Neapolitan mastiff dog behavior and training neapolitan mastiff puppies

The Neapolitan Mastiff dog, or the Italian Mastiff, is a large, fearless, and fearsome looking breed that makes for a good watchdog because of its vicious looks and protective instincts towards its family.



However, it is a very peaceful dog that loves not only the family but is also affectionate towards the family's friends. A Neapolitan Mastiff dog is of a serious and calm temperament and prefers to be around the home and family all the time. This breed barks only when provoked and is wary of strangers, which gives  it a tendency to sneak upon strangers without warning about their presence.

If Neapolitan Mastiff puppies are raised with other pet animals, they get along fairly well with them. Also, they need to be socialized with other dogs and people while they are still pups. This socializing forms an important part of Neapolitan Mastiff training as they become aggressive with other dogs and also family if they are not trained to socialize.



Also, Neapolitan mastiff puppies and young adults need a lot of place to run around and play but they tend to tone down as they grow older. However, they do have energy bursts once in a while which they need to run around and release. Though this breed loves children, they need to be handled by children who can prove to be pack leaders. Even with their owners and trainers, they need a calm but dominant personality to lead them. This is an intelligent breed that is also an independent thinker, so force training doesn't work with it. If the trainer or owner has a problem with training it to obey, they cannot assume alpha or dominant role but need to try a different approach while maintaining a confident disposition.

A Neapolitan Mastiff may not be a preferred pet for everyone, especially beginners, as they are too powerful, big and unaware of their own strength. If the family has small children, this may not be a pet for them as they are wary of strangers even if it's a child. It's important for the owner to check the dog for injuries or illnesses every now and then. The dog has great endurance for pain, which makes it hard to detect or recognize any injuries or discomfort through changes in behavior. And, if not given proper physical and mental exercise, they become willful and over protective. Also, while correcting the dog, the owner needs to be as intense as the dog. A warm climate is not too conducive for the Neopolitan and they drool excessively in summers.