When choosing a Bullmastiff puppy, you'll want to find a reputable breeder who screens for health and temperament. Make sure both parents have had health testing done for common issues in the breed like hip and elbow dysplasia, thyroid problems, and eye issues. Visit the litter and watch how the puppies interact. Pick an outgoing puppy that seems interested in people and not too timid. Be prepared that a Bullmastiff puppy will grow rapidly in size and can weigh 100+ pounds as an adult.
Preparing Your Home
Before bringing your Bullmastiff puppy home, puppy-proof your house. Put away any items you don't want chewed on or damaged. Bullmastiffs are large, powerful chewers. Provide plenty of appropriate chew toys. Secure trash cans and keep toilet lids closed. Puppy-proof electrical cords and hide any wires.
Choose a crate for your puppy to sleep in and limit access to certain rooms or areas. Set up an exercise pen with potty pads for when you can't directly supervise. Get proper ID tags and a leash/harness that will remain useful as your puppy grows. Stock up on the best quality puppy food and treats for training.
Learn about typical Bullmastiff behavior and prepare for things like jumping, nipping, mouthing, and destructive chewing. Be ready to start training and socializing your puppy immediately.
Picking Up Your Puppy
When you pick up your Bullmastiff puppy, bring along a familiar scented blanket and crate to help ease the transition. Avoid too much handling and stimulation initially as it can be overwhelming. Let your pup get comfortable with you before introducing to others.
Get your puppy on the same feeding schedule and use the same food as the breeder to avoid digestive upset. Bring a stool sample to your vet for analysis. Schedule an initial vet visit to get your puppy examined, dewormed, and started on vaccinations. Discuss when your puppy can start going outdoors and proper socialization.
The ride home should be short and comfortable. Plan on taking your puppy out to potty immediately and frequently. Be patient and encouraging as your puppy gets used to their new environment. Initially limit interactions to family members and your home until vaccinations are complete.
House Training
House training a Bullmastiff puppy takes time, patience and consistency. Start by establishing a routine and schedule. Take your puppy outside frequently, at least every 1-2 hours as well as first thing in the morning, after meals, after naps, and before bedtime. Praise and give treats for going potty outdoors.
Choose a bathroom spot nearby and always use that same location. Stay with your puppy for 5-10 minutes until they go, then praise enthusiastically. Limit access when you can't supervise directly. Confine your puppy in a crate or exercise pen to avoid indoor accidents.
Clean all accidents thoroughly with an enzymatic cleaner to remove odors. Avoid punishment which can inhibit potty training. Be consistent and generous with praise and your Bullmastiff puppy will catch on. Expect the process to take several months and have patience.
Crate Training
Crate training is highly beneficial for Bullmastiff puppies. A crate provides a cozy den-like place for your puppy to rest and feel secure. It also assists with potty training by limiting access when unsupervised. Introduce a crate slowly in short sessions, placing treats inside to create positive associations.
Slowly increase time confined, providing toys and chews to pass time. Avoid using the crate solely for punishment as that creates a negative perception. Your Bullmastiff pup should sleep comfortably in their crate at night close to family activity. Maintain a consistent crating schedule and praise your puppy for calm behavior in their crate.
Socialization
Extensive socialization is crucial for a Bullmastiff puppy. They need exposure to new sights, sounds, people, animals, places, and situations. Create regular positive experiences to prevent fearfulness or aggression which can become problematic in a giant breed.
Start inviting friends to your home after your veterinarian says it’s safe. Arrange controlled meetings with neighbor dogs you know are vaccinated. Give treats when encountering new stimuli to create positive associations. Expose your Bullmastiff puppy to car rides, urban sounds, and well-controlled public settings.
Sign up for a puppy socialization or training class to have structured social time. Maintain socialization throughout your dog’s life by continuing outings and introducing new experiences. A well-socialized Bullmastiff is confident and amenable to handling from veterinarians and groomers.
Leash Training
Bullmastiff puppies must be leash trained from a young age due to their large size. Begin indoors and outdoors in your own yard first. Use a flat collar initially with a sturdy leash about 4-6 feet long. Have tasty treats on hand to motivate your puppy to walk near you. Reward for any eye contact, loose leash behavior, or attention.
If your puppy pulls, stand still until the leash relaxes, then praise and continue forward. Change direction frequently so your puppy focuses on you. Keep initial sessions short, positive and low-key. Gradually build up to longer walks around your neighborhood once vaccinated. Consider a front-attach harness if your Bullmastiff puppy pulls excessively on leash. Consistency and persistence will lead to good leash manners.
Bite Inhibition
Bullmastiff puppies are mouthy dogs by nature. They need to be taught early on that gentle mouthing is acceptable but biting is not. Have plenty of chew toys available to satisfy puppy chewing urges. When your puppy mouths too hard, give a high-pitched “ouch!”, stand up to halt play, and ignore them briefly. Praise when teeth touch skin lightly or play remains soft.
To help establish bite inhibition, let your puppy play with other vaccinated puppies. They will provide feedback on biting pressure. Teach kids not to run away if mouthed, which can incite chasing. Supervise young children and pets since the Bullmastiff’s size makes it capable of knocking small ones over. Channel any inappropriate mouthing into vigorous tug or fetch games.
Exercise
Bullmastiff puppies have rapid growth plates that are vulnerable to injury, so exercise should be limited initially. Puppies 8-12 weeks old need only short indoor play sessions, training sessions, or brief yard explorations of 5-10 minutes at a time. Build up very gradually to avoid excessive concussion on still-developing joints.