Newf Mix and Dane/Mastiff

[Babymine]

Newf Mix and Dane/Mastiff - Update on pg 3 with pics.

We are adopting, from Craigslist, an intact Dane/Mastiff soon. The GF bought him as a present for her BF but she didn't know he would get that big. Yes, I know. We are having him fixed ASAP but I have heard stories here about people's 2 males not getting alone. Is it becasue those are both intact? I have never had an intact pet before so this is new. The dog is 2.5 yo and Bear is 11 months. He is a submissive Dane mix and Bear is moderate.

I had to laugh when the owner told me that his dog chews drywall and when he went to the pet store the cashier - who said she has raised Danes - told him they need to grow out of that. I told him no and don't get advice from a cashier.

 

[2newfs4now]

We have 3 males - all altered, with very different personalities and the only times there have been an issue is when we haven't paid attention to the situation. We've had two arguments between Max and Charlie, and both were about food/treats...our bad for not being more aware of Charlie's on/off food aggression.

 

[R Taft]

Firstly Congratulations.
Now you have to also realize that you have two quite different breeds. Danes and Mastiffs ( meaning English) are more territorial and guard bred and often used for that, and it will depend on the lineage the dogs are from as to how strong that drive is. Here in Australia, that mix is often used for wild pig hunting. I don't want to put you off, but i think it is important to know the back ground and purpose of dog breeds. it affects training and dealing with them in general, newfies are rescue dogs, very people orientated in their breeding. But I love both Great Dane's and Mastiffs. I have a friend with English mastiffs and they are adorable
The biggest and most volatile arguments i have ever dealt with have been between my two bitches....now sorted....... I think it is individual dogs, male or female and training. Not enough can be said about basic training. if you have the obedience you will have the peace.
If you are worried go and see someone who is experienced with dogs near you.
the other thing i recommend is initially letting the dogs meet on non-territorial ground. And see how they get on, when the place does not belong to either.
There is a bit of luck involved, some people have no issues at all.
I also always watch out for week three, when the new dog often starts to test the waters.
Love your new dog, but remember not to ignore your current dog and still give him lots of attention. That is often the cause of major break-outs/fights, jealousy.
And don't think, that just because it is new dog, you cannot be firm and set the rules. Start as how you want it to be in the future .........Firm and loving. Good luck Ronnie

 

[newflizzie]

Congrats! I don't know much about those specific breeds, but I've had to introduce many dogs and bitches while fostering (all of which were spayed/neutered soon after). I agree with Ronnie - definitely introduce on neutral ground to start off (then I usually move into the backyard for awhile before going into the house), definitely set the rules and start training, and definitely be ready for the new dog to start pushing buttons around week 3 or 4 once they are comfy and expect the current dog to have some jealousy issues (usually extra love heads that off). I did have the added benefit of a water hose or squirt bottle to settle ugly disagreements (basenjis tend to bite first and ask questions later but they loathe water so it's always a good threat to carry around a water bottle or squirt gun), those breeds probably won't care though! Sometimes it was a breeze and sometimes it was difficult, but it usually ended up just fine. Good Luck!

 

[Ginny]

Don't expect an instant change, it'll take a good 3-4 wks. for the hormones to settle down after neutering. You're more likely to have problems with intact males if there's a female in heat around. You still may have some issues to work through. Sounds like a crate may be in order for drywall eating . Good luck with this.

 

[Erika]

we have 3 altered males 1 pyr and 2 newfs. Sometimes male Pyrs dont do well with other large males, we started from the get go with gandolph and he loves and respects his male brothers. Thanks to a wonderful friend and all her wisdom all 3 males and 2 females live in harmony......congrtas on your new addition.

 

[Babymine]

Thank you all for the information and well wishes. Bear has his crate and we are picking another one up tomorrow. This was the issue with the owners becasue they never set boundaries or crated when he couldn't be watched so he would eat shoes, drywall, blinds,....ect. I pick him up tomorrow!!!!!! I can't wait.

