Since 83 I have seen a softening of temperments & a shortening of life spans
This is a constant discussion in our home.......I want to breed couch potatoes. The reason being is Breed Specific Legislation I do not want my breed to become extinct. I live in Ontario Canada and the Pit Bull is now a breed that is illegal to breed and must be muzzled at all times. I do not need a dog tp protect me. I do not have any lifestyle that would warrant needing a bodyguard. We do training because it is fun and a great bonding tool. It is another tool for perfecting obedience and great excerise for me and the dogs.
My hubby prefers the harder temperment dogs. We have had both many times.
The reason the lifespan is shortened is because in my opinion is people are afraid to exercise this breed. These dogs need conditioning. Linda Baby Blue Kennels Canada Click me
The reason the lifespan is shortened is because in my opinion is people are afraid to exercise this breed. These dogs need conditioning. [/quote1222076422]
I'm having trouble with just this topic. My last dog was a rottie and she was so active I couldn't keep up. With the neo, from day one everything I found to reserch on the breed said do not work the dogs, do not let them jump, and there were so many other exersise warnings. So between that and the fact that she hurt herself rough housing with a dog at the park when she was a puppy, and it took forever to get it to heal because she is a bit of an Offe, I have been hesitant to do anything with her. Now she is strong and sound and 11 months. I like the draft dog thing. I know with the rottie ya can't start them pulling to early. I saw an pic on the internet once of a beautiful neo leaping over a horse jump and I would love to train her to do that but I was conserned about impact. SO at 11 months, what is my best course of physical conditioning for my dog? Cathy
At 11 months, just condition her to the equipment. Do basic obedience and up. After 18 months or so is a better time physically to start any real impact laden training. IMO- _________________________ Nikki Agrippina Mastino
Mastino puppies grow very quickly and they can be injured easily. But there is no reason to not exercise an adult. A puppy in moderation...no jumping rough housing stairs ect....just like a toddler child. I would stay away from anything that has high impact on the joints such as jumping pallasades ect. Drafting is a great idea.....just start slow.
Ultimo did weight pull aswell and even for conditioning for shows and developing the chest.....my dogs do some weight pull at home as regular conditiong. Linda Baby Blue Kennels Canada Click me
About the BSL- I have struggled with this as well, but to tell you the truth- just like the 'harder' dogs better. I think with responsible ownership and education, harder dogs can co-exist in this society. I am in no way talking out of control monsters, but I want to KNOW my dogs will defend me if needed. _________________________ Nikki Agrippina Mastino
IMO , the recent trend in breeding practices has shortened the lifespans of our breed . As has the lack of health testing....BUT ...within the last 2yrs the trends are starting to reverse themselves because of sites like this one, with open & frank sharing of ideas( THANK YOU UNCLE PHIL ) As far as the avoidance of TT & protection work , since the removal of %$£&^* %$£&^* as the president of the USNMC that too will change....IMO in the next 5 to 10 yrs , WE WILL have the BALANCE we seek & the fully capable Mastino we love ......ELVIS HAS LEFT THE BUILDING Jaboa
John, I hope you are right in that the health is improving and the understanding of PP and other sport type work will improve. Other working breeds this stuff is nearly mandatory- why not in mastini?? _________________________ Nikki Agrippina Mastino
IMO , the recent trend in breeding practices has shortened the lifespans of our breed . As has the lack of health testing....BUT ...within the last 2yrs the trends are starting to reverse themselves because of sites like this one, with open & frank sharing of ideas( THANK YOU UNCLE PHIL ) As far as the avoidance of TT & protection work , since the removal of %$£&^* %$£&^* as the president of the USNMC that too will change....IMO in the next 5 to 10 yrs , WE WILL have the BALANCE we seek & the fully capable Mastino we love ......ELVIS HAS LEFT THE BUILDING
How about honesty? THAT is a rare quality in people today, in all walks of life, and all interests, friends included. Honesty, get back to it or phuck off. _________________________________
There's fighting on the left And marching on the right Don't look up in the sky You're gonna die of fright You're living on the edge Don't know wrong from right They're breathing down your neck You're running out of lives And here comes the razors edge
Colour Key:
I would stay away from anything that has high impact on the joints such as jumping pallasades ect. Drafting is a great idea.....just start slow. 
) As far as the avoidance of TT & protection work , since the removal of %$£&^* %$£&^* as the president of the USNMC that too will change....IMO in the next 5 to 10 yrs , WE WILL have the BALANCE we seek & the fully capable Mastino we love ......ELVIS HAS LEFT THE BUILDING 
