I recently let a bullmastiff go to some people who appeared to know what they where doing, Simba is a 3 yr old dog and during the time he spent with me he was treated well but with a firm hand, i told the family that he needed a firm hand as mastiffs do, they have had the dog for 3 weeks and have now handed him back because he growls at them whenever they try to take anything from him. I never had this problem with him as i was very authouritive with him, I since discovered that they never took my advice seriously and basicly let the dog rule the household. will simba come back to his old ways or will he always think he is the boss from now on, i would appreciate any advice anyone can give me and i will not be offended by criticism. i only want the best for simba but am worried about trying to rehome him as i can no longer let him in the house because of the baby coming and i simply do not have the space. can anyone help me please, thankyou

Kev

Hi i have Bullmastiffs and i done rescue for 15 years, who bred your dog? and why dont you ask them to find a home for him? or ask Southern Bullmastiff Rescue to help 01992 892079 and you must be truth full with them, where do you live? i might be able to help ? why dont you want him to see the baby and is that why you are getting rid of him? i am sorry but this really gets me angry people buy a dog and then a baby comes along and out goes dog i have never got rid of a dog just because i had a baby my dogs even the gsd i had which was a sharp boy he loved my baby its how you make it. any way hope all this helps him.

you need to establish who is the alpha in your house again.i think the bully been lead to believe he is!

Hello I am sorry things did not work out for you .A bullmastiff can be very domineering if allowed but as you said you were firm with him .
I am however worried about him growling did he ever growl at you ?
If not have they mistaken the grunting a bully does instead of growling.
I have never seen a bullmastiff nasty with a child , it seems even if they dont like some adults they always love children.
Not letting him live in the house is not the worst thing can happen if you have comfortable living quarters for him in garden.Just as long as he is walked allowed in at certain times and knows he is family as well.
As regards when the baby comes and if you still have him , then you can see how he gets on with baby , remembering the cardinal rule no child should be left alone with any dog no matter what the breed.
I suggest you hang on to him and see how he goes, He will be an asset to you in the long run if alone in house with baby as they are a big deterrant to would be burglars.
Why not give it another go ,a bullmastiff is a wonderful dog and a wonderful companion .
However if he growls at you then I suggest you take him back to breeder ,as corsa girl advised and let them take responsibilty for him .As if he has a temperament problem a big dog of any breed would be very dangerous.
Best wishes
Mari