House training is one of the first things we focus on with all puppies. With Mastiffs, it's really fairly easy to accomplish because Mastiffs are so eager to please their parents. I've been able to train all my puppies within a couple of weeks. Of course there are a few accidents here and there, but in all honesty, when there is, it's my own fault for not keeping a closer eye on the puppy.
First of all, a puppy has to potty frequently! I take mine outside every hour just to be on the safe side. After they get a little older and are having less accidents, I will increase the time between potty breaks. (By the way, this is an excellent time to start leash training as well!) This, I know, can be difficult for those of you who have lives outside of your dogs. If you work outside the home or have children, adjustments will need to be made. Just do your best, and be patient with your puppy!
Puppies have to go potty right after they wake up, right after they eat, and right after any excited playtime. Remember, it's up to you to grab the leash and take them outside, so you have to be paying attention! If you see them circling or start to squat, grab them immediately and get them outside quickly! It helps to have your shoes and the leash by the front door. It takes a lot of work, but all that running in and outside with your puppy will also help YOU get lots of extra exercise!
I've been house training my current two puppies (Emmy Lu and Gunny) for about a week now, and they've already begun to go to the door when they have to potty. If I'm not paying attention, they WILL go on the carpet by the front door.
Now I hear you saying, "Well, I'm trying to pay attention, but I can't be paying attention to the puppy ALL the time." You're right, you can't. So what you have to do is confine your puppy to a smaller area when you can't be paying 100% attention to them. This means that if you run to the mailbox, the puppy either has to go with you or be confined to a smaller area. If you take a shower, the puppy has to be confined to a smaller area. If you are cooking dinner and can't watch the puppy, the puppy has to be confined to a smaller area. You get the picture!
