Activities For English Mastweilers

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Activities For English Mastweilers

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Introduction

Combine a Mastiff and a Rottwieler and what do you get? A stunningly large and intelligent companion bound to keep you busy. The English Mastweiler is a high-energy dog that is both big and sturdy, making for the "pawfect" guard for the home. With a Rottweiler and Mastiff as their parent breeds, no wonder this hybrid is such a delight.

Rottweilers require both mental and physical stimulation daily. It's recommended this breed is walked each day and exercised using regular brain games and obedience lessons. With a bold and stubborn personality, the Rottweiler needs to be socialized early and consistently to prevent wariness and anxiety towards strangers. With an intimidating and somewhat imposing appearance, the Rottweiler is commonly chosen for their protective abilities.

The Mastiff, like the Rottweiler, also has a somewhat imposing appearance, yet this breed is calm and gentle in nature, making for a "pawsitive" addition to any household. Combined, the English Mastweiler requires a moderate amount of exercise for both the mind and body. With the following activity ideas, it won't be hard to meet the needs of your English Mastweiler.

Running the Roads

Popular

0 Votes

Any Day

Free

Normal

30 - 60 min

Items needed

Leash

Waste bags

Water

Snacks

Activity description

Running is one way to exert a ton of energy quickly. Like walking, running will get your pup's heart rate up, but it doubles the energy used. If you're not a runner yourself, this could be an "oppawtunity" for the two of you to build your endurance together.

This activity costs nothing and only requires a leash and "pawtentially" nourishment, depending on how far you plan to venture on your run. If you do plan to go far, bring along a backpack, water, and drinking bowl for your pup. Determining your English Mastweiler's limits is important for this activity, as overexerting them could lead to complications!

Step

Visit your vet

Depending on your pup’s age, you may want to consider contacting your vet and booking an appointment before heading out on your first run. If your pup is one that already runs daily, whether off-leash or with you, you could skip this step. If your English Mastweiler is still growing, lots of strenuous exercise at a young age can impede development. If they're an older pooch, they may have health conditions for you to beware of before running daily.

Step

Selecting your route

Even though you may know your community, it's always a good idea to have a set route planned out before heading out on a run. Whether you use a map or just create a mental plan of where you want to go, it will prevent unnecessary stops along the way. Try varying your routes to keep the sights fresh and run exciting for the two of you.

Step

Packing your supplies

If you're thinking about going for a long run, grab a backpack and water so you and your pup can make the most of your time outside. Don't forget a water dish for your pup and a bottle for yourself. You may also consider adding weight to your runs depending on your pup's age and energy level. If you do, bring these along, too.

Step

Running your route

The most important part for you to play in this activity is always being mindful and present with your pooch. Leave the cell phone at home and keep a steady pace to make the most of your run. Stop for short rests, water, and bathroom breaks, and monitor your pup while running.

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Mastering the Treadmill

Popular

0 Votes

Any Day

Expensive

Normal

15 - 30 min

Items needed

Treamill

Activity description

Have you ever considered allowing your pooch to explore your treadmill? Sounds wild, right? Believe it or not, many dogs have been trained to utilize a treadmill without complications. The trick is forming a positive association with the machine through the use of rewards to encourage the behavior.

Of course, this activity is ideal for those who already have a treadmill. Treadmills can be expensive, especially if you're shopping for a new unit, so if you are investing in one, it's best if you're going to use it as well. After you have your machine and set it up in a safe location, it's time to get started with your training. Once your pup becomes comfortable using the machine, you can incorporate it into your daily exercise routine. Treadmills come in handy during inclement weather — giving you an ideal indoor exercise option.

Step

Purchasing a treadmill

If you don't already own a treadmill, consider purchasing one that both you and your pooch can utilize. Treadmills are an expensive investment if you're buying brand new, generally ranging from $2,500 to $7,000. Of course, this is a hefty investment just for an exercise activity for your pup, which is why considering one for the two of you makes sense. Secondhand treadmills are another option and more economical. Check out online listings or garage sales for bargains.

