I have a friend who is planning on getting an English Mastiff sometime soon as a pet and hopefully a visual deterrant to any who might try to make a victim out of her and her home. Today she told me that while her sister was visiting, they got into an argument with lots of shouting when suddenly the sister hit her as she turned her back. These two have fought on and off all their lives though the physical stuff had ended as they became adults--until the other day. As my friend was telling me of the incident, I wondered what would have happened if an adult mastiff saw its owner get struck by someone who is not a total stranger. I know it depends on the dog, but Mastiffs are somewhat protective aren't they? And on that note, what would a seriously trained dog do? Those of you who have dogs trained in protection, what do you think would be your dog's response if your spouse or boyfriend/girlfriend struck you?

I hope these questions aren't innappropriate. If they are, I apologize. I was just curious...

Kitty S.

I showed Old English Mastiff's for several years in AKC obedience. Most, if not all of their protective instincts have been bred out of them. Sadly, the majority of them are a fairly spooky ( that is, when they are actually awake, which is a rare occurence )

A PPD protecting someone from a person that they're in frequent contact with depends on the level of training and temperment of the PPD. I have been slapped on the back by friends and had my dog lunge after that person. I'm more careful nowadays and warn people ahead of time not to make actions towards me that can be percieved as an attack in front of my dog ( if he's out ). I can say that although I've had close calls in the past, I've learned ( and also teach my clients )enough to recognize and avoid situations that could result in an accidental bite. So far, so good.

our 4 yr old rescue shepherd will attack if you slap my wife

me i am on my own but her you better watch out.

we warn guests and if it is too rowdy he is put up.

like will have had a close call and just learned from that mistake. also thank god i have a very understanding friend

Three words in the English language that you will rarely see together- "Mastiff" and "competitive obedience." <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smirk.gif" alt="" /> Just joshin'.

My father found out the hard way just how a dog's training and natural instincts come into play every single day. He didn't believe that my girl would not be afraid to take a situation into her own hands if need be, so one evening while I was over for dinner he decided to lunge at me and grab my arm. Barra just missed taking a large chunk out of his arm- only because she was across the room and I had enough time to holler "OUT!" before she nailed him. And this is a man she otherwise adores. Don't assume nothin'. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

Having said that, though, I don't think I'd lay much money on a Mastiff's ability to defend house and home. Some breeds are more prone to certain behaviour, and as someone with more knowledge than I has just posted, Mastiffs have not been used for guard work for far too long to expect one to do it now. It may be enough of a deterrent simply because of its size (for the thief who doesn't know much about dogs) but I feel more comfortable with my 35lb Border collie by my side at night than I would with a 250lb marshmallow <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" />