Activities For Neapolitan Mastiffs
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Prepare for unexpected vet bills
Introduction
One of the largest dogs in the world today is the Neapolitan Mastiff, an ancient dog breed descending from the Roman Molossus. This breed was originally cross-bred with other large dogs. Their offspring were used as watchdogs. Unfortunately, the Neapolitan Mastiff's earliest offspring were likely used to entertain people in the Colosseum, where the dogs fought each other and people. Today, the Neopolitan Mastiff is a companion and watchdog; the breed can also become lazy if not prompted to exercise regularly. Often, a daily walk around the neighborhood is sufficient exercise for the Neapolitan Mastiff; however, there are other activities with which you can engage your pup.
First Year
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Any Day
Cheap
Easy
30 min
Items needed
treats
Activity description
With large or giant breed dogs, you must always be cautious regarding the intensity of exercise that you allow for your dog. With large or giant breeds, bone growth can be inhibited or damaged if the dog is allowed to engage in raucous play such as lots of jumping and running. Does this mean your puppy should not run for the first year of life? No, and it's unrealistic to expect such. However, you should modify games such as fetch so that your puppy will not be encouraged to engage in many high-impact exercises. This is why walking is the recommended exercise for young Neapolitan Mastiffs. Walking promotes exercise without being too strenuous on the joints.
Step
1
Walking time in short sessions
Once your dog has completed all immunizations and is ready to go outdoors, you can begin a walking regimen. It might be wise to break walking sessions down into short, ten-minute walks. Particularly when you are training the puppy in walking with the leash, short walking sessions are best. Be sure to give Fido a treat for walking with the leash properly.
Step
2
Increase time
When your puppy is about six to eight months of age, you can increase the walking session time to about twenty minutes per session. Twice a day at this time is just right for the growing Neapolitan Mastiff. Stay at this amount of walking time until the puppy is about ten months old.
Step
3
Ten months to one year
The fully grown Neapolitan Mastiff does not require much in the way of exercise. However, if your dog is allowed to be inactive, they may become a little lazy and obesity may result. Thirty to forty-five minutes per day is all the adult Neapolitan Mastiff needs to be happy and healthy. Teach them not to pull on the leash and to pass other dogs on the street in a polite and calm manner. Detailed instructions are available online and encourage owners to reward with treats when walks are taken in a controlled fashion.
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Socialization Opportunities
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Any Day
Cheap
Easy
30 min
Items needed
Leash
treats
Activity description
Although the Neapolitan Mastiff is often reserved around strangers, the breed is generally loving and friendly. However, a little obedience training coupled with socialization techniques is bound to make for a healthy, happy, and friendly pooch. You should begin socialization as soon as possible with the Neapolitan Mastiff. Commandeer friends who love dogs, friends with children (hint - be sure these children are old enough to handle a puppy properly), and friends who own older dogs that will be friendly with a puppy. These are the key socialization points for any pooch. Furthermore, begin teaching the Neapolitan Mastiff a few commands at a young age.
Step
1
Begin routines and commands
When you first bring your puppy home, you will begin training. You'll be teaching them routines and the "rules" of your home. At this time, it's a great idea to teach a few commands as well. Words like "no" (unfortunately) should become a part of your pup's "vocabulary". You can also teach "good" to reinforce good behavior. As time goes on, also incorporate "sit" and "stay" into these commands.
Step
2
Socializing with people
The Neapolitan Mastiff is considered a "giant" dog breed. Therefore, you want to ensure that you instill good behavior traits in your pal at a very young age. Incorporate a few friends into this activity. Have children over to visit. Allow them to touch and handle the Neapolitan Mastiff so that they become accustomed to the presence of children. Have other friends come by and play with your Neapolitan. This is the best form of socialization, with the exception of other pets.
Step
3
Socializing with other animals
Another very important part of the socialization process has to do with exposure to other dogs (and sometimes cats too). As previously stated, the Neapolitan Mastiff is going to grow into a large dog. It is important that they get along with other dogs, and, if you know they will be around cats or other pets, it's important to expose them to these animals at a young age.
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Make Walking Fun
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Sunny Day
Cheap
Easy
30 min
Items needed
leash
doggy waste bags
Activity description
Experts agree that the best exercise for a Neapolitan Mastiff is a daily walk. Walking is a low-impact activity. For the very young Neapolitan, this is highly important. You can begin walking outdoors with your Neapolitan Mastiff as soon as they complete their immunizations. Make sure that they have completed all booster shots as well. The mature Neapolitan Mastiff will benefit from about one half-hour of brisk walking daily. You can separate this into two fifteen minute sessions, or you can devote one block of time daily to walking activity with the Neapolitan Mastiff. No matter the age, daily walking is perhaps the best exercise for a Neapolitan Mastiff. Of no cost, walking can be done at any time!
Step
1
Choose a safe place
The Neapolitan Mastiff is a very large dog, and care should be taken when choosing a safe place to walk together. Keep in mind that the Neapolitan is a large dog, so, if your neighborhood does not have a safe area for your daily stroll, you might want to consider other areas.
Step
2
City park
Your local city park is likely to have a safe walking trail. This will be a shielded place to walk your Neapolitan Mastiff as you will not have to worry about traffic. Often, you'll have a great deal of peace and quiet as the two of your take a daily stroll in this public place.
Step
3
Dog park
The dog park provides a great place for you to take a stroll with your pooch. Many dog parks have a walking track on which you can walk your Neapolitan Mastiff. Still, other dog parks have enclosed areas in which you can allow your well-behaved Neapolitan to go off-leash and walk or play at their own pace.
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More Fun Ideas...
Obedience Training
The Neapolitan Mastiff is a laid-back and easy-going dog. However, they may have a bit of a stubborn streak. They will greatly benefit from obedience training, whether you send them to "puppy kindergarten" or you train them at home yourself.
Playing on the Beach
Although the Neapolitan Mastiff should not be permitted to exercise strenuously prior to their first birthday, you can take them to the beach and allow them to play at will. The cushion of the sand will allow for a little more raucous play than playing on concrete or in your backyard.
Conclusion
The Neapolitan Mastiff may be a giant, but, they are often gentle, loving giants. They need to be prompted to exercise daily. The Neapolitan Mastiff is prone to laziness and obesity if their owners do not insist upon exercise. Walking is the best exercise for the gentle giant. You can begin walking outdoors when the Neapolitan puppy has completed all immunizations. Start slowly and work up to at least one half hour of daily exercise.