 

[BoundlessNewfs]

Congratulations. I hope it works beautifully for you. Watch body language, and don't just throw them together. You might consider limited time together for when you're right there watching, until you're sure they get along. Good luck!

 

[padkins]

Congratulations on the new member of your family. Pictures please!

 

[Shel]

Ditto... congratulations and pictures please.

 

[Babymine]

Talking to the owners more I found out that she is jealous of the dog and thinks her BF spends too much time with him. I hope he doesn't realize later that he should have got ride of her and kept the dog.

He has never been in a crate before so this should be interesting. Bear hadn't either but he was 7 months and very easy to coax in. I'll just try and coax him with treats and go slow. I am writing up a contract that states they are surrendering him so that later down the line they don't knock on our door wanting him back.

We are now picking him up Sunday night and I'll post pics asap. Thanks again everyone.

 

[NessaM]

Talking to the owners more I found out that she is jealous of the dog and thinks her BF spends too much time with him. I hope he doesn't realize later that he should have got ride of her and kept the dog.

:crazy::lol::lol::lol::lol:

 

[victoria1140]

we have various mix's of dogs and I've never had a lot of trouble with the male dogs generally the bitch's seem to need more careful management but with training mine exist together beautifully

 

[Windancer]

I think one of the more important pieces of advice you got was to let them meet on neutral territory....very important...!

 

[R Taft]

Talking to the owners more I found out that she is jealous of the dog and thinks her BF spends too much time with him. I hope he doesn't realize later that he should have got ride of her and kept the dog..

It is very funny, but at the same time kinda sad.........

You will have no problem training him to crate, just make it fun/pleasant and get on with it And set out now what you want to do with him and stick to it. you can re-train old dogs, even nine year olds like Tobias.

Enjoy your new friend for life, Ronnie

 

[NewfieMama]

No wisdom to add, but good luck! I hope he has found his forever home with you. (Oh, and of course we will need pictures...)

 

[KodysGrandma]

Agree with the neutral territory meeting. Over 35 years we have had over 45 dogs, currently at 10. Verys seldom a problem and then yes, it's over especially delectable food. Currently 6 males in residence (all fixed). The two smallest ones who both sleep on the bed mutter at each other when we are all getting settled. One of them and the male Rhodesian Ridgeback insist on eating out of the same bowl so they can "mutter" at one another. If it sounds like it's getting too serious we make the little one move since he's the instigator. I really believe they are like kids. Every seen a big family where the kids didn't get into a "fight" sometimes and if it's boys usually ending up physical?

 

[lacey9875]

Talking to the owners more I found out that she is jealous of the dog and thinks her BF spends too much time with him. I hope he doesn't realize later that he should have got ride of her and kept the dog.

He has never been in a crate before so this should be interesting. Bear hadn't either but he was 7 months and very easy to coax in. I'll just try and coax him with treats and go slow. I am writing up a contract that states they are surrendering him so that later down the line they don't knock on our door wanting him back.

We are now picking him up Sunday night and I'll post pics asap. Thanks again everyone.

Good gravy. She's jealous of a dog? He's really going to be missing that dog when he comes to his senses and boots her. Smart move with the contract.

 

[sendchocolate]

I agree, he should have gotten rid of the bitch, and kept the male. :run:

Still, enjoy your new member of the family! He sounds like he will be better off with you: anyone who would give up his pet because his girlfriend was jealous? (especially because she bought it for him in the first place, and he was spending too much time with the dog?!) Doesn't deserve the dog.

 

[Shel]

Just wondering how Bear and the new boy are getting along. Do you have any photos to share? What name have your chosen for the Dane/Mastiff mix? We have a Dane/Mastiff mix in our area. He looks like a short burly Dane with Mastiff colourings or a tall slender Mastiff. He's a teddy bear, MUCH more protective than a Newf and very imposing if you didn't know him.