Step

Introducing the treadmill

Before using the treadmill, you must first introduce it to your pooch. It's important they get used to the sight of the treadmill coupled with its sounds so they don't grow to fear the object. Forcing your pup onto an unknown moving object can be frightening for them. After they seem comfortable with the treadmill moving, turn it off and coax them to get on. Reward the behavior to help them develop a positive association with the machine.

Step

Learning to use the machine

Teaching your pup to use a treadmill is easier than you think. Once they've become accustomed to the treadmill and get on at your command, begin by turning it on the lowest setting. Your pooch will likely realize immediately that it's moving and either walk or jump off. If they jump off, turn it off and try again. Keeping them on-leash is recommended to help encourage them to walk, but do not ever force your pooch to stay on. Instead, reward them when they do. Try positioning yourself at the front of the treadmill so they have an incentive to walk forward.

Step

Mastering the machine

Once your English Mastweiler comfortably walks on the machine, it's time to turn it up incrementally, allowing them to try quickening their pace. Never rapidly increase the speed; this could be dangerous and lead to injury. Eventually, you should establish a pace that is suitable for your pooch which can be used for daily exercise.

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Tug-of-War

Popular

0 Votes

Any Day

Cheap

Easy

15 min

Items needed

Toy

Activity description

Tug-of-war can be a delightful way to have your English Mastweiler exert energy, if it's played correctly and in a controlled manner. As the activity is one that some dog owners believe encourages aggression and predatory behavior, it's essential to establish expectations and guidelines with your pooch before beginning.

The only thing you will need for this activity is a toy to tug. A strong twisted rope is ideal and can be purchased at your local pet shop. After establishing expectations, introduce the toy and a command to begin your tug-of-war. During the game, your pooch will push, pull and use their body to exert energy while trying to win the toy. The activity will get their hearts pumping and it can be done inside — just select and area that is large and void of objects to ensure safety. Have fun and challenge your pooch daily!

Step

Establishing expectations

Tug-of-war is a somewhat controversial activity to play with your pooch because it draws on their predator instincts. When you play the game, you want it to be controlled, never allowing them to aggressively shake the tug object, even if they win. If your pooch becomes too aggressive, stop the game, re-establish authority, and wait for them to become calm again before starting again. Never allow your pup to have control in the game as this can send mixed messages about dominance.

Step

Introducing the object

To introduce the object, first have your pup in a calm state. Next, introduce the object and give the command you decide upon, such as "play" or "tug". When your pup grabs hold, encourage them to pull while you tug in the opposite direction. Your pooch will likely plant their feet when pulling. If you decide to let them win, ensure there is no aggression shown towards the tug object when they have it (e.g., shaking it from side to side in their mouths).

Step

Playing daily

Add tug-of-war to your daily exercise activities with your pooch. Even just 15 minutes of the activity will require your pup’s maximum effort as they strive to beat you at the game. Every once in a while, let your pup win to keep them engaged and wanting more.

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More Fun Ideas...

Obedience Training

Obedience training is an activity that challenges both the body and mind. When it comes to obedience training, there's always a way to extend the learning, making it an ongoing activity. Review the steps to train your pup to respond to simple commands before mastering complex tricks or tasks.

Socializing

Socializing your pooch at a young age will prevent aggression and wariness when it comes to other dogs and people. Visit a local dog park if you have no other pups in the family, or arrange play dates with a friend who has a pooch of their own.

Conclusion

An English Mastweiler is a loyal companion who needs both physical exertion and mental stimulation to meet their daily exercise requirements. This is rather easy though, when you have a variety of activities to keep them busy. Daily walks are "grrrreat," but runs can be more beneficial as they require more energy in a shorter period of time. Running outside can build your pup's endurance, making the next activity a breeze.

Running on a treadmill is beneficial when the weather isn't cooperating, or if you're looking for a quick and convenient way for your English Mastweiler to burn excess energy. If treadmills and running aren’t for you, try a basic game of tug-of-war, or even better, obedience training. Weekly socialization for your English Mastweiler is recommended, which is easy to accomplish by visiting a dog park or scheduling a play-date. Overall, entertain your woof-derful hybrid by varying your activities day to day.