The Loyal, Intelligent Large Dog Breed You Must Train As A Puppy Or Risk Stubbornness Issues

Big or small, training is an important part of owning a dog. However, some breeds, especially the larger ones, may have a bit of a stubborn streak — such as the bullmastiff. Bullmastiffs are big dogs, no doubt about it. A full-grown bullmastiff can weigh about 120 pounds, and when you first meet one, the size alone can be a lot to take in. Spend a little time with them, though, and you'll see the other side: steady, affectionate, and happy to stick close to people. They're the kind of dog that will shadow you around the house and then flop down at your feet when you stop moving.

Even so, raising one isn't something you should leave to chance. A bullmastiff puppy is quick to learn, but it's also quick to test limits. If you don't set boundaries early, it may decide for itself what's allowed and what's not, and undoing those habits later isn't much fun. Teaching simple commands and building routines while still young keeps that big body manageable and a strong will in check. Like many strong, protective breeds, bullmastiffs need structure in place before independence hardens into pushback.

While there is some variety in the breed, bullmastiffs were first bred in England to guard estates, holding intruders in place until a handler showed up. They weren't bred to chase or bite, but to use their size to block and pin, and that instinct hasn't disappeared. To this day, you might catch one parked by the front window or leaning in a doorway, watching the world outside as if it's still on duty.

In a household, that watchful streak can be both comforting and a little tricky. Its bulk alone puts the breed among the best dog breeds for safety and home protection, since most strangers hesitate when they see a dog that size. Without early teaching, though, the guarding side can get a little too quick to react. A bullmastiff that hasn't learned the difference between the mail carrier and a real threat may treat both the same, and once it's grown, it's no small task to hold it back.

The way around it is to start when your dog is still small, before the guarding side turns into defiance. Taking puppy training classes can help start the socialization process. As puppies meet neighbors, hear the doorbell without fuss, and watch everyday commotion, they realize not every sound requires a reaction.

Bullmastiffs may look imposing, but most thrive when their days include clear lessons and plenty of praise. In basic obedience, a bullmastiff can be a surprisingly quick study. Sit, down, and stay come naturally when the practice is short and upbeat, and the breed's eagerness to please shows through when treats or cheerful encouragement are involved. What can trip one up is long, repetitive drills, since its independent streak may cause it to check out if things feel boring.

Programs that give structure with a sense of purpose bring out a bullmastiff's best side. Some owners enroll them in obedience clubs, where weekly classes keep both dog and trainer accountable. Others find that therapy programs suit them well, since a calm, gentle bullmastiff can offer comfort to hospital patients or schoolchildren. If you want a more active outlet, protection sports let them channel their guarding instinct in a safe, controlled way, pairing their natural strength with precise training.

Day-to-day, it's the small lessons that prevent stubborn habits from setting in. A bullmastiff that learns to wait at a doorway doesn't barge ahead on walks. Also, a dog that practices recall in the yard is less likely to ignore commands when distractions pop up. Even holding still while the leash is clipped on teaches patience. These bits of self-control add up, shaping a dog that is not only easier to live with but also more confident and secure in every routine.