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Messages - mastiffmomoftwo

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31
Akita Pictures / Re: Mr. Cuddle Buttons
« on: April 23, 2008, 10:30:32 am »
What a sweet face.  The face of innocence!
Ok, now I have to think back on my puppy......
Nope, I'll keep the old one!
Have fun with him!

32
General Board for Big Dogs with Big Paws / Re: Maya saga continues **can anyone BPO train help?** We can keep if so
« on: April 23, 2008, 10:25:21 am »
Quote from: jaz and titan on April 23, 2008, 05:08:44 am
i found out the owner has had 6 AAAAAHHHHHHHHH HH  and if i keep maya he is going to get another puppy!!!!

What does this mean?
I think you should take a deep breath and just think a minute.
In the other posts you said she was coming along really well.
What I have found works with my dogs is mental as well as physical exercise.  I have gone to the same place for dog classes for the last 20 years.  They teach the basics, but most important, the dog learns to be in a room with 10 other dogs.  The class was about $50 for 8 sessions.  My first dog ever, used to lunge at the other dogs in the room.  I was young and would cry in frustration.  The instructor was very good and would spend extra time with us.  After we completed beginners, intermediate and were in advanced, I could leave her in a down-stay, and leave the room.  She came a long way!

I would perhaps try some clicker training with her.
That way she always knows when she is doing the right thing.
Also while on leash in the house, can you attach her to your waist?  While watching her body language, you can easily correct if you see her thinking about doing the wrong thing!

Now don't everyone shoot me, but even though I don't believe everything that Ceasar Millan says, some of his techniques have merrit.  My breeder kept a very aggressive male.  He had been attacked by some of the other dogs.  She could not leave him in a room with other dogs even for a second.  He was always separated.  I told her to rent the Ceasar DVD's, and after a couple of months she emailed me to thank me for the advice.  Her dog is now able to go for car rides.  He can be left alone with the other dog.  She even had her regular border's dog playing with him.  She said it was all in her attitude and what she expected from him etc.

There are also lots of good training books out there that can be taken out at the library if you can't afford to buy them.

I think at this point the dogs is yours, and you should quit listening to the 'dumper of the dog'.
She had been with you for 8 months.
He does not want her.
Hence she is yours.  Do not answer the phone when he calls, and you won't have to be frustrated.
She will take time to straighten out.  If your dogs are the first she has played with, yes she will be rough.  It's up to you to teach her that she needs to 'be gentle'.
You can do it!!
Look how far she has come already.
Keep working at it.
The dane can come later.  We now have found our dream breed, and it only took us 20 years! ;D

33
Old English Mastiff Pictures / Re: New here................
« on: April 23, 2008, 09:52:48 am »
Hi! Welcome!
Yup, I'm partial to Mastiff's as well.
My name is Chris and I have 2, Beau & Luke.
What a cutie patootie!
And Kira does look like she's being very patient!

34
Anything Non-Dog Related / Re: NDR: what am I doing wrong?? A vent...
« on: April 23, 2008, 09:45:38 am »
Is it possible for you to ask what you could have done differently to secure the position?
That way you are sounding genuinely interested in what you can improve upon.  I worked at my girlfriends law office for a short period of time, and while they were interviewing people, only a few had the guts to ask (politely of course) what they could change.  It made the employers look at them differently.
Good luck.
(PS: my husband is a Starbucks addict!)

35
Food Discussion & Information / Re: Natural Balance Allergy Free dog food - info and/or opinions?
« on: April 23, 2008, 09:41:57 am »
My Luke did very well on the Natural Balance Sweet Potatoe and fish.  He seemed to like it better than the Duck.
Of course he inhales everything, so I wasn't sure!
The only reason I switched is because I can now get Solid Gold at almost wholesale.
All the top quality foods that I can get here on the west coast of Canada, are around the $60 - $70 range.  Wow, $38 is what the stores pay!  That would be soooo cool.
I usually order my food twice a year.  I am paranoid about an
emergency happening and me running out of food for the boys.

(PS: I used a homeopath to evaluate both my boys and tell me what foods to avoid.  I think my Luke is itch free for the first time in his life!  I got him last year at 7, with horrible skin and ear infections.  He has now not had any issues for almost 9 months ;D  It makes me very happy, as I'm sure he is also pleased!  I will pass on her web site if you are interested)


36
Food Discussion & Information / Re: Satin Balls
« on: April 23, 2008, 09:35:33 am »
I have heard wonderous things about Satin Balls.
Thanks for posting the recipe!

