Mastiff biting question?

Hi. I've got a mastiff pup (4 months). I'm a fairly experienced dog owner but have never owned a mastiff before and am not sure how to handle this one. He took my finger in his mouth, like reached out to get it, didn't bite just applied a little pressure. As I tried to remove my finger he kept applying enough pressure to make sure that my finger wasn't gunna get back to its owner easily (no laffin!!). Would like to here from other Mastiff owners. Is this normal for a Mastiff? How do I keep a lid on this pup o'mine without going over the top i.e. Don't want to not let him be a Mastiff. Thanks

I have a female English Mastiff who is now a little over a year old that I went through this exact problem with. There are two or three techniques you can use.

1. Some people suggest rolling their lips under their teeth when they are putting their teeth on you, so they realize it hurts when they bite.

2. Say OUCH! loudly, or NO! it is often enough to startle them into letting go.

3. put bitter apple spray on your hands. It makes putting their mouth on you unpleasant for them, so they are less likely to do it.

And also never, EVER play with a Mastiff with your hands. Always use a toy. If a Mastiff think it is okay to put their teeth on people, they could accidently nip at a child, or a person unfamilar with dogs, just wanting to play, and seriously hurt them. It is a lawsuit waiting to happen. Once your dog disassociates your hands with a toy, you shouldn't have issues with him 'stealing' your fingers anymore.

Good luck, I hope this helps!

Hey, I have a mastiff puppy, he's almost 10 weeks old. He used to that, but I would yell "OW! NO BITE!" and just tap him on the nose with my first two fingers (because Mastiffs are very sensitive and get their feelers hurt very easily, you don't want to be mean or rough with your discipline with them). I did that about 5 times and now whenever he does it (usually during playing) I just have to say "no bite" and he releases and doesn't go after it again. But whenever you start out with the two finger business, once he releases you have to praise him with lots of loves. Mastiffs love loves.

i have a pit bull puppy. he did the same thing when he was little. when he does it, let him take your finger and then use your thumb to hold onto his lower jaw. hold on when he tries to get loose. suddenly you're the one who's got him! it'll freak him out a little and he won't want to do that again!

I have 2 mastiffs now, and at one time had 3. Put the lidon this biting now- or you are really in for it. I put my unruly female mastiff thru dog school. We actually got thown out the first time, but after the second time- she did wonderful. These dogs are way too powerful to not be under control at all times. Aren't they great?? I love these dogs.

we got our mastiff at 9 wks and when he would put my hand in his mouth I would say no bite and he would let go...we did this for about a wk and he has never tried to bite, will only lick my hand...he is 5 months now....I've never hit him ...just a stern "no bite" has done the trick....good luck