Bullmastiff temperament

9 Tips to help you deal with your Bullmastiff Temperament

The first thing you should know is that Bullmastiffs are powerful and massive dogs. This means from a physical standpoint that it can be both a challenge and an adventure if you own a Mastiff. But if you like a powerful dog, then the Bullmastiff might be the right breed for you.

I say might because is the Bull Mastiff’s physical characteristics tell only half the story. To get the other half you must also know and understand the Bullmastiff’s temperament.

The Bullmastiff has a docile, calm and independent temperament. It is a devoted dog and loves human attention. It is always alert, reliable, observant and protective which makes it a perfect watchdog. They are not known for excessive barking but bark with a cause. This dog is very reserved unless aggravated. It is tolerant with children and it is also very affectionate. However, the bullmastiff is an imposing dog and therefore you should be firm when handling it.

Here are some tips to help you deal with the many Bullmastiff temperament traits, but first check out this funny video:

Watch This Funny Video of Bullmastiff

Tip 1: Start training early

To get the best out of this breed of dog, you should begin training them when they are still puppies. This is a large breed of dog and waiting until they are old, might be a bit tricky for you.

Tip 2: Show them you are in charge

You should be serious and consistent with bullmastiffs which do not require petting time. Since you are the boss, you need to be strong and always in control. Bullmastiffs are intelligent but you should introduce rules and regulations that you need followed at an early stage.

Tip 3: Keep it simple

As far as communicating with your Bullmastiff goes, simple words and instructions works best for training this dog.

Tip 4: Reward only good behavior

Most dogs love to be rewarded with treats which makes them more motivated. It is also good to praise them when they obey. It is alright to be firm with the dog but you should know when to be sweet and nice to them.
You should never tolerate any wrong doing simply because you love the dog. Sometimes dealing with a stubborn bullmastiff will require you to hold back rewards and show some tough love to get him in line. However, you should never hurt them physically when doing this.

Tip 5: Socialize them early

The anti-social bullmastiff temperament is typical of this breed. This breed of dog finds it hard to adjust to strangers and other animals. To deal with this problem, you should train the dog when it is still young. You can start by putting a leash or collar on him and then introduce him to your friends and other animals. If you cannot handle any part of the training, you should seek the assistance of a professional dog trainer. Once you are sure that the dog can socialize, it is time to introduce a few basic obedience training sessions. Let the dog know that it should with no exception obey other members of the family.

Tip 6: Use exercise to your advantage

If you are to counter some of the less desirable bullmastiff temperaments, it is advisable to introduce some activity to the dog. Set aside at least 40 minutes daily to be with the dog. During this time, you can play with the dog and allow him to exercise. Choose activities that will strengthen the bond between you and your canine friend. Avoid any activities that will make him aggressive.

Tip 7: Watch for common health problems

The bullmastiff like all other dog breeds has special health problems that are associated with this breed. Most of these health conditions are inherited and include canine hip dysplasia, gastric torsion, bloat, eyelid problems, cancer, hypothyroidism etc. In case of any of the above or any other health issues, you should contact a qualified vet.

Tip 8: Avoid frequent or long separation

As an adult, the dog is very quiet while indoors. However, it can be destructive if left alone for too long. They like to climb over unless taught otherwise and can also slobber and droll all over. If there is no one at home most of the time, then this is not the right breed for you.

Tip 9: Same gender can present challenges

When choosing a bullmastiff to bring home, do not pick a male if you already have one. Same gender mastiff will not always get along too well. Be ready to deal with their aggressiveness before hand.

Other Working Dogs

The Bullmastiff falls in the dog group known as the Working Group. Dogs in this group are strong, large, and excel at tasks such as rescue, pulling, and gauarding. It should come as no suprise to you that they are typically smart, resourceful, fast learners and make great companions. To decide if another breed might be a better fit for you, check out the temperaments of other dogs that fall in the Working Group:

• Boxer temperament
• Akita temperament
• Great Dane temperament
• Great Pyrenees temperament
• Alaskan Malamute temperament
• Bernese Mountain dog temperament