Neurological Stimulation and Lifetime Support

Empathizing with your canine companion starts by understanding your dogs experiences! Puppies are born entirely blind and deaf, their first active sense is touch. Soon after they rely heavily on their senses of taste and smell. Around 2-3 weeks old their sight and hearing develops to the point of effective functionality. Adult dogs experience the world primarily through smell and hearing, sound desensitization or “sound therapy”, is a therapeutic technique used to retrain the brain’s auditory processing system so that it becomes less reactive, hypersensitive, or fearful of certain noises. For example, we may use these techniques to manage neurological conditions such as hyperacusis and misophonia “selective sound sensitivity syndrome”. Triggers can include but not limited to; acoustic trauma, head injuries, medical factors, or underlying neurological conditions.

If your mastiff presents symptoms of fear (shivering, hiding, excessive licking, or cowering) avoid over-soothing and coddling. This unintentionally rewards fearful behavior, teaching them that being scared gets them special attention. Instead act calm, confident, and assume something requires your immediate attention. Ensure the puppy is perceiving volume levels correctly and is free of physical blocks or pains. Feel inside and behind their ears, verbally relax their anxiety, remove any irritations, safely remove them from the loud environment, and have them walk in a straight line - checking for any balance issues. You will gradually build mountains of confidence within your new or old dog. No benefit is given to the puppy by simply removing them from said stressful environment, but to set achievable goals ensuring the proper growth and development of your English Mastiff. Have you ever seen a giant animal scared of wind, thunder, fireworks, trash bags, baby gates, or vacuums? Even moving to a new home or being around unfamiliar humans can spook a domesticated animal. Most dog owners don’t know that a simple walk around the block resolves the majority of both puppy and parent(s) problems. When is the last time you went to the dog park? Challenge your new companion to follow you every step of the way!

Consulting a professional may be required for any living being that translates fear into aggression! It is important to work with a certified, active animal behaviorist or use force-free approaches. Positive training safely manages and overcomes most dogs defensive reactions. Forfeiting a living being that you fell in love with at one point in time should never be considered a last resort. In the most extreme of cases it may be required to take a break! Yes a break - allow your spouse, family member, or friend look after your puppy for a weekend.