I will be rescuing a mastiff (about 2-3 yrs old). What are some tips you can give me?

	I will be rescuing a mastiff (about 2-3 yrs old). What are some tips you can give me? Is the dog full grown at this age? Any further info that I can gather will be most helpful. I've been researching the breed for 3 months but find owners the best for info. Thanks!! Asked By: cutiepie - 4/2/2007

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Experience with rescuing a dog/pup that is in poor health: The adjustment time could be lengthy and trying for you and your new best friend, if you are adopting an abused or neglected dog. I rescued a "ghetto pup" that lived on the streets with his three siblings and mom. When I rescued my dog, there was a lengthy adjustment period. It took a combination of patience, bonding, training and lots of vet bills to get the job done. -He didn't want to eat, so I tried everything to get some weight on him. I eventually bought large tubs of dog liver treats at Petsmart and I shredded them up in his food. It was the only thing I could get him to eat. He didn't start really gaining weight until 5-6 months after I adopted him. - I spent a good $700 in vet bills for the first 6 months just to get him satisfactory with his puppy vaccinations, internal paresites, ear/skin infections, and weight. I also had him neutered at 6 months old (another $200). -The first night was crazy: he spewed a "number two" in his crate at 2 am. I gave him a bath, cleaned his crate and we cuddled up under a warm blanket together on the floor... poor pup was so scared, but that was the best bonding time with him! -For the longest time, he wouldn't go #2 in front of me or in front of his mid day dog walker. He would only do it in his crate, or if I let him hide in the grove of trees (which I figured out after many crate cleanings). That took a while to overcome. He finally is better, but he STILL won't #2 if he sees me watching...??? -We dealt with some leash aggression because he had/has such low self confidence. That took much effort on my behalf to correct. We had to consult with a dog behavioralist to fix the problem. I believe that all these things were acreditted to the fact that my dog was abandoned and scared as a puppy. It took him a while to adjust to his new life as a royal, indoor dog. My golden, that I brought in from a breeder, did not have ANY problems because he was brought up in a good home from the start. I'll tell you, my rescue dog and I have a bond that I can never foresee having with any other dog. It was very special to be able to rescue my dog. It's the best thing I could had done for myself and him. Breed specific suggestions/ideas for you: -Oh, and yes, carry a rag with you! -Make sure you do everything possible to keep his/her hips and other joints healthy and comfortable...maybe purchase dog food with ample amounts of glucosomine to help prevent problems with your giant breed. -Definitely look into positive reinforecment training, especially if he/she does not know how to walk on a lead properly, etc. -Consider boarding costs for your larger dog. Research boarding facilities ahead of time. I would specifically look for facilities that will accomidate giant breeds in the fashion that suits your desires or look into reputable pet sitting. -Consider the type of vehicle that you will use to transport your new dog. Will he/she fit okay? -Do you have a crate for the larger dog (if you plan to crate train)? - Research the the dog food. Since he might be a higher maintance animal (because he'll be so large), you might want to consider spending extra for the better dog food. You might also find the higher quality food will have a satisfactory impact on his/her coat, skin, health and "doggy smell." Good luck, and GOOD FOR YOU for taking in a rescue dog. I hope that you gain as much satisfaction as I did! Answered By: Sylves - 4/2/2007

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Carry a towel with you everywhere you go.... you'll need it for all of the drool! :) Answered By: JustHeather - 4/2/2007

They slobber a lot. They are very very friendly dogs and are very big even at a young age. It's size may scare you at first but as long as you don't scare it or threaten it, they are very friendly. My cousin has one and 4 min pins that I house sit for all the time. She recently sold the min pins (she breeds them) and kept the mastiff because she was such a friendly dog. Answered By: ginseng_and_honey - 4/2/2007

He will be full grown at that age (thankfully). My best advice is to invest in some obedience training. He is a big boy and if he hasn't had any, you'll both need it so you can handle him. Even if he has had some, it will teach the two of you to work as a team and strengthen your bond. Good luck! Answered By: Bozema - 4/2/2007

