sensitive and you will ruin your dog!
• Don't forget to take water from home for the summer shows. Towels that have been dampened with cold water, or ice cubes feel wonderful while waiting to go in the show ring.
• Don't forget your puppies comfort during the summer months.
• Don't feed your puppy table scraps.
• Don't feed your puppy from the table.
• Don't feed your puppy cooked bones, they will splinter.
• Don't keep a choke chain on your Mastiff as a regular collar. They can choke or hang themselves.

• Do remember that your Mastiff is a house dog and should be taught to live in the house without damaging it from the beginning.
• Do cut your puppies nails every two weeks. Be firm about this as it MUST be done and it doesn't hurt if you are careful and only take off a little bit each time.
• Do take your puppy to obedience class — but no jumping.
• Do use 1 word commands, ex. "sit", "down"
• Do feed your puppy 3 times a day until he is 6 months old.
• Do buy good quality kibble — smaller size kibble is best.
• NEVER feed puppy food or large breed puppy food to your Mastiff puppy.
• Do keep your vet's emergency number posted next to the phone.
• Do have regular worm checks at your vets.
• Do brush your puppy on a regular basis. Use a grooming mitt or a soft bristle brush — metal is to hard for your puppies skin.
• Do remember that your Mastiff will not be fully mature until he is 5 years old.
• Do take your puppy for walks. It's great exercise and will help in leash training.
• Do give your Mastiff lots of fresh, clean water at all times.
• Do allow your puppy in every room of your house once housebroken. They are like children and banning them from a room you are in is hurtful to a Mastiff. They just want to be with you.
  
• Do take your puppy on car rides from puppyhood. This will make traveling with him easier later on.
• Do expose your puppy to new sights, sounds, smells while he is still young. Reassure him if he becomes afraid, he trusts you and he will learn to accept a wide variety of experiences and adventures at your side.
• Do get regular Parvo shot and boosters if your puppy will be exposed to other dogs either in obedience classes or in shows or even around the house.
• Do have a variety of treats for training your puppy, Mastiffs love food.
• Do play with your Mastiffs food while they are eating. NO food aggression allowed.
• Do play with your Mastiffs ears, nose, teeth, mouth and feet. They will get use to this and makes trips to the vet easier.
• Do take your puppy to parks, schools, hospitals while they are young. Great socializing.
• Do go over your puppy at least once a week. Look for lumps, cuts, bites, etc. This is a good habit for you to get into.
• Do crate train your puppy.
• Do send me lots of pictures of your beautiful new puppy.

Enjoy your Mastiff!