Adopting Very Large Dog- Any advice?

[DoGGYtREAts]

My oldest sister is giving up her Adult (4yrs) male Bull-Mastiff (hes 170 pounds ) Due to being pregnant and concerned about him causing accidental harm (hes Quite hyper and exciteable). There has already been one incident where a family friend brought a todler over and the dog Picket the kid up by her * * * * And proceeded to gallop around the yard at full steam (entirely playful on the dogs part but surely not good for little kids) *no worries ladies and gents, neither baby nor dog were harmed in the incident.

 

Any ways, My fiance and I have agreed to take the big guy in, But neither of us have any real experience with large breeds And i just want to do right by the dog. I'd really apreciate it if anyone has any good advice or Resources concerning care for large breeds or Bull-Mastiffs.

[Cadence44]

I don't know about big dogs but it sounds like he could do with something to drain his physical and mental energy. He'll need lots of exercise and some obedience training to stimulate his mind and so you both can learn to read the other's language.

 

Exercise, mental stimulation and proper training most always lead to a fit, well behaved and tired doggie. Try not to slack on these things and you should see improvement.

 

One thing that I think you should think about is whether you and your husband plan on having kids. If you do, then you'll need to really think about taking this dog in. Chances are that you can train him right and wrong, but what if you can't? If kids will be involved, it's a big decision. Regardless, I think it's great that you want to give him a good home.

[abitbroken]

Take him to obedience class right away. maybe you an meet someone else that has a big, slobbery goof of a dog and have them over for play dates. I have experience with the breed and most don't have a mean bone in their body - they are just big, clumsy, etc. I think that older kids would be fine with the dog, but I also think the dog needs to be taught proper behavior. I also know people who have been pregnant and have small children with that type of dog. They simply make sure the other spouse takes them for walks etc. and gets the dog involved and they baby gate the children away from the dog if the kids are unattended. But for the most part, a 4 year old dog shouldn't be rediculously excitable. They don't live long and are already getting to be middle aged by then so i am sure a lack of training is the problem. I think I wouldn't worry about you not being able to train him because if he is a good natured dog, like most of the breed are, its easier than if you have a difficult dog. Find a good trainer - but most of all lots of walks, hikes, and doggie play dates. Find a meetup group with others with huge dogs for him to play with

[DoGGYtREAts]

Yeh he is generally well socialized just Overly playful (likes to rough house with anyone who comes up to him when hes not on a lead) Very friendly and well socialized in general, But he has not had much exposure to kids (and doesnt really get the concept of being more gentle with them) and with one due by the middle of next month she just really doesnt want to take chances.

 

Fortunately for me, I do have a nice dogpark nearby that has a separate area for Large dogs and lots of room for routy play time without anyone getting trampled or smaller dogs getting over whelmed or tampleled or something bad like that