Domestic problems, or simple disagreements, come up all the time between children and parents, and between husbands and wives. A lot of these disagreements occur because of a simple lack of communication. But if you can't express yourself well, you can't expect the other person to do what you need them to do.

The first thing to remember when communicating with your family members, is to keep calm and keep your cool. The second thing to remember is to try and relate what you want concisely and clearly. The third thing to remember is to tackle only one problem at a time.

The same principles apply to the communication between you and your Mastiff dog. Both Mastiffs and their owners become frustrated when the communication between them isn't clear. Sometimes a Mastiff dog or puppy owner may think their dog is purposely doing things that are disobedient when he may never have understood what his owner wanted in the first place.

With Mastiffs, as with all dogs, you must remember that they are not people. You have to look at things through his eyes and try to understand what he may be thinking, and try really hard to keep calm. If your dog isn't responding the way you're expecting, just try something else. He may be unable to understand what you want.

Try to give concise, direct commands. Short one or two word directions are best. If you shout, "Don't do that!" when your Mastiff puppy wets on the carpet, he'll know that you're upset, but he won't know why. He won't be able to correct his behavior. Mastiffs are sensitive animals, and they can actually have their feelings hurt by yelling.

Also, the practice of rubbing your dog's nose in the urine-soaked carpet is as counter-productive as yelling, as well as disgusting and cruel. Because of the way a Mastiff dog thinks, the most effective thing to do is to catch him in the act of the undesirable behavior, and give him a firm and stern "No!." Then he will understand what you are telling him and relate it to what he just did.

Then, as soon as he stops doing the unwanted behavior, which could be immediately, change your voice tone to one of praise, and commend him for listening and obeying. It won't be long before he catches on. Mastiffs are very willing to please and they thrive on praise.

Don't give your Mastiff puppy too much to work on at once. Be patient with him and praise his progress. It may take extra effort to actually catch him in the act, but that really is the best way to train your Mastiff dog. If you teach with love, your will have a wonderful pet!