Bullmastiff: How should an owner handle adolescent behaviour changes?
When a young Bullmastiff becomes less reliable, return to the last version of the behaviour that was working and rebuild from there. Schedule the first attempt after the dog's normal age-appropriate outlet, not at peak excitement. Return to easier cues, shorten sessions, increase reinforcement, and manage the environment while skills are rebuilt. Keep the easier version in the routine while reliability returns; do not test the hardest version every day.
What can change during adolescence
Bullmastiff's exercise is recorded as Bullmastiffs enjoy daily exercise. Here, that matters because it changes the amount and timing of movement, stimulation, and recovery this situation needs.
Rebuild the behaviour you want
- Return to easier cues, shorten sessions, increase reinforcement, and manage the environment while skills are rebuilt.
- Use this exercise note (Bullmastiffs enjoy daily exercise) to choose the starting amount of movement and the length of the recovery period.
- Keep the easier version in the routine while reliability returns; do not test the hardest version every day.
Arrange an assessment if
Escalate for sudden personality change, pain, disorientation, or aggression that cannot be safely managed.
References
Height: 25-27 inches (male), 24-26 inches (female)
AKC page PageMap DataObject > height
Weight: 110-130 pounds (male), 100-120 pounds (female)
AKC page PageMap DataObject > weight
Life expectancy: 7-9 years
AKC page PageMap DataObject > life_expectancy
Grooming: Seasonal shedding is to be expected, though unusual hair loss should be noted as a possible problem. A balanced diet and a healthy environment are most important for coat health. Frequent grooming ensures that shedding can be managed, and dogs should be bathed as needed. The skin and coat should be monitored in order to ensure that dryness or oiliness are…
AKC page Grooming > official section copy
Exercise: Bullmastiffs enjoy daily exercise. Some are more sedentary, while others are very active by nature, but moderate exercise should be encouraged. Brisk walks and outdoor play are favorites of the breed, although secure fencing is a must for outdoor areas. Fencing is critical to ensure that the dog is safely contained and so strangers and unfamiliar animals do…
AKC page Exercise > official section copy
Training: Early training and socialization are critical for Bullmastiff puppies. The breed can be quite strong willed, and dogs and owners will both benefit from training regimens instilled in puppyhood. Rules and routines should be put in place early and adhered to as dogs grow up. Many breeders will encourage new owners to enroll in local puppy classes in order to…
AKC page Training > official section copy
Official breed description: Fearless at work, docile at home, the Bullmastiff is a large, muscular guarder who pursued and held poachers in Merry Old England'merry, we suppose, for everyone but poachers. Bullmastiffs are the result of Bulldog and Mastiff crosses.
AKC page About the Breed > official breed description
Recommended parent-club health tests: ['Hip Evaluation', 'Elbow Evaluation', 'Cardiac Exam', 'Ophthalmologist Evaluation', 'Thyroid Evaluation']
AKC page Health > Recommended Health Tests From the National Breed Club
Official breed standard: http://images.akc.org/pdf/breeds/standards/Bullmastiff.pdf
AKC page The Breed Standard > View Full Breed Standard
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