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| ~ IS A BULLMASTIFF THE RIGHT DOG FOR YOU? ~ |
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If you happen to be one of those people who believe a dog is
something nice to look at through a window while it's tied to a tree in your back
yard 24-7, you might as well stop reading and go elsewhere, you are definitely
not the person for a Bullie "or any other dog for that matter".
A Bullmastiff has got to be one of the most patient, loyal and loving breeds I
have ever been honoured enough to meet.
I am sure anyone who has ever looked into the dark eyes of a Bullie will surely
agree with me that there is no better dog in the world! .......... "But of
course I am bias."
Bullmastiffs have the distinct belief that they really are members of your family,
the only thing different to them is they have four legs and not two like all the
other kids, I mean after all, those beds and pillows are just the right size,
and the 4 year old with the ice cream cone is just the perfect height for sharing!
But on a more serious note, Bullies do need proper training and socializing. It
is very easy to have them become loyal family companions that will give you and
your family a lifetime of unconditional love. They love to be with "Their"
people and I think sometimes they believe you are theirs and not the other way
around. And if you don't mind drool left behind from a sudden kiss then please
continue on.
A Bullmastiff is a very serious breed. They are big, strong and extremely powerful
and without proper treatment can of course develop an "ATTITUDE". Behavioural
problems can be best fixed by never allowing certain behaviours to get out of
hand. I am a firm believer in letting your Bullie know who's the boss right from
day one. Don't ever allow your puppy to do what you wouldn't want your adult dog
to do. A good example of this would be allowing your puppy to jump all over you
or the kids, which a lot of people think is "cute" or "okay"
he's just a puppy. But what happens when that puppy is 130 lbs and jumps on a
child and the child falls off the step and breaks an arm! Who's fault is this?
Not the dogs! By never allowing your dog to jump when he was a puppy would have
prevented this from occurring and the child would never have been hurt.
Too many people take too much for granted when raising children with dogs. I had
someone once ask me "How are your dogs with kids?" My answer
was, "My dogs are great with kids, How are your kids with dogs?"
Remember that training a puppy into a dog in a lot of ways is like raising a baby
to an adult. You will have your problem times of course, but with love and patience
the outcome is always worth the effort.
Bullies do need early socialization and throughout their lives will require an
"Alpha" person to guide their behaviour. Don't expect your 3 year old
dog to remember what he learned in obedience class when he was 4 months old, it's
ongoing, everyday, that way nothing gets forgotten and if you have children teach
them the right and wrong things to do to a dog. No one likes to be kicked, jumped
on, ridden around like a pony, or have jelly beans up their nose. Teach your children
so your dog won't be jumpy or nervous and will be less apt to be snappy with your
kids.
Don't forget dogs get hungry, feel pain and cold just like you, so always remember
to respect your dog, they are a lifetime commitment.
I always ask people in general if they would rather a dog people can admire and
respect, or a dog that people just don't want to be around.
Bullmastiffs are a beautiful breed and I find it an honour to have them as part
of my family. Dogs are a lifetime commitment and be sure to ask yourself if you
are honestly up to such a big responsibility.
Be sure to consider the cost of training, proper housing for outside, crates for
inside, fencing, vet bills, food, dishes, collars, leashes, and a lot of other
things that may pop up. This can add up over the years, so be sure your decision
is one you can afford for a lifetime, and if you decide to go for a Bullie I am
sure there would be no regrets. |
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