Are English mastiff really that powerful? (train, children, puppy, breed)

[TheFaith2]

So I have been researching a lot about English mastiff and if they are good with toddlers, I want to ask people who have these dogs with kids and you can tell me from experience.

A lot of articles that I read were talking about how strong the dogs is and the fact that all it takes is one trivial tail wag, gentle swipe of the paw, or lick to the face to leave your kids knocked on the ground in tears. Or that kids will get trampled often from the dogs simply brushing up against them while walking, or are leaning on them. And that when any of this happens, the dog often doesn’t even notice and will keep on about its day.

Is this true or just an over exaggeration?

Also do you let your kiddos walk your dog when you are out with them?

For those of you with the kids, how does the dogs height weight and strength compare?

Does anyone have toddlers or children under the age of eight years old and an English mastiff that can tell me from first-hand experience if this is really the case?

[Brave New World]

Originally Posted by TheFaith2

So I have been researching a lot about English mastiff and if they are good with toddlers, I want to ask people who have these dogs with kids and you can tell me from experience.

A lot of articles that I read were talking about how strong the dogs is and the fact that all it takes is one trivial tail wag, gentle swipe of the paw, or lick to the face to leave your kids knocked on the ground in tears. Or that kids will get trampled often from the dogs simply brushing up against them while walking, or are leaning on them. And that when any of this happens, the dog often doesn’t even notice and will keep on about its day.

Is this true or just an over exaggeration?

Also do you let your kiddos walk your dog when you are out with them?

For those of you with the kids, how does the dogs height weight and strength compare?

Does anyone have toddlers or children under the age of eight years old and an English mastiff that can tell me from first-hand experience if this is really the case?

I would be careful of having any dog that you can not comfortable control around children, and in this includes large dogs such as Mastiffs, which require a lot of socialising and training.

[Weenie66]

If you want to let your kids hold the leash, let them do that in the backyard where you know there is no chance of something happening. In public, absolutely not. You need to have the control over the dog at all times. ( you can let them hold part of leash with you as long as you have the control) It only takes a millicent for something to happen and the child won"t be able to do anything and may get hurt in the process. Everyone gave you great advice in your other thread and this one. Please do your homework before you commit yourselves. You need to train at least the basics, to any dog you get. If you never had any experience with dogs, you need to start out with an easier and smaller breed like others have suggested. Mastiff really need people who know what they are doing. Good luck to you and hope you find the right match for your family.

[ihatetodust]

I would add you need to plan to properly leash train any dog, but especially a large dog.

I see a guy most days out working with his puppy to sit when strangers pass. The puppy looks delighted with the praise and treats he is getting for this. It is really cute actually.

[Mikala43]

This is covered under the OP's other thread.