Neo Mastiffs are a very intelligent breed. They are naturally protective of their owners, attentive, and are fun to train. Training sessions, when handled well, give them a sense of accomplishment and purpose. Training also increases the bond between you and your beloved pet.
Teaching hand signals is as easy as teaching voice commands and most people like to use both. Start using voice commands and then add the hand signal. After your dog does the behavior properly and consistently, using both the voice command in combination with the hand signal, then simply stop using the voice command and use the hand signal only.
Here is an example:
To teach the sit command for the first time to a pup, you are likely to need to use your hands to gently hold them in position and put gentle pressure on the hindquarters to encourage them to sit down.
When your dog performs the correct behavior, lavish it with praise. You may also use small healthy food treats as a reward for extra reinforcement. Then immediately repeat the training.
Start with a Voice Command
Always use a low, calm, yet strong voice to make the command. Always say the command exactly the same way. Practice a minimum of ten times (twenty is better) in each training session. Never punish or yell at your dog for any mistakes.
Once the dog sits down properly on command during training sessions, expand the training to regular environments. Get the dog to sit in noisy environments, such as at home with the television blaring, and in places where there are lots of distractions. Take your dog for a walk on a leash and at each street corner get the dog to sit down before crossing.
Add the Hand Signal
The next step is to add the hand signal. The best one to use for “sit down” is to use one hand to make the gesture with an open palm facing towards the ground. Always use the same hand to make the hand signal. Raise the hand and lower it at the exact same time as you give the voice command. Practice many times using both the voice command and hand signal together. Usually, five training sessions of 20 repetitions are enough.
Drop the Voice Command Part
Then comes the moment you have been waiting for. Use only the hand signal and see what happens. It feels like magic when the dog sits down from just a hand gesture. If your dog does not do it correctly the first time, simply go back to more practice using the voice command and the hand signal together, then test the dog using only the hand signal occasionally.
Every dog eventually learns this, without exception, if you are patient enough to practice. The second hand signal you teach your dog should be “stay” and it is easier for the dog to learn than the very first one. Use the hand gesture like a police officer uses to make the traffic stop. Set aside time for training so you can continue to teach new hand signals.
Summary
Training a Neo Mastiff can be a wonderful activity for both you and your dog. This is quality time together. Get outside and enjoy some fresh air! Your dog loves the attention and wants to please you. Make the training sessions a fun time for both yourself and your dog in order to get the most out of the experience.