37
Food Discussion & Information / Re: Kinda confused......need advice, opinions.
« on: April 23, 2008, 09:34:43 am »
Hi, it's great that you are asking these questions!
Most vets deal with all sorts of dog breeds, but not one
in specific.  You have to use your judgement.
On most of the mastiff boards, the breeders use
Eagle pack holistic select food for their dogs.
Most use the peach coloured bag.  All have good luck with it.
You want to either feed an adult food, or a giant breed food.
When you get right down to it, our mastiff's are not large breed!  Giant yes!
I feed my 2 year old mastiff Solid Gold mMillenium Beef & Barley.  He loves it.  I interchange
with the Wolf King, but basically hes on the beef.  He started eating that around 4 months.  He is allergic to wheat and corn.  We have had no issues with him at all.  He is now 2 years old, 206 pds and eats 10 cups of kibble a day.  I can still see ribs, and definately feel them.
I was told to "grow them slow".
The Blue Buffalo might be a tad high in the protein department.  I would try to keep it around the 22% to 24%. Otherwise I think it looks pretty good.
Please try not to feed vet food. 
Most of the products they carry have wheat and corn, which can be an issue with some mastiff's.  I also have seen them use ethoxiquin (?) as a preservative in some of those bags. >:(
Generally you can switch to adult food around the 4 to 6 month period.  I wish I had known then what I know now!
I would not have put my poor boy thru that awful food and antibiotics etc!  Of course then I didn't know what a forum was either!
Good luck and keep us posted.

38
Old English Mastiff Pictures / Re: New Camara!! PIC Happy!!!
« on: April 20, 2008, 12:26:28 pm »
Oh, what a face!
"Mom, I need treats bad!"
Does he lean on your leg when you are trying to
prepare dinner?  Just in case you might 'drop'
something for him?
Great pics.

39
Group Discussions & Photos / Re: Hike of Doom
« on: April 10, 2008, 01:54:35 pm »
I have to tell you that my heart stopped briefly when I read your post, then started racing and I felt sick to my stomach.
I am the owner of two mastiffs.
One we have had since he was 8 weeks old.  The advice I got not only from my breeder and vet, but other mastiff people, is NEVER OVER EXERCISE A MASTIFF!
A 6 mile hike is too much for any pup, but especially a mastiff.
These dogs are not meant to go that kind of distance, not even as adults.  They are low exercise dogs.
I know a lot of the dogs on this forum are from the herding group, which exercises more, but you need to think of the masiff as a Sumo wrestler.
Please, please, please gently exercise your baby.
Although Mastiff's are big dogs, they are very delicate.
Yes your pup went the distance, but they are very stoic and will do what you ask them to.
That doesn't mean that all the exercise is good for them.
The first 2 years will be a upward growth for your pup.  The next 2 to 4 years he will fill out.  My 2 year old is 205 pds, and his breeder thinks he will go to 240.  He gets 'gentle' walks and some play time in the yard.

Please check out these mastiff forums that will tell you what you need to know about the breed.  A lot of the posters are breeders who have many years of experience with the breed.

http://www.websitetoolbox.com/tool/mb/acslinda

http://www.websitetoolbox.com/tool/mb/mastiffmessageboard

http://pub25.bravenet.com/forum/2062396443

I know of 2 separate mastiff's that were given unlimited exercise in the first 2 years of their life.
One now has a torn crutiate, and the other has severe hip dysplasia.

From "Your purebred puppy"

Providing the proper balance of exercise. Young Mastiffs need enough exercise to keep them lean and healthy, but not so much that their soft growing bones, joints, and ligaments become over-stressed and damaged. Adult Mastiffs need more exercise to keep them in shape, but not in hot or humid weather for fear of overheating. The proper amount of exercise can be difficult to regulate in giant breeds.

Since you have to minimize their exercise, young Mastiffs can be very rambunctious. They will romp with uncoordinated gawkiness all over your house. You need to substitute extra quantities of companionship and supervision. Otherwise, left alone, young Mastiffs become bored and destructive -- and their powerful jaws can literally destroy your living room.

Here is some info from a breeder site:

http://mastiff25.tripod.com/id15.html

Please remember that I am just very concerned about your puppy.

Chris


40
Medical Conditions & Diseases / Re: Bladder stone dissolution diet- any one had one that works?
« on: April 09, 2008, 12:29:30 am »
Hi Shawn.  The only thing I can suggest is to join the K9Kidney group on yahoo.   

http://pets.groups.yahoo.com/group/K9KidneyDiet/

Don't know how much of their info would apply
to bladder. They have a wealth of info on their site. My oldest boy is having slight kidney problems, and they have been very helpful.
Also, read the intro to this group and see if it may be of some help to you.

http://pets.groups.yahoo.com/group/CanineCushings-AutoimmuneCare/

Good Luck.

41
Behavior, Housebreaking, Obedience / Re: Mastiff exercise
« on: April 06, 2008, 11:10:29 am »
Hi!  I have two mastiff's age 2 & 7.
I would nevertake a mastiff jogging!
That is not what they are built for.
I know several mastiff's also in my area, and the people
that have allowed their dogs to run around all day with lots
of exercise and are now looking at huge vet bills.  One now has
a torn crutiate and the other hip dyspasia.  Also never let a mastiff jump up on things, like into a pick up.
Your puppy will take 3-4 years before it's full grown.
Limited exercise is great.  Low impact walking etc.
Again, don't over do it.
Because Mastiff's are the sumo-wrestlers in the doggie world, you must be careful with them.  Can you imagine a sumo type jogging?  Same with a mastiff.
When my Beau was in his first year, I made sure he had limited exercise.  When at the dog park, 20 min max to play.
We also took short walks of 10 to 15 min around the block, and played chase in the yard, where he was able to lay down and rest.
Remember our giants can overheat very quickly.
This site is great for some mastiff health http://members.aol.com/RocknRob56/index.html

Remember your breeder is your best friend when it comes to asking questions about your dog.  I know ours gave us lots of
info on food, exercise, water, bloat etc.

