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Potty training a Mastiff can be a challenging task, especially for new dog owners. However, with the right techniques and consistent training, you can successfully potty train your Mastiff in a short period of time. In this article, we will share 7 secrets to quickly potty train your Mastiff, covering topics such as how to recognize when your dog needs to go, the best age to begin training, tips for training adult Mastiffs, how long it takes to potty train a puppy, how often to take your Mastiff outside for potty breaks, and strategies for apartment potty training. By following these tips and tricks, you’ll be well on your way to having a well-trained, housebroken Mastiff.
Note: While the tips below should be very helpful for potty training your Mastiff, you may consider seeking the help of a professional online dog training course such as SpiritDog or K9 Training Institute, two of our favorite training resources for potty training.
1. Start Potty Training Your Mastiff Early and Be Consistent
The sooner you begin potty training your Mastiff, the better. Puppies can start learning as early as eight weeks old, and it’s easier for them to pick up good habits at this young age. Consistency is also crucial. Choose a designated potty spot outdoors and always bring your Mastiff to that same area. Stick to a routine, and take them out frequently, especially after meals, naps, and playtime. Your dog will associate the spot with going potty, and the consistent schedule will help reinforce the behavior.
2. Give Your Mastiff Positive Reinforcement
Positive reinforcement is an effective training method that rewards good behavior instead of punishing bad behavior. When your Mastiff successfully goes potty outside, offer praise, treats, or playtime as a reward. This will help your dog associate going to the bathroom outside with positive experiences, making them more likely to repeat the behavior. Make sure to reward them immediately after they finish, as dogs have a short memory and may not connect the reward with the action if there’s a delay.
3. Monitor Your Mastiff’s Behavior
Pay attention to your Mastiff’s body language and habits, as they can give you clues when they need to go. Common signs include sniffing, circling, whining, or scratching at the door. If you notice any of these behaviors, take your dog outside immediately. In time, you’ll be able to anticipate your dog’s needs, preventing accidents before they happen.
RELATED: Need to potty train your Mastiff quickly? Try this affordable online course
4. Confine Your Mastiff to a Small Area
When you’re not able to supervise your Mastiff, confine them to a small, designated area or crate. Dogs are naturally clean animals and don’t like to soil their living space. By limiting their space, you encourage them to hold it until they can go outside. Make sure the crate is large enough for your dog to stand, turn around, and lie down comfortably, but not so large that they can eliminate in one corner and sleep in another.
5. Gradually Increase Your Mastiff’s Freedom
As your Mastiff becomes more reliable in their potty training, you can gradually increase their freedom in the house. Start by allowing them access to one additional room, and monitor their behavior closely. If they continue to have accidents, return to the smaller confinement area and try again later. Gradually expanding their space will help them learn to hold it until they’re outside, even when they’re not in a confined area.
6. Try Using Potty Bells
Potty bells can be a useful tool to let your Mastiff know they are ready to be taken outside to the bathroom. Teach your Mastiff to ring the bell with their paw or nose before exiting the door that leads to their potty area. There are many types of potty bells available on Amazon, such as this:
7. Be Patient with Your Mastiff and Stay Positive
Potty training can be a frustrating process, but it’s essential to stay patient and maintain a positive attitude. Dogs can sense your emotions, and if you’re stressed or angry, it can hinder their progress. Remember that accidents will happen, but don’t punish your Mastiff for them. Instead, clean up the mess thoroughly to remove any lingering odors that may encourage your dog to eliminate in the same spot again. If you find yourself getting frustrated, take a step back and remind yourself that consistency, patience, and positivity are key.
8. Try an Online Dog Potty Training Course
If you’ve tried everything and your Mastiff is still having accidents or showing no progress, it may be time to consult a professional dog trainer.
Our 2 favorite online courses are:
1. SpiritDog’s “Mastering Potty Training” Course
This affordable course uses science-based and “fear-free” tactics to potty train your Mastiff quickly. You’re allowed to ask the trainer unlimited questions and it comes with a 60-day money-back guarantee.
2. K9 Training Institute’s “Dog Masterclass”
More than just a potty training course, this more comprehensive training course tackles any behavior problem you might face with your dog.
Related: K9 Training Institute Online Dog Training Review
Frequently Asked Questions About Housebreaking a Mastiff
How do I know when my Mastiff needs to go potty?
Signs that your Mastiff needs to go potty include whining, circling or pacing, sniffing the ground, and heading towards the door. It is important to keep a close eye on your Mastiff, especially during the potty training phase, so you can learn their cues and take them outside in a timely manner.
At what age should I begin potty training a Mastiff puppy?
It is recommended to begin potty training a Mastiff puppy as soon as you bring them home, ideally around 8 to 12 weeks of age. Early and consistent training will help establish good habits and prevent accidents in the future.
How can I potty train an adult Mastiff?
Potty training an adult Mastiff may take longer than a puppy, but the process is similar. Consistency, patience, and positive reinforcement are key. It is important to establish a routine and take them outside frequently, while also rewarding them for going potty outside.
How long does it take to potty train a Mastiff puppy?
Potty training duration may vary from dog to dog, but on average it takes around 4 to 6 months to fully potty train a Mastiff puppy. Consistent training and patience are important during this process.
How often should I take my Mastiff outside for potty breaks?
During the potty training phase, it is recommended to take your Mastiff outside every 1 to 2 hours, after meals, naps, and playtime, as well as before bedtime. As your Mastiff gets older and more reliable, you can gradually increase the time between potty breaks.
How should I potty train my Mastiff in an apartment if I don’t have a yard?
Apartment potty training for Mastiffs can be a bit challenging, but it is possible with consistency and patience. Establish a designated potty area, such as a pee pad or litter box, and take them to the area frequently. Reward them for going to the designated area and be consistent with your training routine.
What’s the best online training course to potty train a Mastiff?
Our 2 favorite online courses are:
1. SpiritDog’s “Mastering Potty Training” Course
This affordable course uses science-based and “fear-free” tactics to potty train your Mastiff quickly. You’re allowed to ask the trainer unlimited questions and it comes with a 60-day money-back guarantee.
2. K9 Training Institute’s “Dog Masterclass”
More than just a potty training course, this more comprehensive training course tackles any behavior problem you might face with your dog.
In conclusion, potty training a Mastiff can be a challenging task, but with patience, consistency, and positive reinforcement, it is achievable. Remember to start the training process early, set a routine, and provide plenty of opportunities for your Mastiff to go potty outside. Keep an eye out for their body language and behavior to identify when they need to go potty. It’s also essential to stay calm and avoid punishment when accidents happen. Instead, redirect your Mastiff to the right behavior and reward them for good behavior. By following these tips and being patient, you can quickly potty train your Mastiff and establish good potty habits that will last a lifetime.
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