Tips on Training Bullmastiffs

Train your bullmastiff puppy from the start or suffer the consequences of owning an over-sized, stubborn member of your household. When trained properly, bullmastiffs make terrific family dogs with a calm temperament (as adults), friendly demeanor with children and strangers, an easy coat to maintain and moderate exercise requirements. On the downside, bullmastiffs are drooling, clumsy oafs and may reach 130 lbs. Bullmastiffs also have difficulty adjusting to other pets and strange dogs. Early training remains vital to ensure your bullmastiff sees you as the pack leader and not the other way around.

  1. Socialization

    • Socialize your bullmastiff by introducing him to other dogs and strangers as a puppy. Good breeders will socialize pups from 3 weeks of age. Remember, correcting a small bullmastiff comes much easier than correcting a full-grown bullmastiff. Any signs of aggression with people or non-threatening animals must stand corrected immediately. Use a leash, in the beginning, and give a firm tug while saying "No." Repeat your correction if your puppy continues the bad behavior. Take into consideration that puppies go through a shy stage around 10 weeks of age. During this time, limit children handling your puppy and use a firm but gentle voice for training. Give your bullmastiff plenty of love for behaving appropriately in social situations.

    Take Obedience Courses

    • Find a qualified dog trainer and participate in obedience classes with your bullmastiff. Classes will not only establish your position as pack leader, but will also provide great socializing opportunities for your puppy. Unfortunately, this breed is often abandoned by owners. Without proper training, a bullmastiff makes life miserable for everyone. Jumping on visitors, for instance, seems a small problem with a chihuahua. An untrained bullmastiff jumping on houseguests, though, results in chaos. Because of a bullmastiff's intelligence, a professional dog trainer makes a great ally as you tackle problems during training.

    Exercise and Companionship

    • Leave your bullmastiff chained outside all day, without human interaction, and you have a recipe for trouble. Bullmastiffs love people. Give your bullmastiff 30 to 40 minutes each day for playing and exercising with you. Try walking, jogging or throwing a ball. Wrestling and playing tug of war encourage aggressive behavior, though. Without human interaction and exercise each day, this breed can turn to destructive activities out of boredom. Exercise is especially important for young bullmastiffs. A 130-lb. puppy with pent-up energy can easily become rambunctious and knock things over or even harm someone accidentally.