Bullmastiff
The Bullmastiff name reveals its origin English gamekeepers of the mid-19th century needed canine assistance to capture dangerous, depsrate animal poacgers. No single breed possessed all of the necessary traits until a Bulldog/Mastiff cross created a powerful, daring, speedy dog. Also called the “Gamekeeper’s Night-Dog,” these dogs would attack and pin poachers by employing stealth and a great sense of smell. The dogs later became watchdogs and guards.
Dog Play and Exercise
While play is an important source of fun and exercise for dogs of all ages, it is especially vital in the life of a puppy.
Dog Marking Territory
Marking, which usually takes the form of urination, is a dog’s way od laying claim to territory. By urinating on certain spots, whether rocks, flowers, sign posts or fire hydrants, dogs delineate an area ythey consider their own. The scent of urine sends a clear signal to other dogs that they are encroaching on another’s turf. Dogs also mark terrain with feces or anal gland secreions or by scratching, since the paws emit an odor through their sweat glands. Unneutered males mark more than females.
Dog Dominance
While obedience training can significantly influence how you and your dog interact, the nature of your relationship also depends heavily on your role as the pack leader. By establishing pack order early in your dog’s development, you can positively influence the outcome of obedience training. f your dog respects you, it will obey your commands. It is important to remember that hitting your dog as a means of establishing your dominance is counterproductive. Dogs become distrustful of people who hit them and often behave aggressively as a result.
Dog Obedience School
Selecting an obedience school is an important decision that should be made only after careful consideration. Begin by asking your veterinarian or another professional for recommendations, or consult your local dog club or other dog owners whose opinions you trust. Seek out trainers who train winners of shows and obedience trials. Once you have a few prospects, do your own research to confirm the quality of the recommendations you received. You can easily learn whether any complaints have been lodged against a school by calling the SPCA or your local Better Business Bureau.
Schutzhund
In simple terms, Schutzhund - a German word meaning “protection dog” - refers to protection training. Schutzhund is a formal system of training aimed at developing and evaluating those traits that are characteristic of protection dogs.
Dog Correction
Successful dog training is based on a consistent system of reinforcements and corrections.
Dog Rewards
Nothing reinforces good behavior like a reward. Together with corrections, consistent and timely rewards are at the heart of successful training.
Dog Crate Training
While the use of crates as training tools might seem unkind or even cruel by human standards, it is important to consider them for a dog’s perspective. Dogs instinctively seek small, snug places - or dens - as secure havens against attack or intrusion. Comfortable and safe, dens are dogs’ natural homes where they can rest and relax. Given dogs’ social natures, it is helpful to place the crate in a location near people. As your dog’s personal domain, the crate should never be shared with other dogs or pets.