Are you rescuing a male or a female? make sure you have him or her fixed, and feed high-quality chow. they are prone to hip dysplasia so visit the vet regularly. mastiffs are my favorite breed. have fun with your new buddy! Answered By: sargeyboo - 4/2/2007

Congratulations on rescuing this dog. I take care of a English Mastiff every once in a while. He is a very sweet boy. He does have hip problems every once in a while. I don't think steps are good for him. He weighs about 170+ pounds. I don't take him for any walks, because if he decides he wants to lay down, we are not going anywhere for some time. He gets fed twice a day and we have to wipe his face when he is done eating or he will get drool all over. I don't know where you are getting this dog, but your best resource would be a mastiff rescue group. You can find several rescue groups on the internet. Go to: http://www.mypetnanny.info/PD/Rescues/AT/dogs_rescues.htm#M and find some rescue groups. These people would be honest about telling you about the breed, because they want to make sure the dogs are going to a good forever home. Good Luck with your new forever friend!! Answered By: Kamah - 4/2/2007

2 years old is full grown for most large breed dogs. I think anyone doing rescue work needs to know one simple thing with any breed. dont obsess with what the dog has been through, doggies live in the moment...deal with behaviors, don't ignore them and make excuses for them (well, "he tries to bite men because he was abused by a man" for example.) THese kinds of things can cause trouble while trying to adopt a dog, and for the dog in general. it is better to keep in mind what happened and work from there...deal with the issue kindly but firmly, especially with mastiffs, they are a very strong and strong minded animal. good luck, and much praise for trying to do something good. Answered By: spottedmyappy - 4/2/2007

Yes, probably full grown, especially if closer to three. Feed a good quality food formulated for large breed dogs. Watch his/her weight, being too heavy is hard on their joints. LOTS of towels for the drool. You'll have to change the water daily. Obedience training if it hasn't already been done. Mastiffs are wonderful, sweet dogs. They tend to develop fatty tumors as they get older. They are usually benign, but it's worth having them checked. Sadly, they are not long lived as a rule. Ours died at the age of eight. He was a wonderful dog and we still miss him. Answered By: Debbi K - 4/2/2007

Yes they are full grown at that age, but it's possible that it won't be fully trained yet (depending on its past). i think it's important to allow for a period of adjustment for both yourself and the dog. just be prepared to get frustrated sometimes and to train him/her the way that best suits your lifestyle. good luck! Answered By: lb - 4/2/2007

My son had a Mastiff for 8 years, there are several types. His weighed in at 185 lbs and wore a 36" collar. They are normally great with kids and other animals if they are socialized. They do need to walk but do not require long runs they are kinda lazy. The most important thing I can tell you is to elevate his food bowl to almost chest level. They are prone to bloat and that can kill them. By feeding them up high they do not gulp their food as bad and get a bunch of air swallowed. Feed a good food for large breed dogs and use Hartz New Incontrol Flea and Tick at your Local Petco or Pet shop. Hartz also has many good dental chews and Raw hides for large breed dogs Eukanuba or Royal Caine or Proplan. Give him plenty of heavy rubber toys also to keep him occupied. Good Luck, and if this one is over 2 he is full grown. He may put on weight when he is taken better care of. Answered By: Grandma D - 4/2/2007

My hat off to you. Many people avoid rescuing an adult dog for fear of the baggage that may come with them. Be aware that there was reason that this dog ended up in need of a new owner. Sign yourself up for a Basic Obedience Course. It will not only help you to establish the proper relationship with your dog but can be an impressive bonding experience. Remember he is an adult and already may have some habits that you need to be in control of so get started on the lessons as soon as possible. He is full grown. I have found Mastiffs to be an attentive and easily handled dog in the right hands. In the wrong hands they can be difficult to handle. Good Luck. Source(s): In Dogs We Trust canine obedience training academy Answered By: rmfly - 4/2/2007

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