Nupuur Patil shares pointers for those bringing home English Mastiffs, based on her absolutely adorable giant baby – Leo
He loves to jump. But his one jump as a seven month old will have you doddering on your two legs. His legs above your shoulders, his droolicious face getting the best access to your exposed face. And before you know it, the drool is all encompassing.
Don’t run to a sink, for Leo the English Mastiff will do that again, and again! At restaurateur and architect Vrushabh Patil and wife, dietitian, Nupuur Sohi Patil’s home fussing over their giant baby is the rule of the day.
“He grew up so fast! I haven’t picked him up enough,” Nupuur sighs as the adult like boy turns his face to her.
Size Matters:
Understandably, most guests are trifled at the sheer size of the puppy. They don’t know that Leo’s heart is as gentle as his size is huge. Fond of everybody in the house, guests, family members and the people he meets on his walks, Leo is a ball of mischief at home. He loves to run all over and to jump on people, and he doesn’t realise his size. With four small meals in a day and four walks,
Leo gets to run on the hill almost all evenings with Nupuur. “He loves that trek and the freedom it gives him,” she adds.
At Home:
Leo came as a gift to the Patils and was soon absorbed into the family fabric. “When we go out and Leo is tied up in the parking, we can hear his tail go thump thump. There’s a different thump for Vrushabh and a different one for other family members,” she adds. The alpha at home is Nupuur. If he decides to play silly then one command from Nupuur and he will sit quietly.
“I think he looks forward to seeing Vrushabh more because Im at home all day, also because they play together a lot,” she smiles running patting the soulful eyed big head.
Bringing Up Baby:
Recently, Leo fell very ill with a stomach ailment. Nupuur tells you what she learnt through the experience:
Never ever give up hope. Yes it is scary and heart breaking but try harder, work with your vet on all possibilities.
Medical treatment is one aspect, your dog needs your love and care just like a child does to recover too.
Getitng Home An English Mastiff
Keep a big napkin handy as the drool of these giants is almost a gel like substance.
They enjoy ample open spaces.
Strict meal times and quantities are to be maintained as they tend to put on weight which is not good on their joints. Underfeeding is not ok.
Their growth spurt is rapid. In no time they will be too big to pick up and cuddle. Make the most of the pick-up-able stage.
They have a lot of energy so give them proper exercise. If you don’t channelise their energy, they will damage your plants, sofa, shoes, cushions etc.
Start early with obedience training. Given their adult size it is essential to have a dog who listens to you.
Don’t let their easy going nature fool you into thinking they are dumb-they are not!
For the first 6-8 months your puppy should not be jumping off places like stairs or high areas as this may cause a joint injury.
Get your puppy acquainted with the entire house. Not doing so may lead to restlessness, excessive barking if you just leave him alone in an unfamiliar place, even if its at home.Last but not the least, irrespective of the breed, love your dog a lot but don’t tolerate tantrums.
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