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I am heading out of the office in a couple of minutes to go pick up my new Mastiff puppy. Got about a 4 hour drive to get there.
My wife and I are really excited about getting our new baby. We did alot of research about breeds and I think she is gonna fit in great. We have an English Bulldog now who we love dearly and their temperament and energy level seem very similar. We wanted a dog with that disposition but that would also be a good guard dog and I think we made the right choice.

Any advice you have for a first time Mastiff owner would be greatly appreciated. Big Red Clay

You are soooooo lucky. Mastiff puppies are the best and you don't have to know anything about them. Your puppy will love your family and terrify intruders. They are cuddle-bugs and like to lean into you whether you're walking, standing, on the couch, in bed. Doesn't matter.

Is your puppy a Bull, English, Neopolitan? Neos are a little smaller and usually have Blue coats. Gorgeous. I had two.

I'm so excited for you.

1. Don’t ever allow your mastiff puppy to put his teeth on a human. Ever.

2. Have a basket filled with HER things only—include Kong toys, chew bones, soft cuddly puppy toys also.

3. If you don’t want the dog on the bed when she’s full grown, don’t let her on the bed as a puppy. Same with the couch.

4. Never ever hit her. Shame her, if she must be scolded, then turn away. It will be an indelible lesson, and will nearly break both your hearts.

5. Teach her sit, stay, heel, down, as soon as possible. They learn young and never forget.

6. Be careful that she doesn’t eat gravel. Some mastiff puppies love to chew it, for some reason.

7. Don’t play tug of war. This is a game that, if they learn it, they will ALWAYS get carried away. A smaller person, one that weighs less than the dog, could be accidently injured.

8. Do not let her jump up on you, ever.

9. No need to teach her to guard, it is bred deep in the bone. These dogs instinctively know who is safe.

10. If you are not planning to breed her, get her neutered. Female mastiffs are difficult to breed, sometimes need lots of specialized care, and are extremely protective of pups, even with their family.

These were the tips our breeder gave us. Here is our mastiff’s internet page:

http://www.flyingwfarms.com/amastiff/D%20Tinker.htm

This is a brilliant dog and will do anything to be near you at all times. Just remember—don’t allow her to do anything when she is a puppy that you don’t want her to do when she is full grown. Mine rides in the car beautifully, and attracts a lot of attention (which he receives as his due). He knows all the family names, by the way.