If you’re thinking about getting a bullmastiff and you already have a small dog at home, it’s essential to do some preparation first. Before you jump at the opportunity to live with a small dog and a Bullmastiff, you will want to ensure that you are ready for this combo. So, do Bullmastiffs get along with small dogs?
In general, bullmastiffs do well with other pets in the house – including small dogs. Some smaller breeds may not like them because of their size, but all in all, these dogs are very friendly.
If you are seriously considering adopting a Bullmastiff on top of owning a small dog, be sure to read until the end as we share some surprising information that you will want to thank us for sharing with you down the road!
Does Your Bullmastiff Like Small Dogs?
If your Bullmastiff does not seem to like small dogs, there are a few signs you can look out for. For example, if your Bullmastiff starts growling or barking at other small dogs, this is usually a sign that they are not comfortable.
Additionally, if your Bullmastiff avoids interaction with other small dogs, this could also be a sign that they are not getting along. If your dog is trying to avoid another small breed, it could be because they are scared.
Other signs that your Bullmastiff may not get along with other dogs include lunging at them or chasing after them.
If you notice any of these behaviors in your Bullmastiff, it’s important to take action immediately.
On the other hand, there are also some signs that your Bullmastiff may like small dogs and get along with them just fine! For example, if your Bullmastiff is relaxed and playful around other small dogs, this is usually a good sign.
Additionally, if your Bullmastiff allows small dogs to approach them without any aggression, this is also a good sign.
If your dog is wagging their tail and seems happy around other small breeds, it likely gets along well with them.
Why Do Bullmastiffs Chase Small Dogs?
Many Bullmastiff owners have noticed that their dog tends to chase small dogs. This is most likely due to their prey drive, triggered when smaller dogs run. This dangerous behavior is easy to avoid if you recognize what triggers it.
While a large dog running behind a small dog is not necessarily a bad sign, it can be, depending on the intention of your dog.
For example, while a dog may chase another one to attack it, there is also a good chance they are just having fun and playing with each other.
The difference between a playful chase and an aggressive one lies in whether or not the larger dog means any harm.
“Dogs are usually straightforward creatures, so if your small dog becomes defensive when being chased by a Bullmastiff, chances are he feels threatened.“
If this is the case, stopping the behavior will become considerably easier for you – because you’ll have both of your dogs to help! Walk over, give them a stern look, and tell them “no.”
If they don’t listen to you right away, give each dog its respective leash and walk them away from each other.
The problem is that even if your Bullmastiff just wants to play with their small dog, it can still be dangerous.
The reason is that all dogs have different personalities and levels of energy – not to mention that they may not take kindly to being chased around.
It’s important to remember that even though you see two dogs playing together, one or both of them may not be having fun.
As long as you watch for signs of either dog showing aggression or feeling threatened, your dogs can play with each other, regardless of their size, as long as it does not turn violent!
Introducing Your Bullmastiff to Small Dogs
When introducing your Bullmastiff to a small dog, it’s essential to make sure that both animals are comfortable. You’ll want to watch their interactions and make sure that neither dog is getting too aggressive.
If things seem like they’re getting too heated, be sure to step in and break it up. Here are a few more tips for how to introduce your Bullmastiff to a small dog:
- Make sure the small dog is comfortable around big dogs. Not all small breeds will be intimidated by a Bullmastiff but, it’s always best to be safe.
- Start by having the dogs meet each other on neutral territory. This could be in your backyard or at a park.
- Let the dogs smell each other and get used to each others’ presence. This may take a little bit of time, but it’s important that they feel comfortable around one another.
- Once the dogs seem calm around each other, you can start to let them play. Just make sure to keep an eye on them and intervene if necessary.
Overall, bullmastiffs usually do well with small dogs. It’s important to be patient when introducing them and make sure that both animals are comfortable.
What to Do if Your Bullmastiff Does Not Get Along with Your Small Dog?
If you find that your Bullmastiff and small dog don’t get along, it’s essential to take some steps to ensure that the situation doesn’t worsen.
First, try to keep them both in different parts of the house as much as possible. If that’s not possible, make sure that you always keep an eye on them when they’re together.
If the situation still doesn’t improve, you may need to consider finding a new home for one of your pets.
In general, however, bullmastiffs get along well with most other dogs. They may be a little too friendly for some smaller breeds, but they are usually very tolerant and good-natured.