Good luck with your puppy.

42
Behavior, Housebreaking, Obedience / Re: English Mastiff Behavior Problems....
« on: March 27, 2008, 09:56:45 pm »
It's called the zoomies.

Beau had them every night at 7:00pm like clockwork.

I've discovered that Mastiff's are also called "land sharks".

I agree with that!! ;D

My boy was a monster.  I wore 3 layers of clothing the first summer that we had him.
He also chewed his leash & pulled while we walked.
At obedience the instructor liked the fact that he had "spunk".

I offered to trade dogs with her.

That's why I tell everyone who will listen that I will NEVER again do a puppy.

43
Food Discussion & Information / Re: Confused about food--yet again!
« on: March 27, 2008, 09:49:24 pm »
Quote from: jaz and titan on March 27, 2008, 02:51:30 pm
BUT...if protein makes them grow to fast, then how come when  feeding raw with is mostly protein they don't grow so fast?

Raw is MUCH different than kibble.
Raw has a very high water content.
Kibble is dry and has a higher protein content.
Dogs run into trouble with grain free kibble because they
do not get enough water to help the kidney's process the food.
The kidney's are what filter the system.

When feeding raw, there is high water, and the diets I have seen incorporate veggies and fruit as well as other supplements.

The holistic pet store that I go to says that they are seeing a higher rate of clients coming in whose pets are going thru kidney problems because they are feeding high protein/grain free.

Just some food for thought.

High protein in a giant breed's diet does cause them to grow faster, and it also relates to fat content & carbs.

My Beau gained 5 pounds a week when he was a pup.
The vet kept telling me to slow his growing down.  I couldn't.  I feed a 22% protein and 12% fat with a calorie count of 387 per cup.  Can't get much lower than that.
The trouble giant breeds run into is when growing too fast their ligaments / muscles / tendons grow slower than the bone. 

These pictures show what can happen, and how the legs look after feeding a proper diet and wrapping legs etc.

Before




After




Before



After



44
Food Discussion & Information / Re: does anyone know of a dog food that is like raw...but not?
« on: March 25, 2008, 04:51:19 pm »
Quote from: AltDeutsche on March 25, 2008, 03:26:44 pm
I am fully aware of www.dogfoodana lysis.com
but when your choices are slim you do what you have to do. We have her on Iams because it had 21% protein vs 24% with purina.
I am doing more research about who can ship to me. And I am running into major roadblocks. But I may have found someone.

KC should be about 60-70lbs full grown. The size of a GSD or slightly smaller.

Ok, I found the site I was thinking of.
They offer free shipping for orders over $50 in the USA.
Would save you gas money!!!


http://www.k9cuisine.com/default.aspx#

Too bad Canada need not apply!

Click onto their products, then sort by manufacturer.
They carry:

Solid Gold
Eagle Pack Holistic Select
Innova
Candidae
Natural Balance & more.

Good Luck.


45
Food Discussion & Information / Re: does anyone know of a dog food that is like raw...but not?
« on: March 25, 2008, 11:25:10 am »
Quote from: AltDeutsche on March 25, 2008, 10:44:59 am
I wish I had all the choices you have for dog food. I have two choices for puppy food, Purina puppy chow or IAMS. They don't have any large breed puppy food. I don't have that much time to do a complete raw diet so we supplement.
I am thankful this thread was started as I get lots of information I hadn't thought about.

I just checked and I believe your breed is anywhere to about
100pds?
I fed my puppy adult food when he was little.
Didn't touch any puppy food.  After much research everyone said the same thing.  "Grow your puppy slowly!"
Large and giant breed puppies can grow too quickly.

Here is a quote from the site I have posted below.

It is true that high protein diets are also high fat diets and therefore they are high calorie diets and difficult for owners to manage the a months fed. But the real issue with growth problems is the relationship between the protein/fat/carbs in a diet, the calories per cup and the quality and availability of the macro and micro minerals in a food. When you do not have this equation in a diet, it causes uneven growth patterns between muscles, ligaments, tendons and bones.

http://www.greatdanelady.com/articles/knuckling_over.htm

Please check it out.
You are not doing your dog a favour by feeding Purina or Iam's.  (That is my opinion)  I refuse to buy any Proctor & Gamble product (Iam's) as they still do animal testing, and in fact tested a bunch with the tainted food.

Anyway, there are websites out there that will tell how to read a bag of food, and there are online companies that you can order food thru.

Here are some sites.

http://www.gomestic.com/Pets/What-is-in-Your-Dogs-Food.77020

http://www.dogfoodproject.com/index.php?page=badingredients


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