28. What kind of toys and other paraphernalia do I need for my Mastiff?
Description
This article is from the Mastiffs Breed FAQ, by mmcbee@access.mountain.net (Mike McBee) with numerous contributions by others.
28. What kind of toys and other paraphernalia do I need for my Mastiff?
+ TOYS
Mastiffs are big, strong puppies and even bigger, stronger
adults, with a biting capacity of estimated at over 300 psi.
Keeping that in mind, most toys and chewies for your Mastiff
will have to be durable and able to withstand major abuse.
Many toys are suitable for youngsters but not for adults and
you will have to add to the toy box as your Mastiff grows
older and stronger. When first introducing a new toy it is a
good idea to supervise your Mastiff to see how they handle
it. If they rip the toy to shreds and start swallowing lots
of it - take it away and try a different toy. Each dog is an
individual and what is good for one is not necessarily good
for another.
Some good toys to start out with are:
Puppies - Nylabones, Kongs, Vermont Chews (stuffed),
compressed rawhide bones (not shredded and pressed together,
but whole pieces rolled up and compressed under thousands of
pounds of steam), carefully selected children's stuffed
animals, plastic soda bottles with the cap and cap ring
removed (discard if the pup starts to tear apart), knotted
rope bones (discard when shredded), large rope rings, soccer
and basketballs, various dental chews, hard plastic or pvc
balls, safe squeaky toys (human children's are the safest and
least toxic), raw or sterilized beef bones, raw fruit and
vegetables (No onion!), empty cardboard boxes (remove all
staples, loose packing and labels), empty toilet paper and
paper towel tubes (pups will empty them for you!) and cow
ears. Puppies also enjoy shredding newspaper but it is messy
and they can get black ink on themselves. It's not toxic
though and it won't hurt them, unless they eat to much!
Adult (over 6 months) - Same as above but delete the squeaky
toys and plastic balls. Add old lawn mower tires, large
knotted rope bones, huge nylabones and dental chews, big beef
bones (knuckle, femur, etc.), larger fruit and vegetables
(edible, biodegradable toys!), giant Kongs, large cardboard
boxes (messy, but so much fun).
There isn't a toy made that a Mastiff cannot destroy so
please be careful in your selection and keep an eye on them.
If any of the toys you have selected become badly chewed,
shredded or have chunks missing, discard them and get
something else. Each Mastiff is a little different in how it
deals with each object. Some will lay down and eat a whole
bone whereas others will occasionally gnaw on it and have it
last a long time. Some will ignore toys that others covet.
Try various things and see what your dog likes. Remember,
anything can be dangerous if not used properly and can cause
problems for your Mastiff. The best advice is to know your
dog and watch it with new toys until you are certain that the
toys won't be eaten (except for fruit & veggies) or destroyed
in one sitting! Have fun and be creative!
+ FOOD and WATER DISHES
Stainless steel is suggested for several reasons. It is
basically indestructible and is easy to sterilize and
dishwasher safe. Buy the largest one you can find for a water
bowl and at least a 5 qt. size for the food.
+ COLLARS and LEASHES
Up until about 6 months old, most collars will work just fine
including the adjustable ones with a plastic snap. After 6
months it is best to use a buckle type collar made of either
wide nylon or leather. A six foot lead is recommended for
training and a shorter leash for going on walks. You can use
either nylon or leather, just be sure it has a strong snap!
For formal training, like at an obedience class, you will
need a "choke" chain, usually made with metal links. Your
instructor will advise you of the correct size and how to put
it on the pup and how to use it properly. Remember: NEVER
leave a dog, puppy or adult, unattended with a choke collar
on as they can easily get it caught on something, even in a
crate, and strangle themselves!
One company that publishes a catalog specifically for big dog
items is Big Dog Basics & Pyraphernalia at
http://www.gcnet.com/bigdogs/ (316) 276-8665
The 'Resources FAQ' at http://www.zmall.com/pet_talk/dog-faqs/has
an extensive list of dog supply catalogs, magazines, and
organizations. In it you can find listing for things such as
weight pulling harnesses, backpacking necessities and everything
else imaginable for your Mastiff.
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