Top Activities For Mastiffs

Introduction

Mastiffs are large dogs; in fact, the breed is considered the world's largest. Dogs of this breed can weigh more than 220 pounds! Because of their size, the Mastiff will look fierce. However, they tend to be "gentle giants" with docile personalities. Mastiffs do not require large amounts of physical activity to be healthy, though they do reap physical and psychological benefits from staying active. Fortunately, there are plenty of ways to spend quality time with your Mastiff, which will not only help with their mental and physical health, but will further develop the bond you have with one another.

Walk and Move

Most Popular

1 Vote

Any Day

Free

Easy

45 min

Items needed

Leash

Waste Bags

Treats

Water and Bowl

Activity description

A walk is an enjoyable activity for a Mastiff and their person, as well as a great way for them to further develop a bond with one another. While Mastiffs do not demand a lot of exercise, a daily walk is recommended. Regardless of how long you and your pup walk for, it will be an excellent opportunity for both of you to move and unwind a bit while enjoying one another's company. Be sure not to push your Mastiff too far. After all, if your pup gets tired and sits down for a rest, with a potential weight of 220 pounds, it is likely preferable that they get home under their own steam!

Step

1

Plan your route

You can choose to walk your Mastiff around your neighborhood, the beach, or an interesting nearby trail. Keep the length of the walk in mind as you decide where to go. This will largely depend on your dog's age; an adult Mastiff, for example, will benefit from a walk that is around one or two miles, while, when walking with a puppy around 2 to 3 months of age, the walk should be minimal (around 1/2 of a block).

Step

2

Walking supplies

Now that you know where you will be walking and for about how long, there are a few things that you will want to be sure to bring with you. For example, you will want to bring your dog's leash so that you can ensure their safety during your walk. Waste bags are also important, so that you can clean up any mess made by your pup. Be sure to bring along some water. It is important that your Mastiff remains hydrated because if they decide they are hot and tired, you will have quite a challenge getting them home. Treats are also a good idea and will make a great reward or distraction for your pup.

Step

3

Explore and enjoy

Once you and your pup have the items that you need, you are ready to enjoy some outdoor time together. Remember to move at the pace that works best for your Mastiff and allow them the opportunity to get in some quality sniffing as you walk. Be sure to stick to your plan. After all, you don't want to walk further than anticipated and find yourself struggling with a tired Mastiff!

Obedience Training

Popular

1 Vote

Any Day

Cheap

Normal

10 - 30 min

Items needed

Treats

Activity description

As the Mastiff is a large breed, obedience training is of particular importance. After all, at their size, it is important that your pup will follow commands. Training can feel challenging, as the Mastiff was initially bred to be a guard dog and to make decisions on their own. Thus, taking commands is not necessarily in their nature. That does not mean, however, that Mastiffs cannot be trained for obedience. Not only can the breed learn obedience, it is necessary that they do so. Fortunately, Mastiffs tend to be quick learners and want to please their people making training at home an inexpensive option that can be taken advantage of often.

Step

1

Needs and requirements

You will first want to choose what you would like to work on with your dog. Do they come when called? Will they sit and stay when asked? If you are not sure what your pup should start with, the internet is a great resource to find obedience activities that you can begin with. You will also be able to find information, whether written or in videos, on how to go about training your dog on that command. Start exploring that information as well, by either reading the instructions or watching the video.

Step

2

Start Training

When it comes to working with Mastiffs, they can often get bored by the many repetitions of a regular training class. And when a Mastiff gets bored, they will let you know, likely by laying down. Your goal, therefore, is to keep it interesting for your pal. Make eye contact with your pup, keeping in mind that Mastiffs are great at reading the expressions and body language of their people. Praise and positive rewards will be helpful and encouraging for your pooch. Keep sessions shorts so your pup does not get bored and make sure to be patient. Aim to keep things fun for you and your pup!

