English Mastiff

Question
Hi. We have a 2 1/2yr old English Mastiff. We got him when he was 1 1/2. We haven't been real diligent in training him as far as staying off the furniture and scratching at the door when he wants to come in. But we are realizing (which we should have done a long time ago), that we need him to stay off the furniture and stop scratching at the door. He is ruining our furniture and door. I take 100% fault in lack of training, and realize he's just a big dog that hasn't had the proper training. Do you have any suggestions on how to stop him from scratching on the door when he wants to come in and laying on the furniture? We can stop him from laying on the furniture when we're there, but when we're not, that's the problem. Thank you! -Jennifer

Answer
As you have discovered, when you don't train a dog, it makes its own rules. You'll have to trainthe dog to make some other action when it wants in/out, so you could put in a bell and teach the dog to ring the bell. You might also consider a doggy door.  For keeping off the furniture, train the dog to go on the furniture as a command, then never give the command. In addition, put stuff on the furniture when you are away that will be make it harder or uncomfortable if the dog does get on, it pots and pans, or turn the furniture face down. You should invest in a breed specific book from the store to learn more about your giant breed dog.
The command is OFF to keep the dog off furniture and doors.


Regards,
Henry Ruhwiedel
www.dogkennel.org