How to Train Your Mastiff: 6 Tips for Handling Your Massive, Drooling Bestie
So, you’ve decided to train a Mastiff. Brave. These dogs are big, drooly, and full of love, but training one? It’s like trying to convince a boulder to roll uphill. But here’s the good news: with patience, consistency, and a few towels for all that drool, your Mastiff can be an obedient (and slobbery) giant.
Here are six tips to help you train your Mastiff without pulling your hair out—or slipping in a puddle of drool.
1. Start Early: Before They Realize How Huge They Are

Let’s cut to the chase: Mastiffs are enormous. Like, they’ll-grow-faster-than-you-can-blink enormous. If you don’t start training early, you’re going to end up with a 150-pound dog who thinks they can still jump on your lap. Cute when they’re puppies, not so cute when they’re the size of a small horse.
Begin with basic commands like “sit,” “stay,” and “come” as soon as possible. Mastiffs are naturally calm and patient, but that doesn’t mean they’re not stubborn. Get the basics down early, so they don’t turn into a lovable, but unmovable, giant when they’re full-grown.
2. Be the Calm, Assertive Leader: Because Mastiffs Respect Confidence
Mastiffs aren’t looking for a drill sergeant—they need calm, confident leadership. These dogs are incredibly loyal, but they also need to know that you’re in charge. If they sense hesitation or inconsistency, they’ll take that as permission to make their own decisions.
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Start Training Today! 🐾But here’s the thing: harsh corrections don’t work on Mastiffs. They’re gentle giants, and they respond best to positive reinforcement and clear, calm commands. Be firm but kind, and they’ll respect you. And when a Mastiff respects you, they’ll move mountains for you—or at least, not bulldoze your living room.
3. Socialization: The Bigger the Dog, the Bigger the Responsibility
Socializing a Mastiff isn’t just important—it’s crucial. These dogs are protective by nature, which is great when you need them to guard the house. But if they’re not socialized properly, that protective instinct can turn into unnecessary aggression or fearfulness.

Get your Mastiff out into the world as early as possible. Introduce them to new people, other dogs, and different environments. You want them to understand that not every stranger is a threat, and not every dog is an enemy. The more positive experiences they have in different settings, the better.
And yes, people will want to meet your Mastiff. They’re like walking celebrities. So, teaching them good manners when meeting strangers? Yeah, that’s kind of a big deal.
4. Patience Is Key: Mastiffs Aren’t in a Hurry—For Anything
Training a Mastiff requires the patience of a saint. These dogs are slow-moving, both physically and mentally. They’re not going to pick up on commands as quickly as, say, a Border Collie. But that doesn’t mean they’re not smart—they just like to take their time.
Don’t rush them, and don’t expect them to master every command in one session. Keep training sessions short (about 10-15 minutes), and always end on a positive note. If your Mastiff does something right, reward them immediately with a treat or praise. It may take a little longer to get them to respond consistently, but once they’ve got it, they’ve got it for life.
Remember: slow and steady wins the race with a Mastiff. And by race, I mean a leisurely stroll, because running isn’t really their thing.
5. Exercise: Gentle Giants Still Need to Move
It might seem like your Mastiff is content to nap all day (and they probably are), but they still need regular exercise. Without it, they can become overweight and develop health problems. Plus, a bored Mastiff can turn into a destructive Mastiff.

Daily walks are essential, but keep them light. Mastiffs aren’t marathon runners, and their joints are prone to issues if they’re over-exercised. A good, steady walk or some light play in the yard will keep them happy and healthy. Just don’t expect them to be chasing Frisbees for hours—they’re more about the chill life.
And after exercise? Be prepared for some serious snoring.
6. Positive Reinforcement: Treats > Yelling
If you’re not armed with treats, good luck getting a Mastiff to care about your commands. Positive reinforcement is key with these big softies. Mastiffs respond well to treats, praise, and belly rubs—basically anything that makes them feel like the good boy (or girl) they are.
Whenever your Mastiff follows a command or behaves well, reward them immediately. Be consistent with your rewards so they associate good behavior with positive outcomes. And trust me, once they know a tasty snack is in the mix, they’ll be much more motivated to listen.
Harsh corrections won’t get you anywhere with a Mastiff—they’re too sensitive for that. Keep things positive, and they’ll respond in kind. Plus, with a dog this big, it’s best to stay on their good side.
Final Thoughts: Training a Gentle Giant Takes Time, Love, and Towels
Training a Mastiff is a unique challenge, but it’s one that’s incredibly rewarding. These dogs are loyal, loving, and protective, but they need guidance to become well-mannered members of the family.
By starting early, asserting calm leadership, socializing often, and using positive reinforcement, you’ll build a strong bond with your Mastiff. And don’t forget to be patient—Mastiffs take their time, but once they’ve learned something, they’ll never forget it.
Also, invest in towels. Lots of towels. Because if there’s one thing you’ll learn with a Mastiff, it’s that drool is a way of life. 🐾

I’ve spent 10+ years in dog training, digging into what makes dogs (and their humans) tick. At Smart Dog Learning, I share my no-nonsense, fun approach to training so you can enjoy life with a well-behaved, happy pup—no boring lectures, just practical results 😉