Step

3

Try New Obedience Activities

As you and your pup work on obedience and your dog masters some commands, both of you will gain confidence. Your Mastiff is capable of learning many different things; explore other possible obedience activities and keep working with your.pup. Particularly when it comes to more challenging activities, you may find that it is helpful to review the written material or video that you have found online, as it may remind you of something that you had missed, or help you become more comfortable with how to train your pup to follow that particular command. Keep in mind, that the most important thing is for you and your pup to spend time together and have fun!

Digging Dog

Least Popular

1 Vote

Sunny Day

Cheap

Easy

10 - 30 min

Items needed

Sandbox

Sand

Activity description

The Mastiff is a breed that typically enjoys digging. Formerly working dogs, Mastiff's like to be kept busy and if they are not, they may find themselves some trouble. Since they like to dig and digging will keep them occupied, why not create their very own place to use their paws where digging is acceptable? Doing so is simple, and it will provide your pup with plenty of opportunity to do it in a sanctioned location. Get a large sandbox so that there is adequate room for a dog of this breed to play, and fill it up with sand. Upon being introduced their new digging area, your pup will be able to dive on in!

Step

1

Create the fun

If creating a place for your Mastiff to dig sounds like a good idea, you will want to begin collecting the items that you will need. This is relatively simple; first, choose a large sandbox (larger than your dog so they have room to play) and some sand or dirt to fill it with. Once you have those items, you are ready to set up a digging area for your pup!

Step

2

Shady dig

Next, you will want to find just the right spot to place the sandbox to create the digging area for your Mastiff. Depending on how hot it gets where you live, you may want to consider a shady spot so that your pooch will keep cool while they dig for as long as they like. Shade may be preferable for you as well; while your pup plays you can sit back and watch them enjoy themselves.

Step

3

Buried treasure

After you place the sandbox in the spot that you have chosen, go ahead and fill it with sand or dirt. Then, introduce your Mastiff to their new digging area. Let your pup check it out first while you keep an eye on them. If your pup appears uninterested, step into the sandbox to show them how much fun they can have. As your pup begins to enjoy regular digging, you can add to their fun by burying things for them to dig for!

More Fun Ideas...

Enjoy A Picnic

Your mellow Mastiff will love spending some time with you outdoors having a picnic. Bring your lunch and some treats for your pup, as well as a picnic blanket. Choose a park, the beach or wilderness area where you and you pup can relax and enjoy a nice day. Bring along a frisbee or a ball so that you and your pup can play a game together. Engage in as much (or as little) activity as you and your pup choose as you appreciate one another's company. Be sure to bring some water to keep your pup hydrated!

Introduce Puzzle Toys

Made of hard plastic or rubber and filled with kibble, treats or something sticky and yummy (like peanut butter), puzzle toys are a great way to keep your Mastiff mentally and physically engaged (as well as out of trouble). There are multiple types of puzzle toys and you can choose one or more for your dog to "solve". After filling the toy, hand it off to your pup and watch them work out the problem; how to get the item they want out. Your pup will work to manipulate the toy just so in order to access something yummy and while they are focused on your puzzle toy, you won't have to worry that they are chewing up your shoes!

Enjoy Some Cuddle Time

After getting a little exercise with your canine companion, why not relax and enjoy one another's company cuddling on the couch with a good book or a new movie. Your Mastiff will love having down time with their favorite person and your large pup will likely make an excellent cuddle buddy. A blanket on a cold day will keep the two of you extra cozy. Spending some lazy time together is a great way for the two of you to still connect, even when you are not feeling full of energy!

Conclusion

While not a particularly high energy breed, Mastiffs require some activity for their mental and physical health and well-being...and to keep them out of trouble! After all, a bored Mastiff can be a destructive Mastiff! Fortunately, there are many ways for you and your pooch to spend time together that will keep your pup occupied and ensure that they meet their activity needs. Each activity that you engage in is an opportunity to enjoy one another's company and further develop the bond you have with each other.