So, if you’re looking for a dog that will get along with your small dog, a bullmastiff may be a great option!
Why do Bullmastiffs Dominate Small Dogs?
Although these large dogs are gentle in most cases, they tend to dominate small dogs. This is because bullmastiffs are bred as guard dogs and take on the role of protector very easily.
This means that they may be less tolerant of other animals in the home, including small dogs.
That said, with proper socialization and training, bullmastiffs can get along well with other pets, including small dogs. It’s essential to introduce them early on and make sure both animals have plenty of positive experiences around each other.
If you’re thinking about getting a Bullmastiff, it’s a good idea to do your research and find out which small dog breeds would be best suited for living in a home with one of these giants. With a bit of effort, you can help ensure a smooth transition into your home for everyone!
“If you find that your Bullmastiff is becoming too dominating, it may be time to re-home your small dog.”
It’s important to remember that dogs are animals and rely on their instincts when living with humans. It’s important not to expect too much from them.
Alternatively, there are some bonding exercises that you can try with your two dogs, like feeding them both from the same food bowl or playing tug-of-war.
These games will help strengthen your bond with your pets and can be a lot of fun for everyone involved! They may also help the dogs get along better and lower the dominance of your Bullmastiff.
Helping Your Bullmastiff Get Along with Small Dogs
There are many ways to help your Bullmastiff get along with small dogs. Let’s check out some tips and tricks to improve the relationship between your Bullmastiff and other small dogs.
Early Socialization is Key
It is essential to socialize your Bullmastiff with other dogs. This includes taking them to the dog park, walking them around town, and playing games like tug-of-war with other dogs.
Simply letting your Bullmastiff roam through your house may not be enough because they will become bored. A bored and lonely Bullmastiff can be a problem because it will bark, chew, and tear up the house.
It is also a great idea to have your two dogs spend lots of time together, but this should only be done when supervised, especially when the dogs first get to know each other.
You can give your Bullmastiff a positive association with the small dog during this time. This is done by feeding them both at the same time or letting your Bullmastiff have access to their favorite toys when the small dog is around.
Redirecting Your Bullmastiff’s Attention
When helping your Bullmastiff get along with a small dog, try redirecting the attention of your Bullmastiff. It may be beneficial to take your Bullmastiff for a walk when small dogs are around because the dog will be distracted by their surroundings.
If your Bullmastiff is particularly excited about other small dogs, try to keep him on his leash until he calms down. This will help you to avoid any injuries that might come from an excited Bullmastiff.
Don’t let your Bullmastiff get too riled up by the presence of other small dogs. Let’s say you are trying to take your Bullmastiff out for a walk. If there are several other small dogs present, don’t allow them to crowd around each other before they’ve had time to calm down.
You can feed them treats so they know who is in charge and keep an eye on them from a distance.
This will help to ensure that your Bullmastiff is well-behaved when around other small dogs and avoids any possible altercations. Remember, always be alert and stay safe while walking your dog.
Behavior Training
Last but not least, behavior training is extremely important when getting a small dog and a Bullmastiff to get along.
You can teach your Bullmastiff to avoid jumping on or chasing after other pets. In addition, you’ll need to continue working on this type of training as long as both pets are living in the same house.
Training cannot be done overnight, and it is a process that can take weeks, months or even years to perfect. It’s important to remember that you cannot give up on training.
Dogs need to know their place in the home. If they don’t get this information from a human, they’ll take it upon themselves to establish the pecking order.
Don’t let your Bullmastiff hurt or chase after other pets, and make sure you’re putting in enough time for training. By doing these two things, your Bullmastiff’s relationship with small dogs will be much improved!
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Final thoughts
As long as you are willing to put in the effort, Bullmastiffs can get along with small dogs without too many concerns. Your life will be made much easier because you won’t have to worry about leaving them alone together.
However, it is essential not to push your dogs into being friends if they don’t want to. If there’s ever any sign of aggression between them, separate them right away. You can always try again later when they’re more comfortable!
The last thing that either one of these dogs needs is to live in fear of the other.
As always, it’s a good idea to consult a veterinarian before starting any training programs. By following their advice it can help you avoid problems caused by certain foods or activities.
If you do everything right, the bond between your Bullmastiff and the smaller dog will grow stronger each day! Please make sure both pets are happy because otherwise, it’s not worth doing anything at all.
