Activities For Muscle Mastiffs
Prepare for unexpected vet bills
Introduction
This mighty dog breed is a hybrid with Dogue de Bordeaux and Mastiff parents, which is where the name "Muscle Mastiff" comes from. Built with a strong and sturdy body, the Muscle Mastiff is a giant breed with a weight that can reach up to almost 200 pounds. This breed is both intelligent and ideal for guarding, as they have an imposing appearance, though they're gentle in nature.
The Mastiff is a large breed with an intimidating appearance. With the proper socialization and obedience training along side a competent and confident leader, this dog can be reared into a playful, friendly and loving companion. The Dogue De Bordeaux is a dog breed that dates back centuries, with their exact origins unknown. Characterized by an affectionate temperament and loyal personality, this pooch is ideal for guarding as well as companionship. Combined, the Muscle Mastiff makes for a powerful and mighty pooch that requires a regular amount of daily exercise to keep them satisfied.
Hill Drills
Hills drills are one way to maximize your outdoor walking experience with your pooch. Just as the name implies, hill drills require your Muscle Mastiff to complete running drills while going up or downhill, depending on the muscles you wish to work.
Hills drills do require a lot of physical exertion from your pooch, which is why the activity should be completed in short intervals. Too many drills can cause your pup to overheat. It's also ideal to do the drills on cool days. You can do hill drills multiple times throughout the week, but keep the drills short and sweet. Drills are free and require you to encourage, praise and reward your pup's success. Check out your neighborhood terrain and decide where you and your Muscle Mastiff can begin your hill drill training.
Weighted Walks
Like hill drills, weighted walks are a way to elevate the traditional walking experience you have with your Muscle Mastiff. Weighted walks work your pooch, building their muscles and endurance. For weighted walks, you will need to purchase either a weighted dog vest, sized to fit dogs based on their height and weight, as well as adjustable backpacks. Depending on your budget and intentions, you may prefer one over the other.
Weighted walks are shorter in duration than standard walks, as a weighted walks are typically twice as difficult as normal walks. A ten-minute walk with a weighted vest or backpack is equivalent to a 20-minute normal walk. Keep this in mind when you plan your routes.
Obedience Training
Obedience training should begin at a young age and be a consistent part of your Muscle Mastiff's weekly activity schedule. This is important as Muscle Mastiffs can grow to be giant, and this, coupled with their independent personality, could make for some challenges during obedience training.
Beginning young and being consistent with your training will reinforce expectations and the behavior. Start with simple commands before moving on to complex commands. Consider using a favorite treat as well as praise to reward and further encourage the behavior. The activity could be done at home by the dog handler or with the help of a professional. Start this activity off by becoming familiar with the most basic commands to teach.
More Fun Ideas...
Visiting the Dog Park
Tug-of-War
Under the right conditions, tug-of-war is an excellent way to get your Muscle Mastiff moving and to teach them self-control. Keep in mind you want to discourage aggressive behaviors while playing such as shaking the tug object violently, but if played correctly, it can be a fun and physically draining activity for your pooch.
Conclusion
Without a doubt, a Muscle Mastiff is giant contribution to any household, but this giant is as calm and friendly as they come. With traits of loyalty and affection inherited from their parent breeds, Mastiffs are loving towards all family members including children. One key aspect in developing a healthy and socially outgoing pooch is to socialize them at a young age, with lots of interactions with people of all ages as well as dogs. You can do this by visiting a dog park and taking lots of walks.
Obedience training is also important in establishing the boundaries with your Muscle Mastiff. As this is a very large breed dog, you want to ensure you have control over them at all times! Begin training as young as 8 weeks to really enforce the behaviors and commands. Hill drills, tug-of-war and weighted walks are one way to meet the physical needs of your Mastiff breed, but be mindful of temperature and the potential for overheating. Diversify your Muscle Mastiff's workout routine to keep them engaged and entertained!