How to Train a Mastiff to Come When Called
Teaching a Mastiff to come when called is one of the most important safety skills you can develop together. Mastiffs are dignified, good-natured giants with a calm temperament, but their stubborn streak and low trainability (3/5) mean they require patience and consistency. Unlike high-energy breeds, your Mastiff's laid-back nature actually works in your favor—they're not driven to chase every distraction. However, their independent, courageous personality means they won't automatically obey without excellent motivation. This guide uses positive-reinforcement methods tailored to your Mastiff's temperament, helping you build a reliable recall that keeps your gentle giant safe in any situation.
Step-by-step
- 1
Start indoors in a distraction-free space
Begin recall training inside your home where your Mastiff can focus entirely on you. Call their name in an upbeat, inviting tone, immediately followed by 'come,' then reward generously with high-value treats or praise when they respond. Practice 3-5 short sessions daily; Mastiffs respond better to brief, positive interactions than long, repetitive drills.
- 2
Use irresistible rewards consistently
Mastiffs' moderate trainability means motivation is crucial. Reserve special, high-value treats (small pieces of chicken, cheese, or liver) for recall training only. Every single time your Mastiff comes to you, reward immediately and enthusiastically. This builds their understanding that responding to 'come' always leads to something wonderful.
- 3
Gradually add mild distractions
Once your Mastiff reliably comes indoors, train in low-distraction outdoor spaces like a quiet backyard or empty field. Call them while they're slightly distracted—sniffing grass or looking away—so they practice choosing you over environmental stimuli. Keep these sessions short (5-10 minutes) as Mastiffs have low energy and can lose focus.
- 4
Practice in controlled outdoor settings
Move to moderately busy environments like a friend's yard or quiet park corner. Always use a long leash (15-20 feet) as a safety net—never let your Mastiff roam fully free until recall is rock-solid. Their stubborn independence means they may test boundaries, so the leash prevents them from ignoring your call.
- 5
Never chase or punish missed recalls
If your Mastiff doesn't come, never run after them or show frustration; this teaches them recall is optional and chase-worthy. Instead, calmly approach them on the long leash, gently guide them to you, and reward when they're close. Mastiffs' proud temperament means they respond poorly to punishment—only positive reinforcement builds trust.
- 6
Reinforce randomly and maintain consistency
Once recall is reliable, continue rewarding every few calls with treats and praise, then shift to random reinforcement (reward sometimes, not always). Call your Mastiff to come before fun activities—meals, walks, play—so 'come' predicts good things. This steady, predictable positive association works perfectly with their calm, dignified nature.
Pro tips
- Use your Mastiff's calm, dignified temperament to your advantage: they're not hyperactive like other giants, so they can focus on you indoors. Build from this foundation before adding outdoor distractions—their low energy makes shorter, focused sessions more effective than marathon training.
- Never let your Mastiff's stubborn streak derail you. If they refuse to come, stay calm and use the long leash to gently guide them without frustration. Mastiffs respect confidence and consistency, not dominance—your steady, patient approach is what builds their reliable obedience.
- Combine recall practice with their daily 45-minute exercise routine. A slightly tired Mastiff (not exhausted) is more focused and less likely to ignore your command. Practice recall midway through a walk when they're content but still alert, not at the end when they're ready to rest.
Frequently asked questions
My Mastiff ignores my recall command when another dog is nearby. Should I punish them?+
No—punishment will damage trust and make your Mastiff less likely to return. Instead, practice recall before introducing other dogs, and use a long leash for safety. Your Mastiff's stubborn independence means they need to understand 'come' is always rewarding, never scary or punishing.
How long does it typically take a Mastiff to learn a reliable recall?+
Mastiffs have moderate trainability (3/5), so expect 4-8 weeks of consistent daily practice for solid reliability. Their calm, dignified temperament means they learn steadily but not quickly. Don't rush—a Mastiff trained with patience will be reliably obedient for life.
My Mastiff is leaning on me and mouthing my hands during training. Is this a problem?+
This is normal Mastiff behavior and not aggression, but gently redirect it. Avoid engaging during training sessions and redirect to the 'come' command instead. Once they respond, reward with treats rather than physical play, which can encourage more leaning and mouthing.
What should I do if my Mastiff still doesn't come reliably after several weeks?+
Reassess your rewards—they may not be high-value enough. Try even more tempting treats or favorite toys. Also ensure you're not inadvertently rewarding refusal (like coaxing them repeatedly). Keep sessions ultra-short (3-5 minutes) as Mastiffs have low energy. Consider consulting a professional trainer experienced with the breed.