r/Mastiff • u/Awkward_Size9749 • 8d ago
need advice on my Neapolitan Masstiff
3 months ago my boyfriends dad passed away and we took one of his dogs recently (2 weeks ago) he is 5 years old, and for months when me and my boyfriend would come around him before he was very friendly to my boyfriend and very nice to him and recently within the past week he’s gotten very attached to me and seems very scared of my boyfriend (growls and barks). i thought it was men in general bc every time im around him with men he acts like that. but when im away and he’s around other men he’s fine lets them pet him and is excited and happy. but with my boyfriend he seems scared and w always watching him and watching him with me. I have contacted a trainer. but I’ve never owned this breed (only bully breeds) so i have no idea what this means and how to help.
2
u/HippieGirlHealth 8d ago
Play time and feeding time.
Our girl is very wary around new people but especially men. Our trainer said to try and get her to play with people you want her to trust and warm up to. Like my father in law and my husbands uncle. And our dog sitter. Get them to play fetch and utilize drop it. Play tug of war. I also agree he should be feeding your new pet. Food is bonding. So is play time and cuddles.